Doug Kassebaum on thu 28 may 98
As many people know from experience, Laguna does respond to inquiries and
problems regarding B-Mix or any other Laguna products. We can only respond,
however, if we receive your inquiry by phone. It is our experience that the
phone is the only effective and timely medium to share the details of a
particular problem. Assistance is available through 800 4LAGUNA. (Dial ext
227 or 218 for clay and general questions; 213 for technical glaze
questions; 235 for kiln, wheel, press and other equipment questions. Or you
may email your question to info@lagunaclay.com.)
As we have acknowledged in the past, B-Mix is a tricky body that offers
unparalleled plasticity and whiteness to potters who are willing to give
great care in drying and firing. This clay is not bulletproof, nor can it
be. Were we to reformulate the body to eliminate drying and firing
challenges, the body would no longer be B-Mix, which would result in
thousands of upset customers who are now using the clay successfully. If
there is an instance when it is determined that the clay is not manufactured
properly, we will replace it.
Should a B-Mix user decide that the throwing benefits and positive
attributes of working with B-Mix do not justify the challenges, we are
available to discuss his or her specific needs. With over 150 clay bodies in
stock at our warehouse, in all likelihood we will have something that fits
the bill. If all else fails, we can create a custom blend as we have to meet
the specific and demanding needs of hundreds of other customers.
Finally, I would like to reiterate the sentiments of fellow list members
don t use clay that doesn t work for you. There are too many other options
out there, and life s too short!
Doug Kassebaum
Laguna Clay Co., New York
(315) 685-8378
doug@lagunaclay.com
www.lagunaclay.com
Rick Sherman on fri 29 may 98
------------------------Doug Kassebaum says---------------------------
....As we have acknowledged in the past, B-Mix is a tricky body that
offer unparalleled plasticity and whiteness to potters who are willing
to give great care in drying and firing. This clay is not bulletproof,
nor can it be. Were we to reformulate the body to eliminate drying and
firing challenges, the body would no longer be B-Mix, which would
result in thousands of upset customers who are now using the clay
successfully. If there is an instance when it is determined that the
clay is not manufactured properly, we will replace it.
Should a B-Mix user decide that the throwing benefits and positive
attributes of working with B-Mix do not justify the challenges, we are
available to discuss his or her specific needs. With over 150 clay
bodies in stock at our warehouse, in all likelihood we will have
something that fits the bill. If all else fails, we can create a custom
blend as we have to meet the specific and demanding needs of hundreds
of other customers.
Finally, I would like to reiterate the sentiments of fellow list
members don t use clay that doesn t work for you. There are too many
other options out there, and life s too short!
Doug Kassebaum
Laguna Clay Co., New York
----------------------------a response------------------------------
I have used B-Mix as one of my clay bodies for some time. I use the
mixture without sand. I discovered handles would crack off unless I let
it dry slowly. I also am aware that is not quite as white as one of my
other bodies and some of my whites have a slight brown color. Some of
my older stonware glazes shivered on B-Mix. However, it thows
beautifully and I have selected the glazes which best fit it.
I encountered the same problem with lumps in two shipments of B-Mix.
They were impossible to cut up. I had to dig them out. I talked with
the Laguna representatives at NCECA. They told me they had made every
effort to clean the mixer and tanks and did not know the cause of the
problem. My last shipment came sans lumps.
Did anyone else using B-Mix talk to the Laguna reps at NCECA?
Rick Sherman
San Jose, CA USofA
sherman@ricochet.net
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