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slumping of moist clay--was centering large amounts

updated sun 27 jul 03

 

John Baymore on sat 26 jul 03


Bob,


I wonder if it isn't the steam generation that is the key to even drying.=



That is my hypothesis.



Most of the time I use heat for surface texture when making stretched
surfaces and always use a propane torch at full volume. I make these pots=

by
coating the surface with a slip or oxides. I just want the slip stiffened=

enough so it isn't plastic, while the body under it as wet as normal duri=
ng
the throwing process. When I stretech the pot the outer surface splits an=
d
floats on the clay under it. In this case the porpane allows me to flash
dry
the surface.


I also do this same stuff on pieces a lot....... rarely oxides...... just=

slips of various types......... and the torch does that great too. I fin=
d
when I want this effect I use a different pattern of heating wit hteh
torch. I don't ever get the piece as hot in general. I try to heat the
surface. It never gets really steaming from inside as well as out like
when I am drying the pot for stiffening to stack stuff or whatever.

best,

......................john

John Baymore
River Bend Pottery
22 Riverbend Way
Wilton, NH 03086-5812 USA

JBaymore@compuserve.com
http://www.JohnBaymore.com

603-654-2752 (studio)
800-900-1110 (studio)


"Earth, Water, and Fire Noborigama Woodfiring Workshop: August 15-24,
2003"