Gordon Ward on sun 10 jul 05
Cement board used to back up tile, or, even better, the type used as
exterior siding (the smooth type) is a great work surface for clay.
The siding can be purchased in larger 4x8 sheets and can be cut with a
carbide blade in a skill saw (wear a mask). One trade name is
Hardibacker (for tile) or Hardiepanel made by James Hardie Co.. It is
slightly absorbent and can be sponged to clean. Canvas, which I had
been using for the last 30 years, is a definite health hazard, as the
dust is almost impossible, or at least impractical to remove.
Smallish squares could be used for those children's workshops...
I'm thinking that it could be good for bats too, but doing the cutting
somehow seems daunting.
Gordon Ward
Ben Shelton on thu 14 jul 05
I have seen bats made from this stuff but as you guess, cutting it is the
real pain. A carbide blade in a jig saw will do it but it is a LOT of work.
Plywood or double sided masonite is better suited because of ease of
workability.
I am unsure how it will work out for cleanliness vs canvas. If you can
remove the Hardibacker panels and hose them off, definitely cleaner.
I will have to try it in my wedge table. I am currently using bedsheets from
thrift stores. When dry i soak them in a bucket to get off some of the clay
then wash in the washer. Definitely the cleanest way to go but it is always
work. Clean lungs are worth it.
Good idea BTW
Ben
Gordon Ward on thu 14 jul 05
Hi Ben,
Actually I find that just a damp sponging works quite well to get a
nice clean surface. My tables have a wooden edge and removable panels,
but they are too large (30" x 60") to be taking out on a regular basis.
I have used smaller scrap pieces (2' x 3') of Hardipanel over other
work benches, and have occasionally taken them out and hosed them off.
Thanks for your reply,
Gordon
On Jul 14, 2005, at 5:46 AM, Ben Shelton wrote:
>
> I am unsure how it will work out for cleanliness vs canvas. If you can
> remove the Hardibacker panels and hose them off, definitely cleaner.
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