Pres Posted June 21, 2021 Report Share Posted June 21, 2021 I realize that I have been thinking and posting a lot about equipment, but then we all go through phases. This week I was wondering what would be my next investment in the studio? I have often considered numerous additions to the studio and yet I have big problems with adding any more equipment to work with-SPACE! I really do not see myself cramming another table as in Slab roller, or some free standing piece of equipment like a spray booth. At the same time my wall space is relatively limited with shelving, tool racks, kiln space zones, doors and windows taking a majority of the space. I often wonder what others would invest their money or effort into to add a new piece of equipment to their studio. What do they not have that they really feel they need? So the Question for this week: QotW: What piece of equipment that you do not have will be your next addition within the next year? For me it will be a fold up spray booth. I am working on ideas and plans right now in Corel Draw, following measurements and specs that I have been gathering the last few years. I will have a fan system, with a filter system the same size as my house filter in the whole house air/heat system. I will probably use it on the wedging table, with ducting out the window next to the table. I have for years considered building a waterfall type spray booth, but do not believe I could build it well as easily as an fan alone ducted system. I have also considered getting a Bailey extruder, but believe the spray booth to be more important. best, Pres Min and Callie Beller Diesel 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted June 21, 2021 Report Share Posted June 21, 2021 (edited) 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. Edited June 22, 2021 by Mark C. Pres and blackthorn 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Beller Diesel Posted June 22, 2021 Report Share Posted June 22, 2021 I am debating a ring light and a second kiln. The first, well, it depends on what happens in the next few months. If I make a drift towards video on social media, it’ll be handy regardless of the platform I’d be using. If it turns out video is the latest dopamine fix, I don’t want to be into it for a whole bunch of equipment. The second kiln is because I’m still having trust issues with my existing one. It’s fixed after the Great Meltdown of ‘21, but it doesn’t fire the same. But I lack the cash flow to do it until after summer. Which will translate to after Christmas between the busy season and kiln lead times. Pres and blackthorn 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akilspots Posted June 22, 2021 Report Share Posted June 22, 2021 hopefully my first kiln. want to get a l&l efl2026 Roberta12, neilestrick, Pres and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilly Posted June 23, 2021 Report Share Posted June 23, 2021 On 6/22/2021 at 12:51 AM, Mark C. said: I'm on the fence about this whole thing. I thought you were slowing down ???????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted June 24, 2021 Report Share Posted June 24, 2021 2 hours ago, Chilly said: I thought you were slowing down ???????? 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 Pres and Chilly 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeU Posted June 25, 2021 Report Share Posted June 25, 2021 On 6/23/2021 at 10:45 PM, Mark C. said: a smaller kiln sounds good at times I can relate to that, due to age and body issues & doing less production (which for me was not much in the first place/small hobby biz). However, gotta say that to obtain it as you have described sounds like a royal PITA--would it be worth it? As far as the QotW, I have everything I need or want, other than someone to do my reclaim/wedging for me! Roberta12 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denice Posted June 25, 2021 Report Share Posted June 25, 2021 I was looking at purchasing a good banding wheel this year, but I am starting on another mural. It will probably be next year on the banding wheel, looks like I will only be purchasing clay. Denice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted June 26, 2021 Report Share Posted June 26, 2021 12 hours ago, Denice said: I was looking at purchasing a good banding wheel this year, but I am starting on another mural. It will probably be next year on the banding wheel, looks like I will only be purchasing clay. Denice If you're looking for something that can spin for a long time, get a Shimpo. But if you just need something that rotates smoothly, THESE work really well, for 1/3 the cost of a Shimpo. I've got both in my studio, and I have no complaints with either. Roberta12 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hulk Posted June 26, 2021 Report Share Posted June 26, 2021 Aha! Neil's link (to Thetis home revolving cake stand, Amaz*n listed) includes an icing spatula! I have one - picked it up at "the bins" (Goodwill) a few years ago; it's one of five most used tools (needle, metal rib, wood knife, bit o' chamois, uhm, aah, oh yeah, sponge, ok, so six, pfft) in my studio, for levering off bats, and smoothing just below the rim onna outside. On cups and mugs, smooths the edge of slip left by the chamois, and imparts the hint of recurve, the lip parking zone. For bowls, much lighter touch, not looking to change the profile, just smooth the transition between chamois mark and ribbed outside... It's an icing spatula! ...have been curious about the intended purpose for quite some time. As for the QOW, no new equipment on the horizon, although a modern kiln may be out over the rim o' the world, somewhar... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denice Posted June 27, 2021 Report Share Posted June 27, 2021 Great product, it has inspired me to try a idea that has been rattling around in my head. I have a electric rotating disc from a window display when I owned a store. It will spin at the pace you set it at for years. I have a old banding wheel that doesn't spin anymore, I am going to try taping them together and see how it works. If it works I will anchor them together permanently. I love putting together old junky items and making them use able again. The older I get the less I want to buy and the madder I get about companies making junk products that have to go directly in the landfill. Old hippie venting! Denice Roberta12, Chilly and Min 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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