Ellen Currans on thu 18 jun 09
Hi Ingeborg,
I know what you are talking about. =3DC2=3DA0A hollow extrusion that separa=
tes=3D
along the seam line when you start to work with it. =3DC2=3DA0I don't do m=
any=3D
hollow extrusions, but I found that using softer clay solved that problem=
=3D
. =3DC2=3DA0I used to use really firm clay, thinking they would be easier t=
o=3D
work with and stay in shape better. =3DC2=3DA0I had that problem before=3D=
C2=3DA0=3D
I started spraying
WD-40 in the barrel. =3DC2=3DA0Using softer clay, I allow the extrusions to=
fi=3D
rm up a bit before I start to work with them. =3DC2=3DA0No problem now with=
se=3D
parating. =3DC2=3DA0 I don't use a lot of WD-40. =3DC2=3DA0It takes very li=
ttle to=3D
"grease" the barrel. =3DC2=3DA0No runny drips or
puddles. =3DC2=3DA0You might try wiping the die opening clean with a kleene=
x=3D
before putting the clay in. =3DC2=3DA0 The extrusion actually has very lit=
tle=3D
WD-40 on it if you discard the final 1/2 inch plug before starting a seco=
=3D
nd pug. =3DC2=3DA0By discard, I mean throwing it back into scrap and rework=
ing=3D
. =3DC2=3DA0I am also guessing that what works with one clay will not work =
wit=3D
h another.
It is so damp and cool here in Oregon right now that I have the de-humidfi=
=3D
yer running in the studio just to
get what I make one day dry enough to finish the next. =3DC2=3DA0It works v=
ery=3D
well if you don't mind the humming sound and it creates gallons of water=
=3D
every day. =3DC2=3DA0Outside, the weeds are all a foot taller than usual. =
=3DC2=3D
=3DA0I'm trying to balance weed pulling with pot making, and pay minute att=
e=3D
ntion to how my hands and back feel a
bout them both. =3DC2=3DA0Gotta keep everything working!
Ellen
Dundee, Oregon
-----Original Message-----
From: Ingeborg Foco
To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 7:04 am
Subject: Re: tips/tools for cleaning extruder?
Ellen, One time when I was visiting at your studio getting great tips from
you, one of the hints was to use WD40 in the extruder. I also have a
Northstar stainless version.
I tried your it and must say it worked really great but......I found the
hollow extrusions would separate at the seams and I finally had to forgo=3D
the
WD40. I have a lot of trouble with the hollow extrusions separating as it
is...clay has to be just so so and it's still problematic. I personally
think the dies are not quite right and don't allow enough of the clay to
"heal" itself before exiting the barrel. The WD40 however magnified the
problem. Maybe you or someone else knows how to address this issue with a
solution.
On Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 10:52 AM, Ellen Currans wrote:
> I agree with Paul Lewing on the use of WD-40 for a clean extruder.
> I have a Northstar and find that if I spray the clean barrel and die wit=
=3D
h
>
>
--
Sincerely,
Ingeborg
http://www.thepottersworkshop.com
Jo Smith on thu 18 jun 09
After each use place a wet rag (I am currently using one from an old =3D
sweatshirt) around the plunger. The secret is to never let the clay dry =
=3D
in the extruder.
Jo
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