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mixing plaster.

updated sat 1 apr 00

 

iandol on thu 30 mar 00

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Although plaster seems a suitable surface on which to knead clay, is it an
equally suitable surface on which to wedge clay? Wedging involves a fair =
amount
of impact and although it might seem as though the hard paster can absorb =
such
treatment it may in the long run be better to choose something with more =
impact
resistance. Elaine Beaufait might consider alternative cast materials. What =
is
wrong with reinforced concrete with a fine aggregate size. This could have =
stout
chicken wire embedded in it to enhance it=92s strength. Or substitute =
concrete
pavers.

There is another question about the suitability of plater. Its capability to
absorb water may be an advantage when preparing very damp clay but it =
quickly
become a disadvantage if the plaster dries very slowly. I would also worry =
about
plaster chips getting into my clay.

It may be that a hardwood top of the dimensions given, which I presume are
inches, would be as cheap as plaster and be a better surface to work on. I
constructed a wood bench with a solid timber top recently of similar size =
for
less that =2450.00 .

patrick conrey on fri 31 mar 00

I had a plaster wedging bat before we moved west - we chose not to move
it west and I BUILT A CONCRETE W-TABLE. IT DOES NOT COMPARE. PLASTER IS
"MORE" BETTER!

TO PEVENT CHIPS ENTERING THE CLAY MASS COVER THE PLASTER WITH UNTREATED
CANVES!