iandol on tue 14 jan 03
Dear Friends,
Ned Ludd had given us some interesting insights into a production =
potter's techniques and methods for preparing clay.
Just a couple or so points I would like to add about wedging and =
kneading.
From what I can recall from instruction many years ago, the ideal height =
from the floor to the level of the wedging bench top should measure the =
samelength as the distance between the tips of your knuckles of your =
relaxed hands as they rest by your thighs and the ground. When wedging, =
this allows sufficient distance for you lift your clay to a height which =
will allow gravity, as much as muscle force, to provide the energy to =
pound clay against clay. It also allows a person to use a sway back =
spine position which is relaxed rather than in tension, which is far =
less tiring. Great training for your "Rear Delts"
This orientation and configuration also allow you to lean over your clay =
when you are kneading it, be that by spiral mode or rams head. Your =
shoulders and upper body, including your "noddle", provide the force due =
to gravity which pushes the clay around when they have space to move =
down and forwards.
The measure I give poses problems when in a community or class =
situation. So some form of foot stool is needed for the shorties and the =
lofties can take their chances.
Just a final word. Clay can be overprepared. Excessive wedging and =
kneading remove water and harden the clay. Should you follow Mel's =
practice of mixing in spirited character, be that as mixed or black =
sands, felspar chips, coloured grog or stains, remember that the longer =
you work your clay on a porous bench the drier and hence the firmer it =
becomes.
Best regards,
Ivor Lewis. Redhill, South Australia.
Wondering how Fine Mintaro Slate Grog (-30+60#) will behave under a =
glaze employing the same material?
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