Erik Hertz on tue 1 nov 11
Hi Robin,
I have had a venco pugmill for over 20 years,
I started using a peter where i teach classes.=3D20
I thought i was just unfamiliar with the peter,=3D20
but after using it I have no doubt my venco is much better.
the peter only mixes batches.=3D20
you put in your clay powder, slip , moist or dry chunks and water...
in any combination as long as it equals the consistency you want when it=
=3D
is
done mixing.
it is hard to tell when it is done mixing. then you de-air and pug it ou=
=3D
t.
not all of it comes out, and it may be warm and subject to rapid drying
because of the warmth created by friction.
There is no kind of "screen" in the peter.
In my opinion it is a good clay mixer but a poor pugger/de-airer.
the only advantage i see with the peter is you can add chunks of dry cla=
=3D
y
and in time it will grind them up before you add slip or water.
I like to keep my reclaim wet so it dose not loose plasticity. all scraps=
=3D
go
in a bucket lined with a clay bag, when it is full and too moist to pug I=
=3D
let it air dry for a few days until it is firm enough to pug.
I mix the reclaim with moist from the bag prepared standard clay, 50/50 =
=3D
or
less reclaim maybe 30/70, by stacking thick slabs like shuffling cards th=
=3D
en
run it through my venco.
The first 25 lbs has been in the mill so after that comes out I put it ba=
=3D
ck
through mixing it in slowly in a 80-100 lb batch. de-airing and pugging
until it has all be through 2 times.
The venco has a heavy screen located right before the de-air chamber so t=
=3D
he
clay is forced through the screen and de-aired as it passes through the
screen. the screen is the best feature of the venco, peter does not have
one. the screen needs cleaning now and then depending on how much stuff i=
=3D
t
is screening out, it has been several years since i have cleaned mine. it=
=3D
is
not an easy job opening the barrel and pulling the screen out.
if the batch (80+lbs) is too soft I leave it out to air dry some then put=
=3D
it
through again.
I like firmer clay for throwing and usually get it right the first time.
the venco is continuous it can process 400 lbs a hour but because i alway=
=3D
s
put it though twice 100 lbs can take 30 minutes. this much clay would tak=
=3D
e 3
batches in the peter and each would likely be different consistency even =
=3D
if
each was the same when you started.
Good luck, I hope this is helpful.
Erik
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