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Hi folks, once again no questions in the QotW question pool, but I will attempt to raise another once again. I was making a list of parts I needed to repair my kiln the other day, and had taken off the switch panel of the L& L and taking a few pictures made determinations on the web site using the serial # of the kiln to choose replacement parts. I also had checked into areas of if this burns out, replace it, but also replace x, y. or z. This got me to thinking about the types of things that have made me grow experience wise in the HS studio, and in the shop at home. . . making repairs! I know that many out there have a handy better half that do repairs, others have friends or other potters nearby always handy to fix something or at least lead the way. Still others out there will call in a specialist to repair the kiln, fix the wheel or such. Over the years I have found that my understanding of the equipment is often better than some of the so called specialists that I have had looking at things. Not going further. . . QotW: When something breaks down, how do you deal with it? best, Pres

Hi there lovely potters I am based in Auckland, New Zealand. I am in need of some HELP in getting my pottery wheel to work which I bought second hand from ebay. But before buying I didn't check that it is made for US electric requirement of 115v Excitingly I opened up the box and plugged in the wheel, and that's when I realised that it wrong voltage for NZ! I bought the step down transformer from 230 to 115v 500W and hooked up the wheel again, this time the green light on the side of the wheel was lit, but still the wheel was not going. I checked the troubleshooting manual on Shimpo website, it said that if the two LED lights on the circuit board are not lit then the board is faulty. I followed the steps and the LED lights were not lit. But I am still in doubt that if it's a faulty/damaged board or it's something to do with wrong voltage. the seller is absolutely sure that the wheel was perfectly fine when he shipped it. I should also mention that when I first plugged in the wheel without the transformer, there was a small spark on the power socket, But I guess that it may have been the loose adaptor and I hope that I haven't blown off the motor!! Are there any folks out there who have experienced similar situation or have better knowledge of these things? Much appreciate your time. cheers, Hitesh

Quick question. I have a bone dry piece that has a clean brake. Can I join using sodium silicate? TIA regards Andrea

Hello! I am new to the forums, and to pottery in general - but I am in love! I realized quickly that continuing classes was not going to work for me for several reasons, the on-going cost and the fact that one day a week was not enough time at the wheel! I have been looking for a used wheel and have found a Shimpo RK-10 Super wheel. I'm not going to lie it seems in rough shape, but I am hopeful that you guys can give me some advice on what could be going on and if it's worth the price. So here it goes: the wheel runs nicely, but squeals when it is in the "off" (turned on, but stopped) position. It also continues to ever-so-slowly spin though it should be stopped. It also has some humidity rust to it and I wonder if the housing can be refinished - not that I really care! I kind of love the wheel, but am scared that my excitement is causing me to rush ahead. I have attached some photos, and have a video of the squeak/squeal. Not sure how to share my video and my pictures would not load so I am putting the YouTube link here: https://youtu.be/9Z74XkrbRJM <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Z74XkrbRJM"frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Thank you so much for your help! Sonya "Lucky"

I fired a small bust sculpted with Laguna dark brown clay. A piece broke off and I used Amaco Bisque Fix and applied what I was told was sufficient amount. The bust was re-fired but the piece that was glued broke off again. I will use an epoxy to repair but I have 3 questions: 1.should I remove the bisque fix prior to using epoxy? 2. what would I use to remove the Fix? 3. what epoxy would be best to use? Appreciate any/all feedback-thanks!