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microwheels, stoneware & porcelain

updated thu 12 apr 01

 

Roger Bourland on wed 11 apr 01


2 things on my mind this morning.

1. I ordered a microwheel from Ebay ($65) for taking along on vacations.
Can't imagine what it will be like to work with, having the oversized hands
and fingers that I do. Thought it might be interesting to make a little 3"
bat to attach to the thing with a ring of clay. That would double the
throwing possibilities, size-wise. Tea-bowls, etc. Maybe.

2. Then, just to start a fight on a new thread... I've wondered for a long
time why some fine potters use stoneware exclusively while others use
porcelain. I think it must be more than just personal preference. Seems to
be almost personal conviction.

Which clay do some of you Clayarters use and do you have any strong feelings
as to why?

Best,

Roger

Cindy Strnad on wed 11 apr 01


Hi, Roger.

About the big hands and the microwheel. Use sanded chopsticks (smooth both
ends for a smaller and a larger tool) instead of fingers on the inside.
Another tip which I read (have not tried) is to use clay with as high a
shrinkage rate as possible. I expect porcelain would be an excellent choice.

I'm very curious why anyone would buy one of these microwheels for any
reason other than portability or novelty. I can't see how it would be easier
to make micro-mini pots on them than to throw them off the hump on a regular
wheel. In fact, I'd think it would be more difficult. But I'm sure they're
cute, and pretty cool to have for travel.

Cindy Strnad
Earthen Vessels Pottery
RR 1, Box 51
Custer, SD 57730
USA
earthenv@gwtc.net
http://www.earthenvesselssd.com