Jonathan Kaplan on sat 11 jan 97
I have no financial or other interest in Bailey products but after reading
this last week's postings on slabrollers, I thought it prudent to add some
things.
If a product or material doesn't work for you, it does not mean that it is
a bad product. It means that it may not be what you need, you used it in
error, or a myriad of other explanations. Nor does it mean that the company
is putting out stuff unworthy or defective. It means only that it doesn't
work for you. Plain and simple. If your methods and techniques work better
with a Northstar, a Bailey, or a rolling pin, so be it. You find one that
works for you in terms of cost, ease of use, results, etc. It certainly
does not mean that the other brands are less worthy, or that they are toys.
Lets not stoop to name calling or indictments when none are called for.
For me, I have had two Bailey DRD motorized slab rollers in my 28 years of
clay working. They function very well for me over the long haul in my
studio where they get a pretty heavy workout, as well as for my classes. I
have always received courteous help, when needed, from the company as well.
On a personal note, I think Bailey products are quite innovative and many
of us, including many on this list, have benefited from some of their
innovations. If you encounter problems with working with a certain piece of
equipment or material, call the company, talk to not only the customer
service people but to the owner as well. No company wants or needs to have
their merchandise badmouthed, especially if it is not called for.
Burner tips/Flame Retention....I wonder why potters are so frugal, to the
point of being cheap and ill informed when it comes to such an integral
part of a combustion system. If you want to make your own burners, thats
cool, and they usually work. But put a retention tip on them and they will
work better, safer, and produce a stable flame. Pyronics, North American,
Eclipse, and many others, manufacture these items in various sizes and
configurations. For open burner configurations, they are designed to
produce a stable continuous flame that burns on the tip.
Kiln Shelves...I just received 2 crates of shelves and dinnerware setters
from Acme Marls in England. With freight, crating, and brokerage charges,
shelves for my car kiln (14" x 28" x 1") are still under half price of
their domestic counterpart. And I will state, again, that these cordierite
compostions will last as long as their SiC relatives. Please remember that
there are many cordierite compositions and yes, some of them are for lower
temperatures. The higher temperature compositions are extremely strong,
very light weight, can be cycled quickly, and are used by our industry
counterparts world wide. With a little research, you can save lots of
money. If inclined, I'd check out Ferro Specialty Ceramics in Ohio for
domestic refractory products......
Jonathan
Jonathan Kaplan
http://www.craftweb.com/org/jkaplan/cdg.shtml
(aka "Scooter)
jonathan@csn.net
Ceramic Design Group Ltd./Production Services Voice:
970-879-9139 POB 775112
FAXmodem: same
Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80477, USA CALL before faxing
"Arrive on time, tell the truth, be a good listener, and don't
be too attatched to the results. Above all, maintain a sense of
humor!"
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