search  current discussion  categories  tools & equipment - misc 

product raves

updated sat 24 mar 01

 

Diane Echlin on thu 22 mar 01


It's spring break, and i have finally gotten back in my studio for the
first time in a couple months, and I wanted to let you all know how
happy I am with a couple new things I got hold of.

First, Bison Tools. Damned expensive, but *totally* worth it! They are
comfy in the hand and sharp as mel's grandma! It took me a little bit
to learn how to use them. Sort of like going from a little old honda
civic to a Corvette--be careful how fast you let out that clutch! But
I've found that the tools allow me to trim much more quickly, and I'm
also learning how to loosen up a little with it. Nice! Treat
yourselves!
Next:
Tucker Clay. I got the ^6 smooth white. It comes out of the bag a dark
gray, and kind of sticky, but it wedges up like a dream, and throws
better than any clay I've ever used. okay, so I've been throwing my 100
pounds of reclaim that has been accumulating for about a year just prior
to using this gray gold out of a bag. But it fires up nicely, and is
the first clay I've used that takes the T. Hanson 5x20 base without
crazing. I've only been making small things, so I'm not sure how it
would hold up to large pieces, but I expect it would be fine.

I have no affiliation with either Bison or Tuckers, but I wanted to give
my endorsement. All too often it seems we only write with complaints.
Have fun at NCECA all you lucky folks!
Diane in CT, watching the animals searching for the ark

Marianne Lombardo on thu 22 mar 01


Diane;

Have you tried Tucker's Mid Smooth stone? I've found it throws well too,
and takes glazes and underglazes better than the Smooth White (at least for
me, in my kiln, it works better).

Tucker's is the only place within a 1-1/2 hour drive to buy pottery
supplies. I'm happy with Tucker's, their service is good, but some variety
would be nice.

PSH is over 2 hours drive from me, so I haven't tried them yet.

Marianne Lombardo
Omemee, Ontario, Canada
email: mlombardo@nexicom.net

> Tucker Clay. I got the ^6 smooth white. It comes out of the bag a dark
> gray, and kind of sticky, but it wedges up like a dream, and throws
> better than any clay I've ever used. okay, so I've been throwing my 100
> pounds of reclaim that has been accumulating for about a year just prior
> to using this gray gold out of a bag. But it fires up nicely, and is
> the first clay I've used that takes the T. Hanson 5x20 base without

Diane Echlin on fri 23 mar 01


Hi Marianne,
I got a sample of the mid smooth stoneware, and I loved the way it trimmed--it was
almost like porcelain at the leather stage. I may return to it, but for now I'm
stoked with the smooth white. I just trimmed up the last of the 48 teabowls I
threw this week (spring break at college, and I got to spend lots of time in the
studio!) The smooth white isn't as great to trim because of the grog, but I've
learned (from this list!) how to burnish the lines out with my fingertips. i think
my feet are the best part of my pots! (a pot fondler's delight, even!)
Diane in CT, too much coffee this morning!

Marianne Lombardo wrote:

> Diane;
>
> Have you tried Tucker's Mid Smooth stone? I've found it throws well too,
> and takes glazes and underglazes better than the Smooth White (at least for
> me, in my kiln, it works better).
>
> Tucker's is the only place within a 1-1/2 hour drive to buy pottery
> supplies. I'm happy with Tucker's, their service is good, but some variety
> would be nice.
>
> PSH is over 2 hours drive from me, so I haven't tried them yet.
>
> Marianne Lombardo
> Omemee, Ontario, Canada
> email: mlombardo@nexicom.net
>
> > Tucker Clay. I got the ^6 smooth white. It comes out of the bag a dark
> > gray, and kind of sticky, but it wedges up like a dream, and throws
> > better than any clay I've ever used. okay, so I've been throwing my 100
> > pounds of reclaim that has been accumulating for about a year just prior
> > to using this gray gold out of a bag. But it fires up nicely, and is
> > the first clay I've used that takes the T. Hanson 5x20 base without
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> 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.