Chariton Posted March 1, 2014 Report Share Posted March 1, 2014 Hello All, I have some clay I saved from college 15 years ago that has completely dried out. I have soaked a batch in a 5 gallon bucket of water and have it softened up. Too wet actually, so I have it drying out and will knead it as needed to get it where I want. I don't have a pug or anything, just me and the clay. Back then I added a bunch of extra grog as I'm going to try a pit fire soon. Am I on the right track doing this? Also going to try to make my own bisque out of a 55 gal barrel and a propane weed torch. Any thoughts, suggestions and experience? The journey is half the fun! Thank you- Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted March 1, 2014 Report Share Posted March 1, 2014 In pit firing, if you want to burnish, it ia better to and a fine aggregate like pumice rather than grog which will create scratched when you try to burnish. Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biglou13 Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 I've been making clay and recovering clay lately. Is your clay so wet you could run a http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/693760/6937607780209lg.jpg. If so I would , you will fight the clay less in later stages where you try and get consistent texture. Then dry clay in pillowcases, hung to dry, or in cases in large terra cotta pots , or even laundry baskets ala dollar store. If wedgeable then wedge and let rest a day or so repeat , repeat until clay is consistent. If you have hard or dense chunks then try the cut and slam method. Lather rinse repeat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chariton Posted March 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 Great suggestions, never would've thought of that. Thank you much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bciskepottery Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 If you need to rehydrate clay in the future, just open up the plastic bag and add 1 or 1/ 1/2 cups water, and reseal the bag. Then, place the bag of clay in a 5 gallon bucket and fill the bucket with water until it is even with the top of the clay. Water pressure from the bucket will force the water in the back into the clay. Check a day or two later, if still dry, add some more water inside the bag and repeat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzine Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 If you need to rehydrate clay in the future, just open up the plastic bag and add 1 or 1/ 1/2 cups water, and reseal the bag. Then, place the bag of clay in a 5 gallon bucket and fill the bucket with water until it is even with the top of the clay. Water pressure from the bucket will force the water in the back into the clay. Check a day or two later, if still dry, add some more water inside the bag and repeat. Wizardry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biglou13 Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 Bruce You get the award for best tip of the week Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 If the slop is stirrable, and you live i the north, put it on a board and leave outside to freeze. Then take it inside to basement, bathtub etc, and let thaw. Twice like this and the clay should be pretty wedgable. Wedge, put in bag and leave for a few weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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