Yes and no. It depends. As far as actual money out, yes I think it is cheaper to mix your own. But mixing takes time and equipment and quality control may not be as good. So from a production standpoint, it may be cheaper in the long run to buy pre-mixed clay.
Great...ty for the information. I will have everything in the basement. Daycare kids won't have any access to it. I will probley start out the electric route. It seems an easy way to start.
I'll be firing in a few months, I'll make a video then, (if not sooner).
I'd not rule out Gas unless you just don't have a place to put one outside or in a shed. You can buy small updraft kits that a city inspector may approve for $5k. I got flack because I designed and built my own, and they worry about some joker burning down the city block.
I have a home daycare right now. I have been doing it for years. I understand city regs and zoning. Tell me...I have seen the little electric kilns. What is your take on that? I think I will not be able to have anything but that due to the daycare and safety issues. Also space issues also. Give me some advice...and show us your kiln!
As for electric kilns, they are easy to use, convenient, and you can often find used ones for a reasonable price. You'll probably need to wire in some higher-voltage outlet to plug them into as they draw a lot of power. They will also need venting of some kind, especially if there are kids running around. They also get a little hot on the outside, so kids should be kept away. for low fire or up to cone 6, they are great.
So you're limited to a neutral or oxidized firing. Cone 10 is hard on them, so I wouldn't recommend them as my #1 choice for high fire stuff, though people do use them for it. They are great for specific control for things like crystal glazes and the like. I almost went the electric rout, but was stubborn and wanted my atmosphere control and high temperature capabilities. I will say that my city inspector was strict, so if I did it chances are good you can too. Just do your homework first.
I noticed in an earlier tour that you don't have alot of fancy equipment. I take pottery classes and I am obsessed now. I am in the process of buying a home with a basement. I am excited to see your space. I have hope now. My question is this...how do you get along with out all the equipment. Pug mill and all that.
I mixed all my clay in a former studio in a small, (8'x8') room with a simple mixer, (not a pug mill). I'm not doing large production, so when I need to mix up more, I'll probably just do it in a bucket and make a slip, then dry it out like I'd dry out re-claim. If I need more than that, I'll probably buy it pre-made from a supply place. Mixing clay is labor intensive and time consuming. Time better spent making pots.
I've never tried it, but I read someplace about a method where one mixes a large amount up dry and makes a pile of it contained within a brick cistern type thing, (big brick box), then using a garden hose, you wet the clay down until it's good and wet. maybe cover it with plastic or something. I think that might work, but it would take some trial and error to get it to work well I'd think.
Oh, and as far as equipment, the most important thing and the most expensive is the Kiln. I spent about $7k to build my gas kiln. I know one could be built for less if one didn't have to worry about code inspectors and be forced to buy all new materials.
That depends on so many things. Fireing temp., forming process, intended use, ascetic concerns. I'd start with something pre-mixed and ready to go that you'd by from a supplier. It will give you an idea of what other's think is a good clay. From that, you can branch out and experiment. Suppliers can sell you many types and you can find the type you like the best.
I work with red earthenware clay and I buy it from the factory usually but I would really like to be able to use the local red earthenware clay but that clay isn't clean at all and it certainly needs some mixing with other clays to bring the temperature a bit higher, the book you suggested also tells about red earthernware clays? I am a greek pottery and since my country is full of red clay I am more interested in that clay
I don't think any of the books I mentioned cover earthenware clays very well, and they are not very good at covering the topic of using natural clays. There are books out there about that. I'd just do trial and error. I've used river clay mixed about 50% with pre-mixed earthenware clay with good results.
I was recently in New Brunswick visiting my sister and low and behold, a clay deposit on her property! I bagged about 15 pounds of it and brought it home. It is very clean, and quite elastic. Have you any recommendations as to what I do with it now? I'd like to throw her something on the wheel with it. Thank-you
Can't say I know much about gathering and using natural clays. There are some books out there about it. I'd do a few tests to make sure it fires nicely, and go from there. Tests like melting point, how it throws and drys and things, glaze fit. If it wont work for a throwing clay or a forming clay, it may work well for a glaze material.
I'm going to watch this vid at least once more. Thank you so much for posting it! May I suggest you add the tag 101 - as then people can search for "pottery 101" and get this video in addition to my 101 vids. It would be great if more potters would do this, and thus make a resource for people who want to learn different aspects.
You are a good teacher! I enjoyed this video. I'm fixing up my workshop and hope to start again in my ceramics. This is going to be one of my favorites! Freida
Hi please can u tell me ,if I wanna make a mask what kind clay should I buy please thanks
wangdu34 1 month ago
@wangdu34
Any clay can be used to make a mask. Porcelain is a popular choice.
David Leach Porcelain Cone 10 reduction
Grolleg Kaolin 55
Potash Feldspar 25
Flint 15
Bentonite 5
ClayThrower 2 days ago
is it cheaper to mix your own clay?
ironlionkalo 1 year ago
@ironlionkalo
Yes and no. It depends. As far as actual money out, yes I think it is cheaper to mix your own. But mixing takes time and equipment and quality control may not be as good. So from a production standpoint, it may be cheaper in the long run to buy pre-mixed clay.
ClayThrower 1 year ago
ur cool dude and you explain it so well :D Thanks a lot i apreciate it i look forword for new tips from you
Rozzalinda1 2 years ago
lets talk!
type 420 if ur high! uR
1GUNRUNNER 3 years ago
420 fo-shizzle! Hi on baby hugs beeoch!
So glad you enjoyed my clay mixing video, thank you for your insightful comment.
ClayThrower 3 years ago
I love the intellectual facet of your videos.
Nice tip about the mold. Thank you.
longbeforedawn 3 years ago
Great...ty for the information. I will have everything in the basement. Daycare kids won't have any access to it. I will probley start out the electric route. It seems an easy way to start.
anniemac36 3 years ago
I'll be firing in a few months, I'll make a video then, (if not sooner).
I'd not rule out Gas unless you just don't have a place to put one outside or in a shed. You can buy small updraft kits that a city inspector may approve for $5k. I got flack because I designed and built my own, and they worry about some joker burning down the city block.
ClayThrower 3 years ago
I have a home daycare right now. I have been doing it for years. I understand city regs and zoning. Tell me...I have seen the little electric kilns. What is your take on that? I think I will not be able to have anything but that due to the daycare and safety issues. Also space issues also. Give me some advice...and show us your kiln!
anniemac36 3 years ago
As for electric kilns, they are easy to use, convenient, and you can often find used ones for a reasonable price. You'll probably need to wire in some higher-voltage outlet to plug them into as they draw a lot of power. They will also need venting of some kind, especially if there are kids running around. They also get a little hot on the outside, so kids should be kept away. for low fire or up to cone 6, they are great.
ClayThrower 3 years ago
So you're limited to a neutral or oxidized firing. Cone 10 is hard on them, so I wouldn't recommend them as my #1 choice for high fire stuff, though people do use them for it. They are great for specific control for things like crystal glazes and the like. I almost went the electric rout, but was stubborn and wanted my atmosphere control and high temperature capabilities. I will say that my city inspector was strict, so if I did it chances are good you can too. Just do your homework first.
ClayThrower 3 years ago
I noticed in an earlier tour that you don't have alot of fancy equipment. I take pottery classes and I am obsessed now. I am in the process of buying a home with a basement. I am excited to see your space. I have hope now. My question is this...how do you get along with out all the equipment. Pug mill and all that.
Can you show us a video where you mix the clay?
anniemac36 3 years ago
I mixed all my clay in a former studio in a small, (8'x8') room with a simple mixer, (not a pug mill). I'm not doing large production, so when I need to mix up more, I'll probably just do it in a bucket and make a slip, then dry it out like I'd dry out re-claim. If I need more than that, I'll probably buy it pre-made from a supply place. Mixing clay is labor intensive and time consuming. Time better spent making pots.
ClayThrower 3 years ago
I've never tried it, but I read someplace about a method where one mixes a large amount up dry and makes a pile of it contained within a brick cistern type thing, (big brick box), then using a garden hose, you wet the clay down until it's good and wet. maybe cover it with plastic or something. I think that might work, but it would take some trial and error to get it to work well I'd think.
ClayThrower 3 years ago
Oh, and as far as equipment, the most important thing and the most expensive is the Kiln. I spent about $7k to build my gas kiln. I know one could be built for less if one didn't have to worry about code inspectors and be forced to buy all new materials.
ClayThrower 3 years ago
claythrower, what is the best clay you would recommend for a beginning potter?
thebestofall007 4 years ago
That depends on so many things. Fireing temp., forming process, intended use, ascetic concerns. I'd start with something pre-mixed and ready to go that you'd by from a supplier. It will give you an idea of what other's think is a good clay. From that, you can branch out and experiment. Suppliers can sell you many types and you can find the type you like the best.
ClayThrower 4 years ago
That video was a very good one. Thank you,
I work with red earthenware clay and I buy it from the factory usually but I would really like to be able to use the local red earthenware clay but that clay isn't clean at all and it certainly needs some mixing with other clays to bring the temperature a bit higher, the book you suggested also tells about red earthernware clays? I am a greek pottery and since my country is full of red clay I am more interested in that clay
thank you
blekima 4 years ago
I don't think any of the books I mentioned cover earthenware clays very well, and they are not very good at covering the topic of using natural clays. There are books out there about that. I'd just do trial and error. I've used river clay mixed about 50% with pre-mixed earthenware clay with good results.
ClayThrower 4 years ago
Great video! Thank-you!
I was recently in New Brunswick visiting my sister and low and behold, a clay deposit on her property! I bagged about 15 pounds of it and brought it home. It is very clean, and quite elastic. Have you any recommendations as to what I do with it now? I'd like to throw her something on the wheel with it. Thank-you
bottlewasher37 4 years ago
Can't say I know much about gathering and using natural clays. There are some books out there about it. I'd do a few tests to make sure it fires nicely, and go from there. Tests like melting point, how it throws and drys and things, glaze fit. If it wont work for a throwing clay or a forming clay, it may work well for a glaze material.
ClayThrower 4 years ago
thank u so much for sharing,this is very informative
hinasabiehanwar 5 years ago
Please do make another video about clay physics - and I would love to know more about preparing clay for throwing and reclaiming clay.
Thanks again! You have been vlogged :-)
Marihani 5 years ago
I'm going to watch this vid at least once more. Thank you so much for posting it! May I suggest you add the tag 101 - as then people can search for "pottery 101" and get this video in addition to my 101 vids. It would be great if more potters would do this, and thus make a resource for people who want to learn different aspects.
Marihani 5 years ago
You are a good teacher! I enjoyed this video. I'm fixing up my workshop and hope to start again in my ceramics. This is going to be one of my favorites! Freida
geezerart 5 years ago