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"porcelain for the people"

updated mon 9 nov 09

 

Paul Herman on sat 7 nov 09


Peter,

I have a pro for "Porcelain for the People."

It's really great that Dave posted about their mixing process and how
that produces a body with a firing range of five cones. Thank you,
Dave. There is a lot of information at their website for the people
who are ready and able to learn about clay, and making clay bodies.

http://www.mattanddavesclays.com/index.html

Just today I put a 25 lb batch of clay slurry (test) into a drying
rack, and thought about how Matt & Dave make their clay. In about a
week, there will be some good clay in my rack.

For Matt and Dave, I ask again that you guys to publish your clay
formula to help us ignorant types out. Ignorance sucks. The reason
your clays are so good is not because of your secret formula. It's
because you take the time and effort to properly mix the clay with
plenty of water, then de-water it to throwing consistency. And you
already told us all about that, so we know. Most of us don't have
access to filter presses and other fancy dewatering equipment. We will
not compete with you, or take potential business from you.

I thought maybe a couple of recipes could have been rattled loose from
Matt and Dave, or maybe Michael up in Helmer Land but it seems that
the small clay body manufacturers have their heads stuck in the same
place as the larger ones. That's too bad, IMHO. Secrecy sucks, along
with ignorance.

Good luck with all your ventures,

Paul Herman

Great Basin Pottery
Doyle, California US
www.greatbasinpottery.com/




On Nov 7, 2009, at 4:34 PM, peter h. pache wrote:

> Anyone have any pros/cons on Matt & Dave's "Porcelain for the People"?
>
> (see at: http://www.mattanddavesclays.com/index.html)
>
> Thanks -
>
> Peter H. Pache
> Datil, NM