Juli Long Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 As hard as I try to keep my studio space around me clean it just always seem to be a mess! I wipe down my splash pan after every throwing, helps me keep an eye on how much water I throw with and is the only way I have found to keep up with a clean wheel. Yes, its a never ending daunting task, and I would like to know how others have found to keep ahead of the mess. Tips to share? Juli Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 As hard as I try to keep my studio space around me clean it just always seem to be a mess! I wipe down my splash pan after every throwing, helps me keep an eye on how much water I throw with and is the only way I have found to keep up with a clean wheel. Yes, its a never ending daunting task, and I would like to know how others have found to keep ahead of the mess. Tips to share? Juli I keep the floor around my wheel clean(very clean), then after trimming sweep up using a janitor type broom and dustpan combination that I can recycle the clean trimmings with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juli Long Posted January 31, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 Pres, Do you mop the floor around the wheel daily? Is that how you are keeping it clean, or do you put newspaper down, and throw them away daily? Juli Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 As hard as I try to keep my studio space around me clean it just always seem to be a mess! I wipe down my splash pan after every throwing, helps me keep an eye on how much water I throw with and is the only way I have found to keep up with a clean wheel. Yes, its a never ending daunting task, and I would like to know how others have found to keep ahead of the mess. Tips to share? Juli My wheel is in a small alcove in my studio and I've lined this area with heavyweight plastic - sadly, this is my only "tip", and not much of one at that as I have to wipe down the plastic anyway! I try to make myself think of cleaning up as being part of the creative process so as not to resent it quite as much and when that doesn't work, I make myself do it for my own safety. I wet-cloth wipe every surface and tool I use after each session and use a water-filled spray gun on the floor before mopping up in order to keep dust at a minimum ..... I really wish there was a short cut and will keep my eye on this post with a hopeful heart! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 I long ago gave up the keep the throwing wheel clean war I weekly sweep shop floor (painted wood) with commercial green waxed floor sweep which picks up small clay dust particles I trim os another dedicated trim wheel which also cleans easy once a week Mark here is the throwing room Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 Technically, we should never be using a broom in our studios, even with sweeping compound. The smallest clay/silica particles, the ones that actually get into your lungs and do damage, can stay airborne for hours. The best thing is to always sweep up trimmings while they are still moist, and wet mop to clean the floor. Always use a damp sponge or cloth to clean tables. Personally, I never clean my wheel or tools. I just empty out the splash pan when it gets full, and dip my tools in water before each session to loosen up the dired clay. My students, however, are required to clean the wheels every time they use them. I have 11 Thomas-Stuart (now Skutt) wheels in my studio, and very little clay makes it onto the floor with those large splash pans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 Pres, Do you mop the floor around the wheel daily? Is that how you are keeping it clean, or do you put newspaper down, and throw them away daily? Juli Concrete floor in the garage. Sweep up very clean, no mop just sweep and shop vac. Trimmings come off usually on the left side, and they get swept up before they get bone dry. The broom and dustpan collects most all of the clay easily. The thing is called a lobby broom and dustpan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teardrop Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 I'm probably in the minority here (again), and some folks may say "it isn't a studio without a wheel".....but as someone who plans to (at least for the time being) focus on slab-construction I have decided that I'm not going to bring a wheel into my home just yet. Thanks for reminding me why. (If I need to throw I'll go make a mess at the college...LOL) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJR Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 I have a Brent wheel, but I did not buy the small splash pan. At the time they were $35.00 and I didn't have the cash. I built my own splash pan that fits the base of the wheel. I clean it twice a year at open house time[clean as in take it off and wash it in the sink[. It is made of wood and is Varithaned. [sp?]. I take all the trimmings out the next day when they are bone dry and put them in a 5 gallon slop bucket-when full, I slake them on a plaster batt. I wet mop my floor when it needs it, about once a week. I also mop after glazing. I do not sweep. I have a hand broom and dust pan to pick up all the clay bits from the floor. I throw these away, as I have found staples in my clay and tiny bits of wood etc. The beauty of having my own studio is that I don't have to clean my wheel every time I throw. I always wash my throwing tools after every session. This is pschycological-gives me a fresh start next time. Hope this helps. TJR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 I should add that when I sweep with floor sweep I'm wearing a mask and run my Delta 50-875 1300 CFM 3-Speed Ambient Air Cleaner and leave the studio for the day while the air cleaner does its work.This is usually Sunday evening These air cleaners are very nice for clean air studios-one tip is install a pre filter( 1$ at hardware) in front of pricy machine fine micron filter Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 I should add that when I sweep with floor sweep I'm wearing a mask and run my Delta 50-875 1300 CFM 3-Speed Ambient Air Cleaner and leave the studio for the day while the air cleaner does its work.This is usually Sunday evening These air cleaners are very nice for clean air studios-one tip is install a pre filter( 1$ at hardware) in front of pricy machine fine micron filter Mark Studio at the HS had one air cleaner-bailey I think, and two downdraft tables. I would use the downdraft tables in the kids summer camp and be able to fast dry slab,coil, pinch and thrown pots in a day for a next day firing. Figured out that with all running I was circulating the total air through a filter 6 times an hr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 I throw fairly dry and don't get a splash pan of water. I do save as much trimmings as possible for recycling and sweep or shop vac the floor after trimming. I mop after glazing. I had a student come up with a brilliant idea yesterday. He wet a piece of butcher paper to sand his piece. The wet paper caught the sand dust very neatly. I don't like sanding but students like to do it. Always wear masks when sanding. Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JBaymore Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Technically, we should never be using a broom in our studios, even with sweeping compound. The smallest clay/silica particles, the ones that actually get into your lungs and do damage, can stay airborne for hours. The best thing is to always sweep up trimmings while they are still moist, and wet mop to clean the floor. Always use a damp sponge or cloth to clean tables. BINGO! Saying this one below again today from what I put in another posting .......... I'd maybe suggest getting the book "Artist Beware" by Dr. Michael McCann and reading it. Also "Keeping Claywork Safe and Legal" by Monnona Rossol. They should be in every potter's library. best, ..............john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JBaymore Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 I should add that when I sweep with floor sweep I'm wearing a mask and run my Delta 50-875 1300 CFM 3-Speed Ambient Air Cleaner and leave the studio for the day while the air cleaner does its work.This is usually Sunday evening WARNING!!!!!!!! That particular filter unit does not have a filtration system that is suitable for microcrystaline respirable silica dusts. The only one that is approved for that kind of use is a HEPA type filter (or a P-100 type). That type of filter goes into the SUB micron range... not the micron plus level, as is stated on the Delta product literature for that unit. Government standards for HEPA filters for silica dusts say it must remove 99.97% of particles greater than 0.3 micrometer from the air. The fliter that comes with that unit appears to stop nothing below 1 micron. It is the sub micron particles that are of REAL concern. Please remember that even HEPA filtered active air filters are the last line of defense on silica dust and need to be sized correctly as to the total room air volume and the level of contaminant that is present. Plus the location that the filters are installed is important too. The first line of defense is preventuion of the material getting into the air in the first place, second is local pickup ventilation at the dust/fume/gas generation source (if that can be done), third is general dlitution ventilation of the entire space. It is only after all of that stuff is already addressed that active air filters aere suggested to pick up the final little "slack" in the rest of the system. This is pretty standard industrial hygiene practice. If you happen to be IN the studio in the 24 to 36 hours that the sub-micron particles can remain in still air, you also have two OTHER active air filters working..... your lungs. If the filter unit is located on the ceiling, then the dust generated by you working probably is in your breathing zone before it ever reaches the air filter up on the roof. best, .............john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 I should add that when I sweep with floor sweep I'm wearing a mask and run my Delta 50-875 1300 CFM 3-Speed Ambient Air Cleaner and leave the studio for the day while the air cleaner does its work.This is usually Sunday evening WARNING!!!!!!!! That particular filter unit does not have a filtration system that is suitable for microcrystaline respirable silica dusts. The only one that is approved for that kind of use is a HEPA type filter (or a P-100 type). That type of filter goes into the SUB micron range... not the micron plus level, as is stated on the Delta product literature for that unit. Government standards for HEPA filters for silica dusts say it must remove 99.97% of particles greater than 0.3 micrometer from the air. The fliter that comes with that unit appears to stop nothing below 1 micron. It is the sub micron particles that are of REAL concern. Please remember that even HEPA filtered active air filters are the last line of defense on silica dust and need to be sized correctly as to the total room air volume and the level of contaminant that is present. Plus the location that the filters are installed is important too. The first line of defense is preventuion of the material getting into the air in the first place, second is local pickup ventilation at the dust/fume/gas generation source (if that can be done), third is general dlitution ventilation of the entire space. It is only after all of that stuff is already addressed that active air filters aere suggested to pick up the final little "slack" in the rest of the system. This is pretty standard industrial hygiene practice. If you happen to be IN the studio in the 24 to 36 hours that the sub-micron particles can remain in still air, you also have two OTHER active air filters working..... your lungs. If the filter unit is located on the ceiling, then the dust generated by you working probably is in your breathing zone before it ever reaches the air filter up on the roof. best, .............john John Thanks for that info as it does only do 1 micron-checking into a hepa filter for it-looks like I can just drop one in Cannot be to careful-with dust Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanie Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 I'm probably in the minority here (again), and some folks may say "it isn't a studio without a wheel".....but as someone who plans to (at least for the time being) focus on slab-construction I have decided that I'm not going to bring a wheel into my home just yet. Thanks for reminding me why. (If I need to throw I'll go make a mess at the college...LOL) I do have a wheel but 99% of my work is done by slab. To me, it is just more fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riorose Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 I have my housekeepper come every other week to scrub everything down! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celia Posted February 4, 2012 Report Share Posted February 4, 2012 I love all these ideas because I don't have running water in my studio. I have to hike around our house and uphill to find a garden hose. The smartest thing I've done is save my fancy friends' dry cleaning bags and use them to line the semicircular open surface on my Lockerbee kickwheel. I don't use a lot of water throwing, but even so, there are blops and especially trimming bits when I trim. After work I can just peel up the bag and tip any mess into my reclaim barrel. I save coffee canisters and their lids and use a different canister for each of my clay bodies' throwing water, so I never have to clean out a water bucket. Just snap on the lid. Instead of canvas covered boards, I work on fabric topped shelf liner (a Contact product), using a different strip for each of my clay bodies. This stuff is about three feet long by 18 inches wide (I wish they made it wider but they don't) and it rinses right off under the hose and dries quickly. It's beautiful finish for handwork. Again, I can roll up any trimming bits and carry all that mess to the reclaim cans after a day's work. (I tried to find litho fabric locally but couldn't get it for free, so I quit looking.) I wipe up dropped clay at once. Once a week I pour clean water on the floor and suck up any dirt with a shop vac. Still, mess and dust accumulate. I want one of those cleaning ladies!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JBaymore Posted February 4, 2012 Report Share Posted February 4, 2012 I want one of those cleaning ladies!! Just make sure that the cleaning lady is clearly informed of exactly what they are cleaning up in advance and have documentation of that fact........ so that they don't come back years later and sue you for any developing health issues... real or not real. If you are a business, this thought gets more complicated. If they are classified as an employee of the business, there are some significant OSHA standards that you will need to comply with or you open yourself up to some REAL potential issues. As an independent contractor doing occasional cleaning work....... check with your lawyer for status of this (I haven't a clue). best, ...................john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JBaymore Posted February 4, 2012 Report Share Posted February 4, 2012 Thanks for that info as it does only do 1 micron-checking into a hepa filter for it-looks like I can just drop one in Mark, Did you find out if a HEPA filter addition is available for that particular unit? best, ...................john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JBaymore Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Thanks for that info as it does only do 1 micron-checking into a hepa filter for it-looks like I can just drop one in Mark, Did you find out if a HEPA filter addition is available for that particular unit? best, ...................john Mark, I just got this reply back from the folks at Delta (the tools-plus-team) on that filter unit: Dear John Baymore, Thanks so much for your interest in Tools-Plus and in the Delta 50-875 3-Speed Ambient Air Cleaner. We have looked at the question you asked and we have an answer for you. Just as a reminder, you asked: Does this unit have a HEPA or P-100 filter suitable for microcrystaline toxic silica dusts? Here is our answer: I don't believe the compatible filters are HEPA, but This unit's filters filter 99% of particles larger than 1 micron. To buy the product now or to view more questions and answers about the Delta 50-875 3-Speed Ambient Air Cleaner, please click here. We hope that you find our answer helpful. If you have any further questions, just reply to this email. Thank You! The Tools-Plus Team ----------------------------------------------------- Looks like a "no go". Worse ... from the phrasing of the answer, it looks like the people who answered it have no idea what "microcrystaline silica" filtering standards are.... or they would not have pointed out that 99% over 1 micron number as if it was an asset. best, .......................john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 I as you did not find one that drops into that same space on unit but am still looking for one that fits over the front of unit (it will work as a primary 1st) so the 1 micron would be the backup 12x24 is the size to cover front of unit-they make a zillion round ones for shop vacs I'm sure there is one out there-still hunting-as I'm out of studio for many months with my wrist surgery slowly recovering I have some time to get some anyone have a lead? thanks for the delta follow thru Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Unknown Craftsman Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Try here, they may have or could point you to one : http://www.hepafilters.com/ Also, here's a page with a few manufacturers on it: http://www.air-filters.org/air-filters-2.htm I'm having trouble remembering who makes the filters for our clean room air handlers, but I will try to find out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Thanks for those-I'm also waiting on a quote from air filters inc as well as one of the above links many of these places do not have a direct buy link Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Oz Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 On the subject of dust, one thing that I have noticed that makes a lot of dust and most potters don't seem to be concerned or aware of, is dust clouds created from slab roller canvases that have dry clay particles on them from multiple uses. Sending the canvas though the slab roller creates dust, as does flopping the slabs and canvas onto tables and general use, I will wear a N95 dust mask if I'm using used canvas, in addition to a room filter. I also hose off the canvas after several uses. When it comes to mixing clay and glazes, I do it next to a strong exhaust fan and plenty of ventilation to rapidly replace room air, and wearing a N100 rubber mask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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