Bruce Girrell on thu 13 jan 00
Numo Jaeger wrote:
>I am considering purchasing a "Peter Pugger" PM 50 or the deairing model,
>Peter pugger VPM 30 for our ceramics department.
>
>We recycle aprox. 400lb. of clay per week and I am concerned that these
>models may not be sturdy enough to handle the work load.
We're not a group studio, but we have a VPM30. I'm sure that the machine is
rugged enough to handle the workload that you propose, but the batch size is
small - 40 to 50 lbs wet weight. You would have to run an average of two
batches per day. If that's not a problem, then it should be OK.
As soon as I get the time, I'm going to post some experiences we've had with
our VPM30, such as the amount of work required to tear down the machine for
changeover from a dark clay to a light clay (not too bad), operational
experiences, etc. Stuff you don't find in the owner's manual. Maybe someone
from Peter Pugger reads this list and can chime in.
Bruce and Lynne Girrell
in Northern Michigan, finding our bird feeders much more popular with the
local doves, sparrows, squirrels, and other critters now that snow has
covered most everything.
Jeff Brett on fri 14 jan 00
I somehow missed Numo's original post but would like to contribute my "two
cents" regarding the Peter Pugger.
Our Ceramics studio has two Puggers. One quite ancient (an original model)
and a PM100 about 8 years old. When operated correctly, I repeat correctly,
they are reliable, efficient and mix and reclaim an enormous amount of clay
for us.
We mix approximately 6000 lbs of new clay (from dry materials) and remix a
sculpture clay from reclaim (another 4000-5000 lbs) each year. Our clays
are also continuously pugged through the machines as students are working.
Each machine gets a gear oil change once a year and regular lubing of chain
and bearings.
It is a bit of a chore to change clays but I have a power washer which
helps with this process. My only negative experience is when on two
occasions the machines were overloaded by students. In the first case, the
shaft came away from the bearings and managed to grind into the casing
before bending severely. This required a new shaft and bearings. The second
time, when the clay was too stiff, the torque of the motor pulled the gear
box out of its mounts in the machine. This required replacing the gear box
and repairing the mounts. We are now very careful not to exceed the maximum
load.
Even in our harsh college environment they stand up well. And the
manufacturer was very helpful when we needed parts. I would highly
recommend them.
....Jeff
____________________________________
Jeff Brett
Lab Assistant - Fine Arts, North Island College
2300 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC, Canada, V9N 8N6
Phone: (250)334-5055
Fax: (250)334-5018
E-mail: brett@nic.bc.ca
Web Site: http://www.nic.bc.ca
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