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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

Reply to
5string
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As for the book:

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for setting up the studio. I'm not sure if there is a book. Thechoice of the kiln comes down to two factors: intended cone, availablecurrent/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.

Reply to
m

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 snipped-for-privacy@theclayempire.com.

Chad Everson

5str> I've been making pottery at a community center for the past 5+ years and I
Reply to
The Clay Empire

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 snipped-for-privacy@theclayempire.com.

Chad Everson

5str> I've been making pottery at a community center for the past 5+ years and I
Reply to
The Clay Empire

U¿ytkownik "5string" napisa³ w wiadomo¶ci news:tomkg.41310$ snipped-for-privacy@twister.nyroc.rr.com...

I've just found in the Internet this article about setting up a studio:

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Reply to
Joanna

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

Reply to
5string

A HUGE ditto to this one!

Reply to
JimmyG

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

Reply to
5string

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

5str> I was able to pick up a copy of Branfman's "The Potter's Professional
Reply to
The Clay Empire

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