Jonathan Kaplan on sun 30 jan 00
What really changed my appreciation of Orton cones and the Orton
Foundation was finally deciding not to make my onw cone plaques, packs,
clay wads, whatever.
About 6 years ago we started to use their commercially pressed cone
holders, a 3 hole small rectange of clay with triangular holes pressed into
them. These set the cones at the correct height and the correct angle. The
cones bend at a precise curve, each time, every time, firing to firing.
There is a difference between those that we make ourselves and the ones
from Orton. We were able to add the benefit of these commercial items into
our repetoire of useful information and skills to achieve more uniform,
more consistant, and better firings. Along with a combustion system that
can be highly controlled, has a very low and precise turndown, an oxy
probe, and staff that appreciates learning and being a part of the entire
operation.
Sure some would say "well, I have been getting excellent firings with the
ones I make" so why would I buy things that I can make? Good point. My
response is that with staff, they would all be made differently. The few
exta cents that these standard 3 hole cone packs add to my overhead is
negligble. The benefit of controlled firings with precise cone end points
is well worth the small investment in these items, sold by the case.
We probably go through 10-12 cases a year. Contact the Orton Foundation. I
might think they would send a few as samples.
Best
Jonathan
Jonathan Kaplan
Ceramic Design Group
PO Box 775112
Steamboat Springs CO 80477
voice and fax 970 879-9139
jonathan@csn,net
http://www.sni.net/ceramicdesigin
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