Beth Eisenberg-Schapera on fri 6 oct 06
Hi Everyone,
I would like to start doing line blends of colored slips and wonder if you
all could provide suggestions on the easiest method for creating "powdered
clay." This probably sounds idiotic but it's helpful to know that:
1) I live 5 hours from a supply house so I'd have to have dry ball clay
shipped (which will be expensive)
2) I'd like to use my own clay body to make it simple and ensure a good
fit.
3) I am just planning on mixing mason stains and clay together...no other
flux etc.
Obviously drying the clay out isn't a challenge. But, grinding up the clay
is more challenging. A)I don't want to create an unreasonable amount of
dust and B) I would desperately like to save my favorite food processor
the agony of chewing up 10 lbs of dry clay. Anyone got any suggestions
besides repeated wacking of a bag full of clay with a hammer?
As always, I am profoundly grateful for everyone's wealth of knowledge.
Best Regards
Beth Eisenberg-Schapera
Bishop, CA
Jim Kasper on fri 6 oct 06
Hi Beth,
Been there, then realized there is a simpler method.
Weigh out a set amount of bone dry clay, then slake it. Then do measuring by
volume.
For example: TO mix a pint of slip I weigh out 300 grams bone dry clay, then
add 200 ml of water (about 8 oz)
For line blending you could divide this into 6 equal amounts each containing
50 grams solids.
When i mix my slip this way, I usually mix twice this amount(600 grams
clay), then after slaking, i put it in my blender and add the oxides or
stains. After blending i screen the mixture.
I will use a spray bottle to rinse the residue from the blender into the
screen
and then into the final container.
Regards,
Jim
>Obviously drying the clay out isn't a challenge. But, grinding up the clay
>is more challenging. A)I don't want to create an unreasonable amount of
>dust and B) I would desperately like to save my favorite food processor
>the agony of chewing up 10 lbs of dry clay. Anyone got any suggestions
>besides repeated wacking of a bag full of clay with a hammer?
>Beth Eisenberg-Schapera
Zafka Studios
Jensen Beach, FL
http://zafka.com
772-334-3070
Jeanie Silver on sun 8 oct 06
Dear Beth
Try making fairly thin slabs-will dry faster-put them in a sturdy plastic
bag,like Steelsack.-secure the opening and roll them to powder with a
rolling pin. Surprizingly easy.
Jeanie in Pa.
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