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Pottery book recommendation(s)?



 
 
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  #1  
Old June 16th 06, 12:51 AM posted to rec.crafts.pottery
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Default Pottery book recommendation(s)?

I've been making pottery at a community center for the past 5+ years and I
am now considering taking the plunge in getting my own wheel, kiln, etc...,
and setting up my own (home) studio. Although I have solid intermediate
skills working on a wheel, I have no experience with using a kiln or
making/mixing glazes. At present, I am particularly interested in doing
low-fire (cone 04) work (and possibly doing cone 6 work at a later date).

Can anyone recommend a "good" book which lays out what one would need (in
simple language) to set up a home studio on a budget -- (e.g., what to look
for in buying a kiln -- especially a used one, what type of electrical
requirements are needed, how much space will one need, whether one should
try to find space with another potter before setting off on one's own vs.
just taking the plunge, the basics for making/mixing glazes, etc...). In
other words, what I need is a "setting up a pottery studio for dummies"
approach. Thanks in advance.

Rick


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  #2  
Old June 16th 06, 06:11 AM posted to rec.crafts.pottery
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Default Pottery book recommendation(s)?


5string wrote:
I've been making pottery at a community center for the past 5+ years and I
am now considering taking the plunge in getting my own wheel, kiln, etc...,
and setting up my own (home) studio. Although I have solid intermediate
skills working on a wheel, I have no experience with using a kiln or
making/mixing glazes. At present, I am particularly interested in doing
low-fire (cone 04) work (and possibly doing cone 6 work at a later date).

Can anyone recommend a "good" book which lays out what one would need (in
simple language) to set up a home studio on a budget -- (e.g., what to look
for in buying a kiln -- especially a used one, what type of electrical
requirements are needed, how much space will one need, whether one should
try to find space with another potter before setting off on one's own vs.
just taking the plunge, the basics for making/mixing glazes, etc...). In
other words, what I need is a "setting up a pottery studio for dummies"
approach. Thanks in advance.

Rick


As for the book:

http://www.masteringglazes.com/

As for setting up the studio. I'm not sure if there is a book. The
choice of the kiln comes down to two factors: intended cone, available
current/cubic feet.

The electrical requirements become more and more onerous as the volume
of the kiln increases. The intended cone that you want to fire to only
affects the insulation of the kiln to any signifigant degree. Most
cone 1 kilns are perfectly capable power wise to reach cone 6, they
just have less insulation.

So, you need to take stock of how much ware you want to fire ...
realize how much volume you will need in the kiln, cubic feet. (By
your description you might be satisfied with a kiln around 2-3 c.f.)
After you determine this, a rough rule for cone 6 is 6.5 amps per cubic
foot. You will need 240 volts almost certainly.

A 5 cubic foot kiln requires in the neighbourhood of 9000 watts. So at
240 that is coming up to about 40 amps. (Requiring a 50 - 60 amp
breaker.) Most service around here is 100 per house. Newer houses
tend to have more.

The biggest issue with kilns imo is make sure that your plan for
locating it allows easy ventilation.

Mark.

  #3  
Old June 16th 06, 06:23 PM posted to rec.crafts.pottery
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Default Pottery book recommendation(s)?

Rick,

The Best book I have ever read on how to make that giant step you are
about to take is Steven Branfman's book. He has the best Raku book as
well.

The Potter's Professional Handbook by Steven Branfman (Paperback - Feb
1, 1999)


Used & new from $20.00
Other Edition(s): Paperback

Here is some more tips for you. If you are buying an electric kiln,
never pay more than $50 unless the used kiln has a digital kiln setter.
Then if you are lucky enough to find a used digital kiln, do not spend
more than one third the new cost. There are great deals out there and
right now kilns are dime a dozen used. New is also worth the money.
They are made well and will last longer than we have days on this
earth. Good luck and if you would like any other questions answered
shoot me off an email .

Chad Everson


5string wrote:
I've been making pottery at a community center for the past 5+ years and I
am now considering taking the plunge in getting my own wheel, kiln, etc...,
and setting up my own (home) studio. Although I have solid intermediate
skills working on a wheel, I have no experience with using a kiln or
making/mixing glazes. At present, I am particularly interested in doing
low-fire (cone 04) work (and possibly doing cone 6 work at a later date).

Can anyone recommend a "good" book which lays out what one would need (in
simple language) to set up a home studio on a budget -- (e.g., what to look
for in buying a kiln -- especially a used one, what type of electrical
requirements are needed, how much space will one need, whether one should
try to find space with another potter before setting off on one's own vs.
just taking the plunge, the basics for making/mixing glazes, etc...). In
other words, what I need is a "setting up a pottery studio for dummies"
approach. Thanks in advance.

Rick


  #4  
Old June 16th 06, 09:50 PM posted to rec.crafts.pottery
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Default Pottery book recommendation(s)?


Użytkownik "5string" napisał w wiadomo¶ci
...
I've been making pottery at a community center for the past 5+ years and I
am now considering taking the plunge in getting my own wheel, kiln,
etc..., and setting up my own (home) studio. Although I have solid
intermediate skills working on a wheel, I have no experience with using a
kiln or making/mixing glazes. At present, I am particularly interested in
doing low-fire (cone 04) work (and possibly doing cone 6 work at a later
date).

Can anyone recommend a "good" book which lays out what one would need (in
simple language) to set up a home studio on a budget -- (e.g., what to
look for in buying a kiln -- especially a used one, what type of
electrical requirements are needed, how much space will one need, whether
one should try to find space with another potter before setting off on
one's own vs. just taking the plunge, the basics for making/mixing glazes,
etc...). In other words, what I need is a "setting up a pottery studio
for dummies" approach. Thanks in advance.

Rick


I've just found in the Internet this article about setting up a studio:
http://www.claytimes.com/articles_newstudo.html

joan


  #5  
Old June 17th 06, 11:33 PM posted to rec.crafts.pottery
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Default Pottery book recommendation(s)?

Mark, Chad, and Joan,

I checked out the suggested book (on-line) and the website. I think they
will prove very helpful. Thank you.

Rick


  #6  
Old June 27th 06, 02:04 PM posted to rec.crafts.pottery
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Default Pottery book recommendation(s)?

A HUGE ditto to this one!

--
Jimmy Greene
Santee, CA / Lake Oswego, OR


  #7  
Old June 28th 06, 03:15 AM posted to rec.crafts.pottery
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Default Pottery book recommendation(s)?

I was able to pick up a copy of Branfman's "The Potter's Professional
Handbook" and Scotchie's "Setting Up Your Ceramic Studio" on-line at a
discount. Branfman's book looks very helpful --- especially for someone on
a budget (such as myself), whereas the Scotchie book would be great if one
had unlimited funds (i.e., more of a "wishbook"). Thanks to everyone who
send recommendations. Rick

"JimmyG" wrote in message
news:x1aog.7818$Nv.5096@fed1read10...
A HUGE ditto to this one!

--
Jimmy Greene
Santee, CA / Lake Oswego, OR




  #8  
Old July 1st 06, 06:12 AM posted to rec.crafts.pottery
The Clay Empire
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Posts: 6
Default Pottery book recommendation(s)?

Branfman is a great resource. If you have any questions at all email
him or give him a call at his studio. He is gracious and has always
lent me an ear when I needed it.

You are on your way!

Chad Everson
The Clay Empire


5string wrote:
I was able to pick up a copy of Branfman's "The Potter's Professional
Handbook" and Scotchie's "Setting Up Your Ceramic Studio" on-line at a
discount. Branfman's book looks very helpful --- especially for someone on
a budget (such as myself), whereas the Scotchie book would be great if one
had unlimited funds (i.e., more of a "wishbook"). Thanks to everyone who
send recommendations. Rick

"JimmyG" wrote in message
news:x1aog.7818$Nv.5096@fed1read10...
A HUGE ditto to this one!

--
Jimmy Greene
Santee, CA / Lake Oswego, OR



 




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