Alyssa Ettinger on wed 26 mar 08
hey everyone,
i'm settled in my new (and slightly chilly) studio and in making new designs
i've had to graduate from one-part molds to two.
first, i don't have a compressor. it's not so much a matter of $$, but
they're loud as hell and it's a really quiet space. plus, did i mention
they're loud? are there any alternatives? i don't need one all that much...
drinking straws? somehow rigging up the blower part of my shop vac to come
down to the side of a straw? help!
also, my molds are warping and i can't figure out why. i make them, secure
them together with either banding straps or rubber bands, and place them in
front of a fan for a day or two. some warp, some don't. i'm not so much
worried about the end product, which comes out just fine, but sometimes i'd
like to recast one of the pieces--i've been casting some bottles--because
when i remove them from a new mold they tend to bring with them little
pieces of the mold line no matter how much mold soap i use. ideas welcome!
thanks in advance,
alyssa, still cold in brooklyn
www.alyssaettinger.com
Clayart SCtag on thu 27 mar 08
your warping is from the fan drying.if you can avoid he fan and allow them
to dry naturally it would be better.if time is so important you need to keep
the mold rotating to evenly draft the ir onto the plaster.
In a message dated 3/27/2008 8:12:36 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
alyssa@ALYSSAETTINGER.COM writes:
also, my molds are warping and i can't figure out why. i make them, secure
them together with either banding straps or rubber bands, and place them in
front of a fan for a day or two. some warp, some don't. i'm not so much
worried about the end product, which comes out just fine, but sometimes i'd
like to recast one of the pieces--i've been casting some bottles--because
when i remove them from a new mold they tend to bring with them little
pieces of the mold line no matter how much mold soap i use. ideas welcome!
**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL
Home.
(http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom00030000000001)
Alyssa Ettinger on thu 27 mar 08
that's certainly an easy fix. i'd rather lose a few days than have to
constantly remake molds!
Michael McIntyre on thu 27 mar 08
alyssa,
love your site. wish i could get that kind of press.
on the compressor issue...
i'm guessing that since you're in brooklyn, having the compressor
itself outside is not an option?
you might entertain building an enclosure around a less noisy
compressor. lining this enclosure with
thick foam and/or other sound insulating material would likely bring
decibel levels down to
something more bearable.
regards,
Michael McIntyre
FireRobin Farm Pottery
www.firerobinfarm.com
Charlie Hightower on thu 27 mar 08
I say get the biggest compressor you can buy. You
won't hear it as much with the larger tank. Other then
that, buy good ear protection. On a side note, I love
your site. Very clean like your work. I really need to
work on mine. My problem is I did it myself!
Charles Hightower
www.hightowerpottery.com
hightowerpottery.etsy.com
--- Alyssa Ettinger wrote:
> hey everyone,
> i'm settled in my new (and slightly chilly) studio
> and in making new designs
> i've had to graduate from one-part molds to two.
>
> first, i don't have a compressor. it's not so much a
> matter of $$, but
> they're loud as hell and it's a really quiet space.
> plus, did i mention
> they're loud? are there any alternatives? i don't
> need one all that much...
> drinking straws? somehow rigging up the blower part
> of my shop vac to come
> down to the side of a straw? help!
>
> also, my molds are warping and i can't figure out
> why. i make them, secure
> them together with either banding straps or rubber
> bands, and place them in
> front of a fan for a day or two. some warp, some
> don't. i'm not so much
> worried about the end product, which comes out just
> fine, but sometimes i'd
> like to recast one of the pieces--i've been casting
> some bottles--because
> when i remove them from a new mold they tend to
> bring with them little
> pieces of the mold line no matter how much mold soap
> i use. ideas welcome!
>
> thanks in advance,
> alyssa, still cold in brooklyn
>
>
> www.alyssaettinger.com
>
>
______________________________________________________________________________
> Clayart members may send postings to:
> clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list, post
> messages, change your
> subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list
> here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be
> reached at melpots2@visi.com
>
Alisha Clarke on thu 27 mar 08
I agree! I love Alyssa's site, but also love yours, Michael. I've been
trying to get ideas to revamp my own web site, and you both have nice
clean sites that look very professional. Of course, that wouldn't be
possible without the beautiful pottery you each make.
Leesh
On Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:05 AM, Michael McIntyre wrote:
> alyssa,
>
> love your site. wish i could get that kind of press.
>
> on the compressor issue...
> i'm guessing that since you're in brooklyn, having the compressor
> itself outside is not an option?
> you might entertain building an enclosure around a less noisy
> compressor. lining this enclosure with
> thick foam and/or other sound insulating material would likely bring
> decibel levels down to
> something more bearable.
>
>
> regards,
>
> Michael McIntyre
> FireRobin Farm Pottery
>
>
> www.firerobinfarm.com
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
> subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots2@visi.com
>
--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alisha Clarke
Pottery by Leesh: www.alishaclarke.com
Pottery Basics: www.potterybasics.com
Eleanora Eden on thu 27 mar 08
Hi Alyssa,
I also concur with the idea that drying in front of a fan is warping your molds.
I know it is tempting to hurry the drying but it often backfires.
I wonder if problems at your seam line with the new mold are because there
was a layer of water there on top of the plaster when you poured your plaster.
This can cause the plaster there to be not as hard as it should be. Also, when
the mold is wettest from making a casting bits can get loosened. Also, make sure
that the mold is getting totally dry between uses. Just some thoughts. It is also
easy to ding the business edge of the seam without knowing it and then that
loosened piece of plaster will go with the casting.
Best,
Eleanora
>hey everyone,
>i'm settled in my new (and slightly chilly) studio and in making new designs
>i've had to graduate from one-part molds to two.
>
>first, i don't have a compressor. it's not so much a matter of $$, but
>they're loud as hell and it's a really quiet space. plus, did i mention
>they're loud? are there any alternatives? i don't need one all that much...
>drinking straws? somehow rigging up the blower part of my shop vac to come
>down to the side of a straw? help!
>
>also, my molds are warping and i can't figure out why. i make them, secure
>them together with either banding straps or rubber bands, and place them in
>front of a fan for a day or two. some warp, some don't. i'm not so much
>worried about the end product, which comes out just fine, but sometimes i'd
>like to recast one of the pieces--i've been casting some bottles--because
>when i remove them from a new mold they tend to bring with them little
>pieces of the mold line no matter how much mold soap i use. ideas welcome!
>
>thanks in advance,
>alyssa, still cold in brooklyn
--
Bellows Falls Vermont
www.eleanoraeden.com
Alyssa Ettinger on thu 27 mar 08
charles, i did most of my site myself as well. but there's a lot of open
source programs that can help you design a really high end site (or, find a
designer and barter barter barter)
and somehow i don't think buying the biggest compressor around is going to
work in my 350 square feet.
alyssa
www.alyssaettinger.com
Clayart SCtag on thu 27 mar 08
also, do not attempt to oven/kiln dry them as the plaster sinters into
nonfunctional material, ruining the mold if heat reaches a warm level
Margaret
In a message dated 3/27/2008 9:49:42 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
LPfan33rpm@AOL.COM writes:
your warping is from the fan drying.if you can avoid he fan and allow them
to dry naturally it would be better.if time is so important you need to keep
the mold rotating to evenly draft the ir onto the plaster.
In a message dated 3/27/2008 8:12:36 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
alyssa@ALYSSAETTINGER.COM writes:
also, my molds are warping and i can't figure out why. i make them, secure
them together with either banding straps or rubber bands, and place them in
front of a fan for a day or two. some warp, some don't. i'm not so much
worried about the end product, which comes out just fine, but sometimes i'd
like to recast one of the pieces--i've been casting some bottles--because
when i remove them from a new mold they tend to bring with them little
pieces of the mold line no matter how much mold soap i use. ideas welcome!
**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL
Home.
(http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-st
romer?video=15?ncid=aolhom00030000000001)
______________________________________________________________________________
Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here:
http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots2@visi.com
**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL
Home.
(http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom00030000000001)
Clayart SCtag on thu 27 mar 08
Alyssa,
t certain why you need a compressor but you can get an air tank that is
not noisy that you can get refilled at a gas station air that inflates tires
and the end used for air. I use one to remove my plaster from items made in
molds. .
Margaret
In a message dated 3/27/2008 1:46:51 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
alyssa@ALYSSAETTINGER.COM writes:
Charles, I did most of my site myself as well. but there's a lot of open
source programs that can help you design a really high end site (or, find a
designer and barter barter barter)
and somehow i don't think buying the biggest compressor around is going to
work in my 350 square feet.
alyssa
www.alyssaettinger.com
______________________________________________________________________________
Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here:
http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots2@visi.com
**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL
Home.
(http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15&ncid=aolhom00030000000001)
Alyssa Ettinger on thu 27 mar 08
that's what someone else suggested as well, since i'll need it so little.
great idea
Cindy Gatto on thu 27 mar 08
Alyssa,
First,Your are molds probably are warping due to quick drying them with a
fan. You really shouldn't push the drying.Just let them air dry naturally. It's
best to have them on a slotted shelf so they get air from all sides. Next
best thing is to flip them daily. But you really shouldn't push the drying, if
you really have to start casting put them in a sunny spot or near a hot kiln
[near- not on] As for the little pieces of the mold coming off, that sounds
like more of the plaster mix- the water to plaster ratio, you mention mold
soap, there shouldn't be any mold soap on the mold when you get to the casting
part of the process. you should wipe the mold down with white vinegar and water
right after you finish making the mold to get rid of the mold soap and any
excess clay residue and or any other stuff that the mold might pick up in the
process of making it. Then you leave it to dry so that are you casting off of
a clean mold .The only other reason I can think of for the edges of the part
line to be chipping [and this is if I am understanding you correctly] would
be that your edge is very thin maybe you are not coming off of the model at a
90 degree angle when you make the two pieces of the mold?Call me if you
want. I would be more than happy to help, moldmaking can be very frustrating when
you have to do things by trial and error.
Cindy Gatto & Mark Petrin
The Mudpit
228 Manhattan Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11206
718-218-9424
_www.mudpitnyc.com_ (http://www.mudpitnyc.com/)
mudpitnyc@aol.com
**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL
Home.
(http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15&ncid=aolhom00030000000001)
Michael McIntyre on fri 28 mar 08
Leesh,
Thanks for the compliments. I actually enjoy doing my website --
sometimes too much, like when I should be making pots!
Anyways, good luck on your revamp.
Michael
On Mar 27, 2008, at 10:55 AM, Alisha Clarke wrote:
> I agree! I love Alyssa's site, but also love yours, Michael. I've been
> trying to get ideas to revamp my own web site, and you both have nice
> clean sites that look very professional. Of course, that wouldn't be
> possible without the beautiful pottery you each make.
>
> Leesh
>
> On Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:05 AM, Michael McIntyre
> wrote:
>> alyssa,
>>
>> love your site. wish i could get that kind of press.
>>
>> on the compressor issue...
>> i'm guessing that since you're in brooklyn, having the compressor
>> itself outside is not an option?
>> you might entertain building an enclosure around a less noisy
>> compressor. lining this enclosure with
>> thick foam and/or other sound insulating material would likely bring
>> decibel levels down to
>> something more bearable.
>>
>>
>> regards,
>>
>> Michael McIntyre
>> FireRobin Farm Pottery
>>
>>
>> www.firerobinfarm.com
>>
>>
>> _____________________________________________________________________
>> _________
>> Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>>
>> You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change
>> your
>> subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here: http://
>> www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
>>
>> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>> melpots2@visi.com
>>
>
>
>
> --
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Alisha Clarke
> Pottery by Leesh: www.alishaclarke.com
> Pottery Basics: www.potterybasics.com
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> ________
> Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
> subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here: http://
> www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots2@visi.com
Alyssa Ettinger on fri 28 mar 08
thanks cindy
the edges coming off is actually when i'm removing the piece i've cast, not
when i'm actually casting. which makes the mold kinda sucky, tons more
clean-up.
alyssa
www.alyssaettinger.com
Charlie Hightower on fri 28 mar 08
That's right! You live in Brooklyn.
-C
--- Alyssa Ettinger wrote:
> charles, i did most of my site myself as well. but
> there's a lot of open
> source programs that can help you design a really
> high end site (or, find a
> designer and barter barter barter)
>
> and somehow i don't think buying the biggest
> compressor around is going to
> work in my 350 square feet.
>
> alyssa
>
> www.alyssaettinger.com
>
>
______________________________________________________________________________
> Clayart members may send postings to:
> clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list, post
> messages, change your
> subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list
> here: http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be
> reached at melpots2@visi.com
>
Alyssa Ettinger on fri 28 mar 08
yes, and just recently moved from a shared space in bburg to my own space in
sunset park. it's fabulous there. we'll be having open studios in may, i'll
post it when it happens.
i'll also be at the brooklyn flea on 4/6 in fort greene, you should stop by!
alyssa
www.alyssaettinger.com
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