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wedging table options

updated sat 3 sep 05

 

Scott Bennett on wed 31 aug 05


Does anybody have any experience using concrete backer board for a wedging
table. I have always made plaster tables, but have heard of some who have
switched to backer board. Any insights would be appreciated.


scottologist

Wayne Seidl on wed 31 aug 05


Scott:
I made a wedging table (of sorts) from a full 3X5 piece of
HardieBoard which I then clamped onto a regular work table.
Works like a charm, almost indestructible, and nothing comes off
into the clay as I'm working. When I'm done using it, it's easily
unclamped and set behind the table, freeing the table for other
uses. Laying the HardieBoard on the floor allows me to throw slabs
as well. For a small studio, multi-purpose is a real space saver.

It does tend to get moist over time, but being a thin sheet it dries
faster than plaster, and I've never found the dmapness to be a
problem. It can be used (successfully) to reclaim clay, provided
it's not too wet when you put it on the sheet. For that use, I
always cover the board with a piece of silk, which makes it easy to
scrape the clay up for turning.

I've also made a dozen (14") bats from one sheet of it. I'll never
go back to anything else. It is rather a PITA to cut though.

I guess you could say I'm convinced...

What I discovered was not the "Durock" or "Wonderboard" tile board
for floors, but a 1/4 inch thin sheet called "HardieBoard" used for
tile on walls. Sold at Home Depot in the tile section. They also
make larger (thicker)sheets available as outside siding, and that is
in the roofing section of the store. That is usually patterned.

Best,
Wayne Seidl

-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Scott
Bennett
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 8:00 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: wedging table options

Does anybody have any experience using concrete backer board for a
wedging
table. I have always made plaster tables, but have heard of some who
have
switched to backer board. Any insights would be appreciated.


scottologist

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Gordon Ward on wed 31 aug 05


Scott,

I have been using a concrete board from James Hardie Co. It is
actually a siding material and comes in 4x8 or 4x10 sheets. It is
thinner and smoother than the concrete backer boards. I ordered it
through a local building supplier. I have made 2 3'x6'
handbuilding/wedging table tops with this material. It is not as
absorbent as plaster, so if you want high absorbency, plaster is
better. It is easily sponged off, so keeps dust down (over the use of
canvas). If you use a particularly sticky clay, it may not be good,
but with the 4 clays I have been using, it works quite well. I also
like the lack of texture with this material over canvas.

Gordon


On Aug 31, 2005, at 4:59 AM, Scott Bennett wrote:

> Does anybody have any experience using concrete backer board for a
> wedging
> table. I have always made plaster tables, but have heard of some who
> have
> switched to backer board. Any insights would be appreciated.
>
>
> scottologist
>

claybair on wed 31 aug 05


Scott,
There have been threads on this
do a Google search on "Hardibacker wedging boards"
and a few will pop up.
I use the 1/4" for my wedging and ware boards.
It's thin, can be cut to any size, dries fast , easy to clean, replace
or move and lot lighter than plaster.
My wedging board is an old printer stand with a piece of hardibacker
clamped onto it.....it's just the right height for me.

Gayle Bair
Bainbridge Island, WA
Tucson, AZ
http://claybair.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Bennett

Does anybody have any experience using concrete backer board for a wedging
table. I have always made plaster tables, but have heard of some who have
switched to backer board. Any insights would be appreciated.


scottologist

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June Kinsinger on fri 2 sep 05


nEVER TRIED IT FOR WEDGING TABLES, I BUILT A 3 WALL CUBICAL AROUND MY KILN THOUGH. WILL HAVE TO TRY IT FOR WEDGING
THANKS FOR THE IDEA,
JUNE KINSINGER


-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Bennett
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Sent: Wed, 31 Aug 2005 07:59:34 EDT
Subject: wedging table options


Does anybody have any experience using concrete backer board for a wedging
table. I have always made plaster tables, but have heard of some who have
switched to backer board. Any insights would be appreciated.


scottologist

______________________________________________________________________________
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org

You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/

Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.