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[January 2004]
Clay Consistency For Potters
Potters looking for exact working consistency in their clay supplies can now take advantage of a service from Potclays. The company, which supplies potters worldwide, has developed a system which will allow them to produce clay to precise consistencies.
Says technical manager John Beeston: "While the optimum working consistency of clay for throwing has always differed from that for handbuilding methods, many potters like to work with firmer or softer clay. "We are now using penetrometers to check hardness or softness of clay bodies, which means an optimum consistency can be agreed and measured accurately. This will allow us dispatch supplies which we know will always be the same consistency as requested."
Consistency is measured on a scale on the side of the penetrometer. Typically, a reading of 5.5 to 6 would denote soft clay for throwing, while 6.5 to 7 would be firmer clay for uses such as slabbing. A reading of 8 would denote firm clay for industrial machine work.
Further information from John Beeston or production manager mark Winkle on 01782 219816. Email: admin@potclays.co.uk or visit www.potclays.co.uk
ENDS