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6 by 12 by 1/8 form. only a test piece

updated sat 4 oct 03

 

iandol on fri 3 oct 03


Dear Friends
I not know how many subscribers have undertaken qualifying courses =
related to Modern Technology but those who have may have been examined =
in subjects relating to Science, Mathematics and the application of =
these disciplines to the Processing and Testing of Raw and Processed =
Material as well as finished products. For example, an student of =
Automobile Technology would learn how to test various components and =
operations of an auto or a Metallurgical Technician would learn how to =
make, prepare, test and examine samples of a variety of metals to =
determine their strength. Perhaps this is done by people who are to =
become Ceramic Technicians but not by those who intend being Ceramic =
artists.
I do not think the 6 by 12 by 1/8, 3 pound cylinder suggested should be =
regarded as anything other than a test piece, a student exercise. It =
serves two purposes. First, it tests a students ability to throw to a =
consistent size from a specified weight of clay. Secondly it is a way of =
testing the working properties of any clay body which is compounded for =
use on the potter's wheel.
The behaviour of porcelain throwing clays and the way some of them =
absorb water so that they loose their structural integrity is a separate =
question which should be treated as such if it is to be resolved. I do =
not think a satisfactory answer will be found in the usually well quoted =
text books.
Best regards,
Ivor Lewis. Redhill, South Australia