JohnnyK

I'm guessing that the carbide broke when you dropped it...how many pieces? If you have any welding experience, you may be able to silver solder the pieces back together and grind the joints to the original cross-section. Otherwise consider taking it to someone that does have such experience...

Treat Your Own Back, by Robin McKensie. 
This book did wonders for my lower back, by opening my eyes to what I was doing wrong. Changed some daily habits, and my back has never felt better. It’s an inexpensive book, and a quick read. Highly recommend it!

Back pain is no fun, Tom. I put up with it for way too long until about 2 years ago. I went in to get treated for what I thought was sciatica which I put up with for more than 20 years. After PT which only made it worse, and an epidural which seemed to work for about a month, they did an MRI which showed that I had spinal stenosis. Arthritis in my L4-L5 vertebrae was impinging on my spinal cord causing all the problems. I underwent spinal surgery which took care of all the back and leg probs I had been putting up with for so long. Lower back and leg pain is now a distant memory.
Take care of yourself!

I also use my reclaim clay for extrusions and hand building,  my throwing clay is also good for hand building.   One of my college professors showed us how he threw with very little water.   Everyone in the class loved throwing that way,  you and the wheel were easy to clean up.   The pot on the wheel was tighter  and easier to move than a sloppy wet pot.  Denice

Good Luck, Tom...I think you'll find auto-firing a delight. You will have to experiment with firing schedules at first and there should be some recommendations in the user's manual. I also found John brick's schedules to be helpful. Once you've established your primary schedules, future firings will be a breeze!

The growing area is about 1/4 acre including the fruit tree orchard. I sell, on average, 500 to 600 pounds of veggies each season and donate 200-300 pounds to a local food locker...

The growing area is about 1/4 acre including the fruit tree orchard. I sell, on average, 500 to 600 pounds of veggies each season and donate 200-300 pounds to a local food locker...

I did a small planting this year. 5 okra, 5 bigboy tomato, 5 sakura tomato, 5 cucumber. Should be more than enough to feed us and some neighbors. They are already in the ground I sprouted them from seed in the studio a while ago. About 12'' tall now. Okra is starting to produce as well as the Sakuras. It will be hot in Georgia in a month!
As far as what kept me away, a few things. My job was killing my shoulder and pottery was just adding to it. On top of that I had a 3rd son, and started a business during the pandemic. Spent about 2 years working 60+ hours a week between my job and my business. I left my job back in the end of January and haven't looked back. Thankfully my shoulder is on the mend now and doesn't hurt all day and night anymore.
I think I am going to focus on making jars for the forseeable future. I love making cups and such, but for some reason I am just drawn to making lidded jars right now. Go to go where the heart calls.
 
 

I know the feeling...It's planting time for me. I have about another week to get my veggies and seeds in the ground. Then it's a waiting game for everything to grow up and produce during which time I'll be spending more time in the studio.
What have you been doing for the last 2 years to keep you away from the pottery?

WOW! Talk about a quick response! I really appreciate the return to the old format!
Thank you!

Chico is going to be a big change from Los Osos. You mentioned IMCO in Sacramento for your clay. You also have Alpha Fired Arts in Sacramento for ALL your needs. If you're in the Sacramento area in the future, let me know and we can do lunch!

Even though it had been archived, if it is relevant today, I think it should be resurrected!

I am happy that you finally got a diagnosis.   I went through the same thing with doctors,  they would imply that I was a hypochondriac.    I was finally diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 55,  my MRI showed that I had it for a long time.   I first started having symptoms in my early 20's,  my husband and I are 70 years old.   We are trying to live as much life that we can everyday.   We drove to Kansas City today and bought a new Challenger with all the bells and whistles.  I have a mural project that I am starting to work on in my studio.   Live a full life.  Denice

Good to hear that you have it under control and can make the best of your time going forward! Have fun in the mud! Having gotten a half inch of rain yesterday, I can play in the mud on my farm and the mud in my studio...

thank you, johnny.   i didn't explain this situation well.  my daughter had some time this evening and she walked me through apartial solution.   there is more to it and she is going to contact someone at facebook tomorrow. 
somehow somebody set up a facebook account for me using part of my name, a photo of my work and put my birthdate as april 30, 1994.  funny, right???   no.  because i cannot set up a facebook page now.

I love this time of the year...Daylight Savings Time goes away. It gets dark early. It cools significantly and I can't spend as much time outdoors with the farm and the garden soooo...more time in the STUDIO,,,yaaay!

So it is easier to "smoke" your salmon?

Looking forward to your input, James
 

Kinda like riding a bicycle...

All went well with the surgery now that all my fingers have gotten normal sensation. Up until about 10PM last night I was concerned because the ring finger was still numb and I thought there might have been some nerve damage, but sensation started to return before I went to bed. This morning, everything is about as normal as can be expected after a surgery. It will be about a month before I can resume normal everyday activities.

 
 

All went well with the surgery now that all my fingers have gotten normal sensation. Up until about 10PM last night I was concerned because the ring finger was still numb and I thought there might have been some nerve damage, but sensation started to return before I went to bed. This morning, everything is about as normal as can be expected after a surgery. It will be about a month before I can resume normal everyday activities.

 
 

I went with the clever moniker of "Photo tutorial for the forum."

Do you mean C05?    C5 would be nearly impossible to do a proper glazing on the pot.  

Way to go Lee! By then I should have my testing done on sealants for the interior of raku pots and vases. I'm going to be trying rubber based materials like clear FlexSeal to see if I can waterproof my horsehair and other raku pieces...

You're not dealing with "drying" as much as absorption...once you've poured out the excess slip, depending on the wall thickness of your piece, it should release in about 30-45 minutes...leaving it right side up will help with drying the inside of the piece.