John H. Rodgers on fri 4 jul 97
-- [ From: John H. Rodgers * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --
I've been following this thread with interest for a while and just thought I
would add my 2 cents.
Having been in a production clayart studio for a number of years, I came to
view many things as consumables, even when it was not obvious. One is a kiln
.. Especially electric kilns. They last a long time, but over time they get
"used up" just like any other material. Switches burn out, floors crack,
insulation bricks crack, chip or otherwise disintegrate, elements burn out.
The list goes on. The cost of repairing and replacing all this must be
factored into the cost of producing any object d'art. We all account for
the cost of our clay, the cost of our glazes, china paints, electricity,
what have you. The cost of the kiln per piece is rarely considered. But it
is there. The more rapid the consumption of the kiln - elements and all, the
greater the increase in cost per piece of the work done. So my approach is
simply to recognize this increased cost. I would account for it in my
pricing and reduction-fire away!!. I suggest that if elements need replacing
more frequently, learn how to coil your own using properly sized Kanthal
wire. This will lower element costs dramatically.
Good Luck
John Rodgers - an Alaska Sourdough being parboiled in the heat/humidity of
The Deep South
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