Vince Pitelka on fri 4 feb 05
> I used to put holes in my teapot lids, but I discovered that I am not
> that precise, that I need a hole in the lid to prevent a vacuum forming.
> The holes sometimes got clogged, and the teapots poured just fine
> anyhow. So I stopped making the holes. I'm just not that good. ;)
Cindy -
In most cases I would defer to your vast experience, but the above doesn't
make sense. I mean, it is such a simple matter to bore a hole with a drill
bit at the hard-leather-hard stage. The hole should be at least 3/16"
diameter, and when you glaze the pot, you give a quick puff of air into the
hole, and it clears out the glaze - simple as can be, and then they never
glaze shut. Your teapots may seem to pour okay, but if the lids fit well,
and if the lid seat is wet, the lid might seal too well, and then you need
the air hole to keep the tea from gurgling when poured. This is a simple
thing, but a very good feature in any teapot. It is well worth the little
time and trouble it takes to make a proper air hole.
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Craft, Tennessee Technological University
Smithville TN 37166, 615/597-6801 x111
vpitelka@dtccom.net, wpitelka@tntech.edu
http://iweb.tntech.edu/wpitelka/
http://www.tntech.edu/craftcenter/
Cindy in SD on fri 4 feb 05
Ha!
I used to put holes in my teapot lids, but I discovered that I am not
that precise, that I need a hole in the lid to prevent a vacuum forming.
The holes sometimes got clogged, and the teapots poured just fine
anyhow. So I stopped making the holes. I'm just not that good. ;)
Cindy in SD
Cindy in SD on sun 6 feb 05
Vince said:
>
> Cindy -
> In most cases I would defer to your vast experience, but the above
> doesn't
> make sense.
Come on, Vince, no need to get sarcastic. We both know you're a lot
older than me. ;) And a lot more experienced at pottery. It was just a
quip. An aside comment, not even really related to the issue at hand,
which was cork plugs used as teapot lids. In the case of cork, of
course, anyone might need a hole to alleviate a vacuum. In the case of
my teapots, I assure you, there is absolutely no need. But I do put in
quite nice strainers, if that helps.
I probably shouldn't need to add this, but I'm pleased with the way my
teapots pour. I use them regularly and have never had a gurgling
problem. In your case, the hole in the teapot lid may be a genuine
necessity. I never intended to imply otherwise, and have no need to
convince others not to put a hole in their teapot lids. I definitely did
not intend to irritate you, as I have always considered you a friend.
Best wishes,
Cindy in SD
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