Jump to content

Reworked Clay Question


Recommended Posts

I just recently reworked about 60 to 70 lbs of Amaco Buff #46 also known as X-15 kept o the shelf at Hobby Lobby etc. This clay is decent out of the box but after I reworked it and tried to throw it all it does is give me grief and seems like a totally different clay.. Its not to wet or to hard, it is really close to fresh out of the box consistency ...

 

 It is much weaker, this doesn't seem normal to me.. our other clays have been ok after reworking.

 

The only thing it might be good for is hand building, "I think".. add sand?

 

so I guess my question is, what is going on with this clay body? no additives as far as sand etc, its a smooth body..

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What do you mean by re-worked...re-wedged? Re-wedged clay always throws a little different than just out of the package, but It sounds pretty strange that it is giving you so much trouble. You might want to let it sit for a while, and then try again. A lot of people say that aging improves the workability. I have had luck doing this with mixed clay bodies, especially if they are somewhat different in moisture content.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

LOL yeah its gonna sit for a while...  Its clay that we learned on etc. we let it dry on our table as we flipped it over every day and had a fan "low speed" pulling air over it..  we re wedged some porcelain the same way, no problems with it at... 

 

Thanks Bob, ill let it set and try again..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Years ago when working with Amaco earthenwares and recycling scrap etc, I found that aging was a must. I would start pugging clay as soon as I had a bucket full, then cover the new bucket with damp towels and a tight lid plastic garbage can lid. Leave it sit until it felt better again, then use it with classes. I would always keep boxed clay boxed if I could use the recycled and aged clay first. Even then, with the Earthenware, I had problems with it coming completely back. One of the reasons I went to mid range stoneware, but then that is a different story.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just recently reworked about 60 to 70 lbs of Amaco Buff #46 also known as X-15 kept o the shelf at Hobby Lobby etc

 It is much weaker, this doesn't seem normal to me.. our other clays have been ok after reworking.

 

The Jr. college I attend has had issues with Hobby Lobby cone 10 clays.  At cone 10 reduction the clay fractures

into small chunks.  Then as it is moved from the kiln to the rolling shelves, it crumbles into small pieces.

 Knowing that, I suggest to 1. change to another clay or add some a known good clay to it to use it up.

        then bisque, glaze, and glaze fire to see how it suits your needs and how it reacts to your kiln and temps.

I think Mid-South clay company is in Nashville if you can't find clay in your area.  Trinity Clay Co. is in Florence,

Alabama.  You might need to do some more kiln and glaze testing.  Take notes.

good luck

Alabama

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you are recycling clay from wheel practice sessions, you are likely recycling clay that has had the fine clay particles washed away, leaving only the larger particles and a stiff clay body. If you recycle, use your wheel tray slop for rehydrating the clay after it has dried out; that returns some of the fine particles. Also, you could mix new/old together rather than just recycle old by itself.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks , Alabama.. Ky Mudworks is just a hour away, I went there the other day and got some Moon White, so far its second best clay we have thrown..

 

Bc, Babs Thanks,,- That makes sense, as I look back we took the bigger chunks etc and probably left way to may fines in the pan.. I know for a fact there is clay in there on its 3rd re-wedge but not much maybe 7 lbs at most.. If I add anything it will be some sand ad try to Raku it..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I keep a tall tub in the wheel pan and scrape my hands/tools (everything) into it and try not to let anything go down the plug-hole.  When re-cycling I use the scraped off slurry to re-wet the dried out lumps of "still can't get this throwing" clay.

 

Haven't noticed any difference when throwing or slab-work between new and re-worked clay.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.