PottaFella Posted December 7, 2016 Report Share Posted December 7, 2016 Is there a potters' rule of thumb for establishing how much clay to start with when making a vessel? For example I need to copy a glazed (inside only) stoneware casserole-type object where the lid and base each weigh about 800grams and thinking to perhaps start with double those weights in wet clay - does that sound about right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzine Posted December 7, 2016 Report Share Posted December 7, 2016 Probably about right. I've weighed some of the mugs I've made, just to compare pre to post firing. My 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. mugs weight right around a pound after firing. I guess that would make sense. Water is heavy. I guess that's one reason why ceramic artist order glaze as dry materials. Why pay for shipping on a material that comes cheap out of the tap? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayjay Posted December 7, 2016 Report Share Posted December 7, 2016 If you want consistency, then most vessels are made from a certain weight of clay proportionate to their holding capacity when finished. A 2 pint casserole takes about 2.25lb of clay and will measure 4" high X 6.5" wide A 4 pint casserole takes about 4lb of clay and will measure 4.5" high X 8.5" wide. I got these figures from another website and tested them recently and found them to be pretty accurate. The lids used about 1lb & 2lb respectively. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Min Posted December 7, 2016 Report Share Posted December 7, 2016 Pugged clay is approx 20% water, plus there is a bit LOI (stuff that burns off). If you know how much your clay shrinks and how big you want your finished pot you could work the maths backwards then add a bit more if you are trimming the pot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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