3.2: Preparing and Recycling Clay
- Page ID
- 278083
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Preparing and Recycling Clay
Wedging: The Key to Success
- Rams Head Wedging:
This technique is named after the shape the clay takes on during the process. It aligns the clay particles, removes air bubbles, and ensures consistency. To perform, press down and forward on the clay, then rotate and repeat. Continue until the clay has a uniform texture and is free of air pockets.
- Conch Shell Wedging:
Ideal for small batches, this technique involves rolling and folding the clay in a spiral motion. It’s less physically demanding than rams head wedging but equally effective for removing air bubbles. Beginners often prefer this method because it requires less space and strength. Use a clean, smooth surface to avoid contamination.
Here's a step-by-step process for rams head and conch shell clay wedging, along with additional tips:
Rams Head Wedging:
1. Prepare the Clay: Start with a lump of clay that has been softened to a workable consistency. Cut a wedge-shaped piece from the clay using a wire tool or clay knife.
2. Form the Rams Head: Hold the wedge of clay in one hand with the pointed end facing upwards. Using your other hand, press your thumb into the center of the wide end of the wedge, creating a depression.
3. Shape the Horns: With your thumbs and fingers, pinch and pull the sides of the wedge upwards and outwards to form the horns of the rams head. Use gentle pressure and smooth movements to shape the clay evenly.
4. Refine the Details: Continue shaping and refining the horns, paying attention to symmetry and proportion. Use your fingers to smooth out any rough edges or uneven surfaces.
5. Finish the Head: Once the horns are shaped to your satisfaction, use a modeling tool or the edge of a rib to define the features of the rams head, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. Add texture and detail as desired.
Conch Shell Wedging:
1. Prepare the Clay: Begin with a lump of clay that has been softened to a workable consistency. Cut a wedge-shaped piece from the clay using a wire tool or clay knife.
2. Form the Shell: Hold the wedge of clay in one hand with the pointed end facing upwards. Using your other hand, gently press and roll the clay between your palms to create a cylindrical shape.
3. Create the Spiral: Starting from the wide end of the cylinder, use your thumb or a modeling tool to press and roll the clay into a spiral shape, resembling the interior of a conch shell. Apply even pressure and work slowly to achieve a smooth spiral.
4. Refine the Shape: Once the spiral shape is formed, use your fingers to gently pinch and shape the edges of the clay to resemble the outer edge of a conch shell. Smooth out any rough areas and ensure that the spiral is evenly spaced and defined.
5. Add Detail: Use a modeling tool or the edge of a rib to add texture and detail to the surface of the conch shell, such as ridges, grooves, and markings. Pay attention to the natural characteristics of a conch shell and replicate them as closely as possible.
Additional Tips for Wedging:
- Always work on a clean, smooth surface to prevent contamination of the clay.
- Use consistent pressure and motion when wedging to ensure thorough mixing and alignment of clay particles.
- Rotate and flip the clay regularly while wedging to promote uniformity and prevent air pockets.
- Keep your hands and tools moistened with water to prevent the clay from sticking.
- Take breaks as needed to prevent fatigue and maintain focus and precision in your wedging technique.
- Practice regularly to improve your wedging skills and develop muscle memory for efficient and effective clay preparation.
Recycling Clay: A Sustainable Practice
- Soaking Dry Clay:
Collect dry clay scraps in a bucket and cover them with water. Allow the clay to soak until it breaks down into a slurry. Stir the mixture to ensure even consistency before drying it on a plaster bat. This method reduces waste and saves money on new clay purchases.
- Rehydrating Semi-Dry Clay:
Wrap the clay in a damp cloth, place it in a plastic bag, and let it sit for a few days. Check periodically and knead the clay to distribute the moisture evenly. Avoid adding too much water, as it can lead to uneven texture. Once rehydrated, wedge the clay thoroughly before use.
- Tools and machines for processing clay.
- Environmental considerations in clay recycling.
- Tips for storing and preserving plasticity.