John Post on thu 2 oct 97
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for the tips on your masonite bat system. Here are some ideas for
you...
>My bats tend to
>crack, tho I've been careful to follow the instructions (including the
>reinforcing screen in the bat).
Maybe it's your plaster. I have on occasion gotten some bad bags of
plaster. I read that if plaster sits around too long it can go bad. I use
moulding plaster that I get from a local building contractor. They sell
large amounts of it to contractors so I assume their supply is always
fresh. Maybe someone on the list who knows much more about plaster than I
do will know why your bats are cracking. I have never experienced that
problem.
>Also, I have trouble getting the bats to
>release from the key after I've thrown my platter or whatever. I finally
>resorted to digging air tunnels from the channels to the edges of the bats.
>That helps a bit, but I still have to be *very* careful or I end up with a
>collapsed rim on my platters/large bowls. Any ideas?
When I cast my bats I place a small wad of clay over each of the bolt heads
that fit on the mold back. This way there is a larger negative space
created so that the bat can fit easily over the wheelhead bolts. This
might help if the bolts are causing the mold to stick. Make sure your bats
are really dry before you use them. I usually let them dry at least a week
after I cast them.
I also use a Surform tool (available at your local hardware store) to
create a chamfered edge around the bottom of the bat. I just hold the bat
over a garbage can and use the Surform tool to cut the beveled edge. This
allows me to slide my fingers under the bat easier when I go to lift it off
of the wheel.
I have seen people on the list recommend Pam cooking spray to get plaster
to release when making molds. Maybe you could spray Pam on the key plate
before putting the bat down. I don't think that this should be necessary,
but it might work. Mine really releases easily.
You might also call the Pure and Simple pottery products company. A while
back they sent me a notice that they were recalling some key plates that
were manufactured improperly. Maybe you got one of these. While you're on
the phone with them ask them about your problems. I'm sure that they have
probably run across some of these before and may have some solutions.
good luck...
John Post
Detroit, Michigan
johnpost@c3net.net
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