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plates

updated wed 27 dec 06

 

Joyce Lee on sat 11 dec 99

You can find more ways to make me blush, Clennell, and I do NOT blush
easily. You're right, the money is most definitely finite, and I have
received, not 3000 offers, but dozens and dozens. What a thrill! Some
for sale (all very, very fair prices), and some for swapping (cracked
shino bowls). I have to admit that I wish I could accept all of them;
what a lovely way to fill our desert scrub acreage with bloomin'
color... could just line the five acres. AND must admit, too, that,
while I like to accept any and all credit sent my way, the fact is that
I did this for myself. This is a birthday present from me to me.
Frankly, I'd rather have this experience than a diamond; well, don't
really like diamonds... than a barrel of jade/turquoise/even amberjade.
Many of you have said that you wish you were retired and resting on your
ragged laurels, and piddling around enjoying learning about clay, and
have wished me well because I am. I wish you were, too. And, Tony, if
you have any plates about (surprising how many potters do... they tell
me it's because they make extras when custom throwing a set just in
case, being wise clayarters) I would dearly love one. One last check
left. Bonnie said that as long as you have checks left in the book, you
have money in your account.... and I totally trust Bonnie... she's my
kind of CPA. Soooo there's one check marked Clennells..... get on the
dime, bud... I need a plate to go with my T&SC cups. Send me a price and
I'll send my snail address. In answer to many questions: yes, I will
make pics and post at some point. Can't wait to see them all; Mel has
promised, also... isn't that cool?

Joyce
In the Mojave wondering when Tony became so nice... how did that happen?
Maybe Sheila knew all along what her bad boy was really like......

Jeremy/Bonnie Hellman on sun 12 dec 99

Joyce,

Did I forget to include the usual disclaimer when I wrote to you that if you
still have checks left, there must be money in the account? I mean the
disclaimer telling the kids not to try this at home? The disclaimer that
says you should consult your own financial advisor since individual
situations may vary? The disclaimer that says your results may vary? The
disclaimer that says the cereal may settle to the bottom of the box but that
the weight is accurate? The disclaimer that says the other guy did it and if
I did it I wasn't responsible for my own actions? The disclaimer that says
every kiln fires differently and glazes don't always travel well? Those
disclaimers!

I'll have to see exactly what I wrote you when I manage to extricate my
tongue from my cheek.

Bonnie


> From: Joyce Lee
> Organization: Pottery by Joyce
> Reply-To: joycelee@iwvisp.com
> Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 08:53:08 EST
> To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
> Subject: Plates
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> You can find more ways to make me blush, Clennell, and I do NOT blush
> easily. You're right, the money is most definitely finite, and I have
> received, not 3000 offers, but dozens and dozens. What a thrill! Some
> for sale (all very, very fair prices), and some for swapping (cracked
> shino bowls). I have to admit that I wish I could accept all of them;
> what a lovely way to fill our desert scrub acreage with bloomin'
> color... could just line the five acres. AND must admit, too, that,
> while I like to accept any and all credit sent my way, the fact is that
> I did this for myself. This is a birthday present from me to me.
> Frankly, I'd rather have this experience than a diamond; well, don't
> really like diamonds... than a barrel of jade/turquoise/even amberjade.
> Many of you have said that you wish you were retired and resting on your
> ragged laurels, and piddling around enjoying learning about clay, and
> have wished me well because I am. I wish you were, too. And, Tony, if
> you have any plates about (surprising how many potters do... they tell
> me it's because they make extras when custom throwing a set just in
> case, being wise clayarters) I would dearly love one. One last check
> left. Bonnie said that as long as you have checks left in the book, you
> have money in your account.... and I totally trust Bonnie... she's my
> kind of CPA. Soooo there's one check marked Clennells..... get on the
> dime, bud... I need a plate to go with my T&SC cups. Send me a price and
> I'll send my snail address. In answer to many questions: yes, I will
> make pics and post at some point. Can't wait to see them all; Mel has
> promised, also... isn't that cool?
>
> Joyce
> In the Mojave wondering when Tony became so nice... how did that happen?
> Maybe Sheila knew all along what her bad boy was really like......

Joyce Lee on thu 30 dec 99

Several of you have asked about the plates status. Just about every mail
delivery has brought a plate or two since just before the 25th. I now
have 14 plates, with as many pending on until March. Some have been paid
for with a check... each is a bargain, truly; some are awaiting a bowl
swap from me, the firing of which will occur as 2000 turns over. In
spite of the cluster theory in math (simplified, I know I know; I adapt
such theories to my own satisfaction), every plate is different from its
cousins. It's been exciting! You can imagine, I know, opening packages
(well boxed; no breakage) and viewing such wonders, especially all
created by claybuds. It was thus from before Christmas right through my
birthday. Deliveries will be more sporadic now but the contents will be
no less cherished. And, Russell from Brussels, you patient soul, money
is coming. Thanks for asking.

Joyce
In the Mojave back from two treks to nearby must-sees: Death Valley to
the right and the Sierras to the left (I don't do north/south/east/west
without a map... and some of you don't either... at least 30% of you). I
think our ubiquitous flickers followed us both times; at least,
somebody's flickers kept calling for our attention every time we
stopped.

Joyce Lee on mon 21 feb 00

The CLayart Collection is growing wonderfully. Thank you to all those of
you who've been such great claybuds about helping me fulfill this
dream/scheme. I am a lucky duck.......indeed. I'm just now starting to
pack bowls to be sent to those with whom I'm swapping. There is some
delay for those to whom I've specifically promised a shino bowl. I've
lost Mel's recipe for shino, as well as for Mel's orange, AGAIN....once
through computer crashing, and this time through carelessness. I cannot
ask another time! I'm in the process of looking through CMs to find
where they were printed....Pete Pinell's Red, too. When that happens,
glazes will be mixed, bowls will be fired and they'll be on their way.
What fun!

Joyce
In the Mojave

Dannon Rhudy on thu 24 feb 00



Joyce, Mel's Orange was in the December '97 - I think. Pete's Red
was in Claytimes of about a year or so ago. - Dannon


At 04:18 PM 2/21/00 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>The CLayart Collection is growing wonderfully. Thank you to all those of
>you who've been such great claybuds about helping me fulfill this
>dream/scheme. I am a lucky duck.......indeed. I'm just now starting to
>pack bowls to be sent to those with whom I'm swapping. There is some
>delay for those to whom I've specifically promised a shino bowl. I've
>lost Mel's recipe for shino, as well as for Mel's orange, AGAIN....once
>through computer crashing, and this time through carelessness. I cannot
>ask another time! I'm in the process of looking through CMs to find
>where they were printed....Pete Pinell's Red, too. When that happens,
>glazes will be mixed, bowls will be fired and they'll be on their way.
>What fun!
>
>Joyce
>In the Mojave
>

Joyce Lee on fri 25 feb 00

Dannon Rhudy wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>
> Joyce, Mel's Orange was in the December '97 - I think. Pete's Red
> was in Claytimes of about a year or so ago. - Dannon
>
> At 04:18 PM 2/21/00 EST, you wrote:
> >----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> >The CLayart Collection is growing wonderfully. Thank you to all those of
> >you who've been such great claybuds about helping me fulfill this
> >dream/scheme. I am a lucky duck.......indeed. I'm just now starting to
> >pack bowls to be sent to those with whom I'm swapping. There is some
> >delay for those to whom I've specifically promised a shino bowl. I've
> >lost Mel's recipe for shino, as well as for Mel's orange, AGAIN....once
> >through computer crashing, and this time through carelessness. I cannot
> >ask another time! I'm in the process of looking through CMs to find
> >where they were printed....Pete Pinell's Red, too. When that happens,
> >glazes will be mixed, bowls will be fired and they'll be on their way.
> >What fun!
> >
> >Joyce
> >In the Mojave
> >

Thank you, Dannon. He shamed himself with the "senior citizen" crack,
which garnered me a fair amount of undeserved sympathy, he was just
kidding anyway, and as a matter of fact, I am a senior citizen. Anyway,
he sent me the shino, orange, red and a couple of others with some
firing instructions. Hope to see you at NCECA if all works so I can go.
I have all necessary reservations and have decided to fly instead of
driving. I love to drive by myself, but too many people are worrywarts
about it so I caved in. Best regards as
always.

Joyce

Gigia Oman on wed 29 oct 03


I have such a hard time with plates. Of all of the things I make, the =
plates are most likely to crack in the firing process. It is =
strange....they dry without a flaw, but I'd say 5 out of 10 plates break =
during the bisque firing. Does anyone have any pointers for me? I fire =
using a gas updraft kiln fueled by propane. =20

Thanking you in advance........Gigia

Celine Matthiessen on wed 29 oct 03


It might not be your firing but your technique. What kind of cracks are you
seeing? Are the "S" or other? Where are they on the plate?

Celine Matthiessen
celmatthiessen@hotmail.com
214-557-2151





>From: Gigia Oman
>Reply-To: Clayart
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: Re: Plates
>Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2003 10:12:38 -0600
>
>I have such a hard time with plates. Of all of the things I make, the
>plates are most likely to crack in the firing process. It is
>strange....they dry without a flaw, but I'd say 5 out of 10 plates break
>during the bisque firing. Does anyone have any pointers for me? I fire
>using a gas updraft kiln fueled by propane.
>
>Thanking you in advance........Gigia
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.

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Hank Murrow on wed 29 oct 03


On Wednesday, October 29, 2003, at 08:12 AM, Gigia Oman wrote:

> I have such a hard time with plates. Of all of the things I make, the
> plates are most likely to crack in the firing process. It is
> strange....they dry without a flaw, but I'd say 5 out of 10 plates
> break during the bisque firing. Does anyone have any pointers for me?
> I fire using a gas updraft kiln fueled by propane.

Dear Gigia;

Have you tried firing your plates on edge in the bisque kiln? I fire
all my plates and even very large platters this way, leaning against
the kiln wall and each other.

Cheers, Hank in Eugene

Liz Willoughby on wed 29 oct 03


Hello Gigia,
I had the same problem when I had an order of dinner plates. I use
porcelain too, and half of them would crack in the bisque. A spiral
crack to the edge of the plate.

Well, wouldn't you know, I thought that I remembered something about
that in Mastering Glazes by John Hesselberth and Ron Roy. If you
have the book it is explained on page 143 & 144.

Bisque dunting, especially a problem with porcelain because of the
amount of free silica. "Slow down the cooling from 650 to 500 C
(1202 to 932 F). This worked for me, firing to 04 bisque, soaking
for 20 minutes, and then firing down.

Get the book, it is a wonderful addition to anyone's library.
Meticky Liz from Grafton.

>I have such a hard time with plates. Of all of the things I make,
>the plates are most likely to crack in the firing process. It is
>strange....they dry without a flaw, but I'd say 5 out of 10 plates
>break during the bisque firing. Does anyone have any pointers for
>me? I fire using a gas updraft kiln fueled by propane.
>
>Thanking you in advance........Gigia

--
Liz Willoughby
RR #1
2903 Shelter Valley Rd.
Grafton, Ontario
Canada
K0K 2G0
905-349-3130

lizwill@phc.igs.net

Kathi LeSueur on wed 29 oct 03


goman@ARISTOTLE.NET wrote:

>I have such a hard time with plates. Of all of the things I make, the plates are most likely to crack in the firing process. It is strange....they dry without a flaw, but I'd say 5 out of 10 plates break during the bisque firing. Does anyone have any pointers for me? I fire using a gas updraft kiln fueled by propane. >>
>
Try bisque firing the pieces on their rims on their rims rather than flat.

Kathi

Tjo62@AOL.COM on thu 30 oct 03


I've had the same experience with bowls, plates, platters, and even small
bowls. For some reason, they will come out of the bisque cracked exactly in two.
Some came out of the glaze firing with cracks in the lip. I believe they were
slight cracks that I just didn't see from the bisque. I was using standard
130 porcelain at the time and bisquing in an electric kiln. I stopped using
130 and went back to 257 grolleg porcelain and that was the end of the problem.
About 3 or 4 years later.I gave it another try....and most of the pots
cracked! Recently, someone gave me 4 boxes of 130. I mixed it with stoneware in my
mixer. I will never use it again.

Louis Katz on thu 30 oct 03


I bisque all plates on their edges leaning against the kiln. Try not to
lean the first one too tight against the wall.
Louis

Hollis Engley on thu 30 oct 03


----- Original Message -----
From: Louis Katz
Subject: Re: Plates


> I bisque all plates on their edges leaning against the kiln. Try not to
> lean the first one too tight against the wall.
> Louis
>
> Louis: Huh? I've never heard of that. Can you give us more details?
Hollis
Hatchville Pottery
Falmouth, Mass.
hengley@cape.com

Michael Wendt on thu 30 oct 03


Firing plates on edge in a propane updraft won't work because the flame path
is up the wall and will impinge on the plates. That's why the IFB saggars
work so well. These little updrafts are rockets that heat and cool so
quickly, you need special care to prevent dunting in bisque and even in
glaze firing.
Regards,
Michael Wendt
Wendt Pottery
2729 Clearwater Ave
Lewiston, ID 83501
wendtpot@lewiston.com
wendtpottery.com

Ingeborg Foco on thu 30 oct 03


Louis said: I bisque all plates on their edges leaning against the kiln.
Try not to
> lean the first one too tight against the wall.
> Louis


Louis,

I tried that one time and my platters really warped. I do a lot of large
oval platters. Maybe oval makes a difference? Since then I've been
bisquing stacking them two on top of each other. Not a really economical
way of firing.


Ingeborg
the Potter's Workshop & Gallery
P.O. Box 510
3058 Stringfellow Road
St. James City, Florida 33956

239-283-2775

David Beumee on thu 30 oct 03


"It is strange....they dry
> without a flaw, but I'd say 5 out of 10 plates break during the bisque
firing.
> Does anyone have any pointers for me? I fire using a gas updraft kiln
fueled by propane."

If the chance presents itself you might consider bisquing some of your
plates in a downdraft kiln, where the design of the kiln might provide better
protection from uneven heating.

David Beumee
Earth Alchemy Pottery
Lafayette, CO
> I have such a hard time with plates. Of all of the things I make, the plates
> are most likely to crack in the firing process. It is strange....they dry
> without a flaw, but I'd say 5 out of 10 plates break during the bisque firing.
> Does anyone have any pointers for me? I fire using a gas updraft kiln fueled by
> propane.
>
> Thanking you in advance........Gigia
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.

Kathi LeSueur on fri 31 oct 03


ifoco@EARTHLINK.NET wrote:

>Louis said: I bisque all plates on their edges leaning against the kiln.>>>>>
>
>
><<>oval platters. Maybe oval makes a difference? Since then I've been
>bisquing stacking them two on top of each other. Not a really economical
>way of firing.>>>>>>>
>
>
>Try making a tall form by putting slabs inside of a chimeny flue. Use heavily grogged clay if possible. Put the form in the middle of the kiln and use it as a prop to lean platters against. I make slab platters 24" long and 15" wide. They always make it through the bisque if I fire this way.
>
>Kathi
>

Richard Mahaffey on sat 27 nov 04


Laurie,
Actually the atmosphere does not matter unless there is a fair amount
of iron in your clay.

I try to have the center of my plates be the lowest point and do not
try to make the bottom flat.
I put the foot ring under the wall (maybe that is what you call a rim).

If you trim soft you can push the bottom down (up) and not really
realize it. I never dry my plates upside down.

Your clay could be just beyond it's limit at cone 10. I have seen
clay from suppliers that is called cone 11 clay that really can not
stand cone 10 in
every form and usage.

I hope that you find a solution to this problem as sometimes the
problems that we run into with forms can me vexing.

Good luck,
Rick

Randy McCall on wed 6 dec 06


I have just purchased a number of Hydro-Bats, plus a Hydro-Bat 14" plate
mold.

Really interested in making plates using the plate mold.

Any suggestions out there on throwing the plates with the mold, firing
suggestions, stacking plates?

What are the best plate setters I could get for 14" plates?


Randy
South Carolina
Pottery Web site

http://members.tripod.com/~McCallJ/index.html

Lili Krakowski on tue 26 dec 06


Dear Fred:

Like all else in clay, plates are a matter of practice. Did I say
"practice"? I guess I did.

There are three schools of plate throwing (on the wheel). All work well.

1. Center a largish lump of relatively soft clay. What mostly goes wrong
when one starts out making plates is that one makes the bottom too thin,
esp. in the middle. This creates "bottom sag" a terribly serious condition
of soft plates.....
Ok.

So start with a fair amount of clay and practice several times to open up
and leave a proper bottom. Just open up, cut the form half-way through on
the bat, using your wire, and check that the bottom is thick enough. For a
10" plate you would want 3/8 of an inch maybe 1/2. (later when you are
really good at it, like next week, a bit thinner will work.

Open up, and pull up 1.5 to 2". Pull the wall outward at about 45 degrees.
With your finger or a rib smooth the transition from flat to vertical, so
that that corner (which I always refer to as the "heel" --as in knitting a
sock--is smooth and even, and will allow a soup spoon to get out the last
bit of sauce.

Now finish the rim. You now have made a pie dish style plate.

2. Follow the same directions as above.

Pull up the side and at about 3/4" up the side leave a little belt of extra
clay, as though you would put a gallery there. It will look kinda like } .
Fine. Pull up twice, you DO NOT want lower part thin, and start pulling
outward on the part above the belt.
This will be your flange. So it is UP, BELT, OUT.

This type of plate collapses when one makes the bottom of the wall too thin,
(not leaving enough clay for support) or makes the flange too big or too
thin, OR does not create enough of a "belt" to support the flange. Smooth
the bottom with a rib and the flange with a rib or finger.

3.Open up your clay but make a big disk. A disk bigger than your intended
plate. Now PUSH IN from the outside edge
forming a wall. Thin out that wall either into a pie plate shape, or as in
#2 above. The advantage of this method, which I use only for very big
plates is that then outside of the wall, where it meets the bat, never gets
too thin, which can be a problem.

A lot of bad things happen to good plates in the trimming. Be sure the clay
is dry enough, and I would suggest you cut disks out of hardish foam rubber
so you can support the insides as you trim....helps a lot in the beginning.


Now the good news. Elsbeth Woody not only has a great book on Handbuilding
but one on Throwing. Both are available in then used book market. (Just
checked) I find her books incredibly good, and cannot understand why their
praises are not sung from the rooftops. (They also are to be had in other
languages than English!) I definitely would get the throwing one, Fred.

I do not know EW, I am not related, I have no financial interest, blah,
blah, blah.


Lili Krakowski
Be of good courage