Mark C.

No
I have fired a few items for people over my 47 years. I stopped doing it about 20 yaers ago. No much risk. The last person said clay was high fire but it was cone 6 and bloated badly and made a mess.Never again.
That said I also have fired the local elementry school kids work twice using my clay and my glaze (onece was unglazed planters)

No
I have fired a few items for people over my 47 years. I stopped doing it about 20 yaers ago. No much risk. The last person said clay was high fire but it was cone 6 and bloated badly and made a mess.Never again.
That said I also have fired the local elementry school kids work twice using my clay and my glaze (onece was unglazed planters)

Yes its a bit like stock trades-(I also do some of that as well)
buy when price is low in quantity 
Maybe the thing is decide if ceramics is your thing  and if that s a yes than approach materials in a business like manner .
If you are just playing around  with clay than all this makes no sense.
 

Materials have been going up especially lately. I stock/horde materials in larger quantities so am less affected by any fluxations . I also am a distributor so price hikes show up in email form from supplier every month or three  or six and I can see whats happening. Tin ,cobalt,frits and really many colorants rise (and sometimes fall ) fairly often. For example the world demand for cobalt /spodume in electric cars really drove prices sky high as Min said above .Other factors include larger companies buying up smaller mining companys and closing them down or taking all the supply for a few business like we saw with texas talc recently. This is a huge factor now in ceramics for us. It started about 10 years back and will affect us all. If one wants to avoid  this  some buy in larger quantities and shop around. I found a cobalt and odd colorant supplier(non ceramic supply)  who dealt in 50# lots and I bought colbalt carb and sold most of it so I would have cheaper cobalt myself. I bought  lots of Tin long ago during a drop in price cycle and will not need any more most likely.
Trucking  cost has climbed steadily and adds to the prices. World demand also can make for rises. I have 8,450#s coming in a week (mostly porcelain) and share trucking to lower costs with our local ceramic supply house
Every year almost I buy a few bags of  Alberta slip and silica, whiting and Nepheline Syenite  as I do not want to stock over 3 bags of each along with my clay order. These have all gone up but considering the price its been small and steady .Clay also has slowly risen.
In 1982 I bought 3,000 of kingman feldspar and am down to about 200 -300#s now and that was a very good move it turned out. On a smaller scale one can do the same thing. 
Now for hobbyists who only use tiny amounts you will take the brunt of all price hikes but really most things ceramic are pretty low cost.
 

Funny I use the same coolers as Neil -I have them in two sizes.I also have an electric one for the van.I run that electric with frozen gallons of water and things stay frozen for a few days
If I'm on a long trip like the one in two weeks that will include diving for 3 days after  3 day show I will take some frozen tuna to BBQ after show-we stay for a week in a place with a kitchen  (friend own it) also fresh vegtables from large garden and steam them for dinner . Usually shows and diving do not mix but this one coming up in Wa state I have mixed diving with show for 30 years now .
For me my wife makes chicken for me  before show and we freeze it . I did many 3 days shows as well.I pack the frozen chicken (one saerving for lunch per day)in pre frozen water bottles quarts and gallons and the food thaws slowly driving to shows (most are long trips up to two days away) I also have a bag of celery and carrots and cold drinks.I also take some hard boiled eggs. I have my own coffee making (stove and dripper always with me in van asa well.) if the show is hot (summer) then I take a as large as I can gett iced latte or coffee. In the eraly am I get a coffee shop to give me a cup of Ice and the drink in another cup and make it up as needed during the day. I like coffee in all forms. I also have some small cold expresso cans as well in cooler.I usually pack some kind nut bars as well. This is  for a solo show or a helper show -its standard as I supply food to helper as well. I have done shows for 47 years now and have a system down . 
Also I take two days of fresh sandwiches which gets me to show and into the 1st day.I carry cereal for breakfast and milk in cooler  as well for all breakfasts during and traveling  to and from shows. I always eat a dinner out after shows unless I'm staying for long time after show like  my next show in two weeks.-part of the deal.10 years ago I put 20.000 miles a year on the van  every year(only used for pottery sales) Now its under 5,000. down to 3 shows and soon less than that.My local sales really have made shows obsolete other than the disire to see and talk to customers which I still need.
In my past when doing super hot shows like Gilry Ca garlic festival I have a scuba tank air powered mister system that covered my booth and 1/2 I used for decades there. I no longer do super hot shows (maybe not with climate change withstanding in the Pacific Northwest now ) .Customers flocked to that mister booth back then-the emitters where away from the racks of pots.
I never eat fair food-for many reasons
they are 
takes to much time
Getting bad food and sick at show is no fun (seen this happen more than once to others)
Remember your time at show is very limited so make it all count. Reading books no 
waiting in food lines no
attuitude is everything unless the customer crosses the line (been there as well) Refusing service always is a last resort but I have done it more than once-this may be another topic?
 
 

Mark's comment on eating Fair food and getting ill reminded me of the time I got food poisoning and my wife had to do the tear down and packing all by herself as I writhed, sweating in agony.  Subsequently I planned my fasts around events and just drank tea and water.  Two or three days was not a struggle.  Not a very exciting response to the original question I suppose but there it is.  I'm extremely unlikely to eat street vendor food from any location ever again.

leave out top spy plug until all water vapor is gone-500 degrees sounds fine.
Welcome to the board

Usually  my return customers are my best sales force. I have had a few bad eggs and refused service to about 3 folks over the last 45 years. One was two women from New York with really bad mouths and attitudes  and very loud. I usually just let nature take it course and they leave but these two where not going so I had to say your money is not good in this booth-soon they got it and left .
I also did that  about 25 years ago to a aggressive man who told me after putting 4 mugs down on my sales table what I was going to charge him. I picked up the 4 mugs quietly and returned them to the shelve and told him politely his money was no good in my booth and he left.You get to refuse service as its your right
Another was a man who had no clue about reality.
I have had a few drunks as well over the past 45 years who required removal before displayed got hurt.Dogs peeing on racks-0dog fight in booth-food being dumped etc
My usual way to say no is your money is no good in this booth-that usually gets them wondering  why this may be soo and soon they drift away.I do not confront folks most times. Keep smiling and say what I mean. Sometime the customer is not always right

Funny I use the same coolers as Neil -I have them in two sizes.I also have an electric one for the van.I run that electric with frozen gallons of water and things stay frozen for a few days
If I'm on a long trip like the one in two weeks that will include diving for 3 days after  3 day show I will take some frozen tuna to BBQ after show-we stay for a week in a place with a kitchen  (friend own it) also fresh vegtables from large garden and steam them for dinner . Usually shows and diving do not mix but this one coming up in Wa state I have mixed diving with show for 30 years now .
For me my wife makes chicken for me  before show and we freeze it . I did many 3 days shows as well.I pack the frozen chicken (one saerving for lunch per day)in pre frozen water bottles quarts and gallons and the food thaws slowly driving to shows (most are long trips up to two days away) I also have a bag of celery and carrots and cold drinks.I also take some hard boiled eggs. I have my own coffee making (stove and dripper always with me in van asa well.) if the show is hot (summer) then I take a as large as I can gett iced latte or coffee. In the eraly am I get a coffee shop to give me a cup of Ice and the drink in another cup and make it up as needed during the day. I like coffee in all forms. I also have some small cold expresso cans as well in cooler.I usually pack some kind nut bars as well. This is  for a solo show or a helper show -its standard as I supply food to helper as well. I have done shows for 47 years now and have a system down . 
Also I take two days of fresh sandwiches which gets me to show and into the 1st day.I carry cereal for breakfast and milk in cooler  as well for all breakfasts during and traveling  to and from shows. I always eat a dinner out after shows unless I'm staying for long time after show like  my next show in two weeks.-part of the deal.10 years ago I put 20.000 miles a year on the van  every year(only used for pottery sales) Now its under 5,000. down to 3 shows and soon less than that.My local sales really have made shows obsolete other than the disire to see and talk to customers which I still need.
In my past when doing super hot shows like Gilry Ca garlic festival I have a scuba tank air powered mister system that covered my booth and 1/2 I used for decades there. I no longer do super hot shows (maybe not with climate change withstanding in the Pacific Northwest now ) .Customers flocked to that mister booth back then-the emitters where away from the racks of pots.
I never eat fair food-for many reasons
they are 
takes to much time
Getting bad food and sick at show is no fun (seen this happen more than once to others)
Remember your time at show is very limited so make it all count. Reading books no 
waiting in food lines no
attuitude is everything unless the customer crosses the line (been there as well) Refusing service always is a last resort but I have done it more than once-this may be another topic?
 
 

My clay prices and chemicals have all gone up. Demand has gone berserk
I have raised prices and am still doing that. My 1st show is coming up  a few states away and all pots will cost more except for spoon rests .
My  natural gas cost has risen as well. 

I had studio sales twice a year at the studio for 19 years-stopped in 1993 when I went to more long distance art shows.There where no local studio tours like these days back then. I had a 1000 person mailing list and mailed a postcards out the last 5 years-before that I had a bulk mailing permit (#75 ) and did bulk mailing as it was the cheapest.I gave up mailing lists in the early 90s never looked back-All the work sells so  why botherb looking for more customers?
I did a local studio tour one time in early 2000s -it was a bust for me money wise for the effort.
I did about 12 traveling art shows for more decades than I recall.Gave up on studio sales .
as time went buy shifted to local venues (shops,galleries,stores) and a few less shows
I sell to customers who call ahead every year maybe 3-10 a year -just sold $300 last week to return  dinnerware customer. I only do this when the production allows it -not on glaze day - or loading day ,usually after a glaze  kiln comes out
I keep track of these studio sales and they average 1k to 3 k a year -in fact I keep a small 1/2 sheet of paper on fridge side with all sales of every sort every year to compare  year to year .Sure I could spread sheet it  in excel but why-I log them in when they happen-pen and paper
At one time I sold (my display )at a local produce stand in a barn) for a few summers about 1/2 mile away from home.
I also had pop up stands in the 70-s and early 80s around this area-now they are called pop up sales 
I have tried pretty much all ways to sell-turned down the trunk show offers 20 years ago at Norstrums-You have had to say no many times with others trying to make a $ on your work-you get to pick and choose.
 

If I used them I would buy a 50# bag for sure.

wait and get the right stuff

My clay prices and chemicals have all gone up. Demand has gone berserk
I have raised prices and am still doing that. My 1st show is coming up  a few states away and all pots will cost more except for spoon rests .
My  natural gas cost has risen as well. 

Any supply chain issues for you as well as raising costs in this new landscape . Things like plaster are scare as well as talc at Laguna Clay Com.Equipment is long backordered they say- Prices are creeping up on most items
I had to raise my prices as well to keep up.
any issues for you in ceramics?

I had studio sales twice a year at the studio for 19 years-stopped in 1993 when I went to more long distance art shows.There where no local studio tours like these days back then. I had a 1000 person mailing list and mailed a postcards out the last 5 years-before that I had a bulk mailing permit (#75 ) and did bulk mailing as it was the cheapest.I gave up mailing lists in the early 90s never looked back-All the work sells so  why botherb looking for more customers?
I did a local studio tour one time in early 2000s -it was a bust for me money wise for the effort.
I did about 12 traveling art shows for more decades than I recall.Gave up on studio sales .
as time went buy shifted to local venues (shops,galleries,stores) and a few less shows
I sell to customers who call ahead every year maybe 3-10 a year -just sold $300 last week to return  dinnerware customer. I only do this when the production allows it -not on glaze day - or loading day ,usually after a glaze  kiln comes out
I keep track of these studio sales and they average 1k to 3 k a year -in fact I keep a small 1/2 sheet of paper on fridge side with all sales of every sort every year to compare  year to year .Sure I could spread sheet it  in excel but why-I log them in when they happen-pen and paper
At one time I sold (my display )at a local produce stand in a barn) for a few summers about 1/2 mile away from home.
I also had pop up stands in the 70-s and early 80s around this area-now they are called pop up sales 
I have tried pretty much all ways to sell-turned down the trunk show offers 20 years ago at Norstrums-You have had to say no many times with others trying to make a $ on your work-you get to pick and choose.
 

Something to consider -I have installed two Mr Cool mini splits in our house in last two years (one last week)
Besides being the most effecent heat and cool heat pumps made they also have a dehumidifier function which could dry out your basement. The smallest unit is about $1,200 (they make 5 models of the DIY models)so for about $1400 total (wiring /breaker and pad) it could cool and heat and dehumidify your basement.
Of course I did all my own work and so can anyone if you are handy-check them out on You Tube-Available at all bog box stores etc. I got mine from supplyhouse.com ,no big box around here. Free shipping-they seem to be all fair priced the same everywhere.
Its a cheap option and they use very little electricity-could cure your issue and add cool or heat as well.
By the way these mini splits are all over the world especially in Asia but are just now hitting the US market. I have a solar electric system so power is alraedy paid for and these only use small amouts of electricity .They heat down to near zero degrees and cool when its hotter than a kiln-so climate location really does not matter.

Something to consider -I have installed two Mr Cool mini splits in our house in last two years (one last week)
Besides being the most effecent heat and cool heat pumps made they also have a dehumidifier function which could dry out your basement. The smallest unit is about $1,200 (they make 5 models of the DIY models)so for about $1400 total (wiring /breaker and pad) it could cool and heat and dehumidify your basement.
Of course I did all my own work and so can anyone if you are handy-check them out on You Tube-Available at all bog box stores etc. I got mine from supplyhouse.com ,no big box around here. Free shipping-they seem to be all fair priced the same everywhere.
Its a cheap option and they use very little electricity-could cure your issue and add cool or heat as well.
By the way these mini splits are all over the world especially in Asia but are just now hitting the US market. I have a solar electric system so power is alraedy paid for and these only use small amouts of electricity .They heat down to near zero degrees and cool when its hotter than a kiln-so climate location really does not matter.

In terms of production from  late April early May to October 15th I dry most pots outside same day made. Thrown and put in sun,fog or anything but drizzel or rain. Trim and handle same day. If its really cool and foggy and wet I'll dry them in shop with natural gas heater on. The rest of the time its up  high in shop with heat on- throw trim as soon as they are ready usually same day no matter how hot it gets creature comfort is of no concern-pots are the focus not my comfort.
I like  to dry outside so shop stays cool but if needed it can be warm in a few minutes. Pots dictate whats needed.
We can throw handle and fire mugs same day if weather is warm and sunny. I do it a few times each year -last week was one of those times. You can do things that are outside previous limits if you get it right.Things like cearl bowls all day long throw trim and fire-handle forms take special care to fire same day-in an ele3ctric its easy the gas kiln is harder and I bisque in gas kiln 99% of the time.
Humitity meter in shop tells me what to do with the heater.
Today with two glaze fires going I had to trim and keep the pie plates away from kiln area (to hot to soon) 
 

Well maybe just maybe a used Giel 18 cubic downdraft  front loader kiln. I always like these kilns. I have a 12 cubic footer and a 35 car kiln -the best size for me is a 24 to fill that gap. The other issue is shelve size its 14x28 so I would just leave the back of shelve up as its a ways back to them.
Its a bit late in my life but a friend died and got this kiln for him. I may buy it from his wife (I cleaned out his studio last year for her) He only fired it twice.I can close to getting myself but at the last I let him have it.
The moving it is a huge issue (I have to take his studio wall down and the logistics at each end are hard expecially his side. I need to pour a pad here for it and the overhead is tight and a small forklift is key. The 15 mile move is also an issue as I do not have a flatbed. Not sure at this age if any of this makes since for me
I'm on the fence about this whole thing.

I was before covid hit and sales went thru the roof. I have not done an art show in 18 months and still, have a best year of my life sales wise.
slowing down got kicked out the studio door with orders thru the moon. I have said no to some lately.
The kiln buy has been in the  brain works for 3 years now and I still am on the fence-a smaller kiln sounds good at times

I was before covid hit and sales went thru the roof. I have not done an art show in 18 months and still, have a best year of my life sales wise.
slowing down got kicked out the studio door with orders thru the moon. I have said no to some lately.
The kiln buy has been in the  brain works for 3 years now and I still am on the fence-a smaller kiln sounds good at times

I have had a fair amount of Requests for older info on Brent wheels-all from the 70s mainly thru PM's and E-mails. I'll cover all the questions I have answered in the past years here.
This is my original Brochure from 1969-1970-I bought a model C then from Robert Brent himself. At that time the model C and CXC where the only two models he made. The CXC was a direct drive transmission and could spin a 3/4 ton truck . The model C had two separate belts. Both had flat heavy duty decks with flat formica on top. The foot pedals where like in photos not like todays models. 
You can replace the potentiometer  by following that link at top of Equipment page on Brandon's post.
The splash Pans  where galvanized sheet metal and just slid in under the wheel head with no attachment .You can make one from say a plastic bowl like container. I like to find them at Asian Markets as they have the best selections
The CXC has a 1/2 steel thick deck and weight 160#s -yes 1/2 plate steel. The Model C was 1/4 inch thick deck and weighed 120#s. I still have my model C and its heavy.
The transmission takes 90 weight oil in that CXC. 
The control boxes where metal electrical boxes and were to small for all the contents and can be replaced with deeper boxes if you are working on one.
Any rust can be neutralized using Ospho bought online or any Ace Hardware store and let set for 24 hours then spray with flat black paint after 1st wire brushing away the loose material.
If your motor is blue (its original) the brushes are not user changeable -just take it to an electric motor shop and have them change out any neaded bearings or brushes at the same time.
If you have a bearing out on the wheeled (its all one unit) you can unbolt it from deck and replace with new Brent wheelhead but the shaft size on the model C was 5/8 and the new shaft/wheelheads are 3/4 so you will need new 3/4 inch shaft belt pulley as well
In Brent wheelheads the bearing and shaft/wheelhead are one piece so you need the whole deal.. The good news is they can last a lifetime unless you are a production potter.
All newer Brent motors have user friendly replacement brushes (non Blue motors).
Hope this helps those who buy these older Brent wheels
The wiring brochure is from the old days-the last document is the spring tension on wheels from the  late 70s onward written by an old acquaintance from Amaco/ Brent  Paul Scowden

Well maybe just maybe a used Giel 18 cubic downdraft  front loader kiln. I always like these kilns. I have a 12 cubic footer and a 35 car kiln -the best size for me is a 24 to fill that gap. The other issue is shelve size its 14x28 so I would just leave the back of shelve up as its a ways back to them.
Its a bit late in my life but a friend died and got this kiln for him. I may buy it from his wife (I cleaned out his studio last year for her) He only fired it twice.I can close to getting myself but at the last I let him have it.
The moving it is a huge issue (I have to take his studio wall down and the logistics at each end are hard expecially his side. I need to pour a pad here for it and the overhead is tight and a small forklift is key. The 15 mile move is also an issue as I do not have a flatbed. Not sure at this age if any of this makes since for me
I'm on the fence about this whole thing.

Two one ton extended vans bought new  made by my order over past 20 years-Had one for 10 years put 180k on that one the other is also 10 years old now bought new for 35K and it has 70k on it now-slowing down on  miles now less than 4k a year on van
Then two Peter Puggers-both bought used one this year
Then Baliey electric slab roller bought new a few decades ago or more .
5-6 brent wheels over 48 year period -1st one in 1970 for 270$ new a model CXC in 82 both of those where new all the rest used except a model A off ebay-new old stock a few years ago as a spare trimming wheel
some where in this mix is lots of hardbrick/softbrick which cost more than a wheel for sure to build kilns