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Ceramics Update
Aug. 23rd, 2012 01:15 pmI've mixed a test batch of slip, and think it's right. The specific gravity is 1.65 (calculated by weighing 250 ml, the hydrometer method isn't reliable), and it also passes the viscosity test. The proof is in the pudding, however, so I'll have to see how it casts.
I'm tired, though, and plan to set up the molds today, but pour tomorrow.
I could force myself to soldier on, but that could lead to mistakes, so I'll be careful and methodical, and hopefully come up with a good result. Mixing the slip properly, and glazing are my final two production hurdles.
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I poured this today, but each casting has torn as I opened the mold. I'm going to let the rest sit overnight, and see if I can remove good castings tomorrow. Meanwhile, I started mixing more slip because I'm going to keep trying.
***************************************************************************************
This morning, the remaining castings came out of the molds perfectly. I'm not sure why they're taking longer to dry than the references suggest. It could be that I'm wetting the molds too much, the slip is wrong, or I'm waiting too long to drain the molds after I pour, and so laying down too thick a layer of clay.
I'm tired, though, and plan to set up the molds today, but pour tomorrow.
I could force myself to soldier on, but that could lead to mistakes, so I'll be careful and methodical, and hopefully come up with a good result. Mixing the slip properly, and glazing are my final two production hurdles.
***************************************************************************************
I poured this today, but each casting has torn as I opened the mold. I'm going to let the rest sit overnight, and see if I can remove good castings tomorrow. Meanwhile, I started mixing more slip because I'm going to keep trying.
***************************************************************************************
This morning, the remaining castings came out of the molds perfectly. I'm not sure why they're taking longer to dry than the references suggest. It could be that I'm wetting the molds too much, the slip is wrong, or I'm waiting too long to drain the molds after I pour, and so laying down too thick a layer of clay.
