Rikki Gill on tue 2 jul 02
When I make extruded handles, I use clay that is fresh from the bag, same
consistancy as the cup body. I cut them to size, line them up and then
flatten them slightly with a rolling pin. I flip them over, and do the same
on the other side. Next I go over each one with a damp sponge on each side.
I usually only make about 18 cups at a time. When all the cups are trimmed,
and all the handles sponged, I apply handles to cups, and invert them. I
then cover well for about 1and 1/2 days, then gradually uncover. It usually
takes about a week for them to dry enough for me to remove cover. As long
as the cups and handles are pretty moist when I attach them, I have little
trouble. These are not my most favorite thing to produce, so I am very
careful. Hope this helps, Rikki
Karen Sullivan on sat 12 feb 11
I have two strategies...
1. attach the handle as soon as possible...
so on thrown cups- the clay is still pretty wet...
makes a huge difference.
2. a mixture of magic water
1 gallon water
1 tbs sodium silicate
1 tbs soda ash
I think what is happening is the magic water causes
the clay to dissolve a bit....
and makes a stronger bond when it dries.
when I make stupidly thin porcelain cups...
the stress of the handles is often too great
and with the use of magic water...the areas
of attachment hold...the handle splits
in the center/arch of the handle...
go figure...
also another technique...
apply wax to the surface of the
attachment...the piece dries from
the inside out...and there is a somewhat
better chance of the handle not cracking
I prefer the first method...only
problem is the handle sometimes
pulls the cup out of shape a little
with the weight of the handle...
karen
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