handles

I am having the worst time attaching handles. If they don't crack at the junction, there is a crack at the bend of the handle. What should I do? I can't believe that the people who make lots of mugs, etc. have this problem. Help.

Reply to
Marmaj40
Loading thread data ...

You probably need to slow down the drying process. If you are leaving them uncovered to dry in the open air this is exactly what happens. Cover the pots with plastic bags so that they dry slowly and it should fix the problem. A

Reply to
annemarie

We used to 'age' our clay for handle making. Basically wedge it up very nicely. Wrap it REALLY well and set it aside for a good bit. This is expecially important I think if you are getting clay mixed up from dry ingredients or doing so yourself. We would only use this 'stash' for handles. Also make sure your pieces are well covered after attaching the handle so that the water content equalizes between the pieces and then loosely cover it so that they entire piece dries out equally and slowly. People doing lots of handle work have 'damp' closets - basically any closet type space where the humidity is going to stay high while the pieces dry out. You can use an old metal or plastic supply closet, line it with plastic if it needs it.

Reply to
D Kat

Thanks for the tips. I live in Oregon, and in the winter I don't need a "damp" box----Oregon IS a damp box, but in the summer when it is hot, I just need to be patient, and wrap. Thanks.

Reply to
Marmaj40

I dry things with handles upside down, if that is possible, so the rim with the handle does not dry first. Cover with plastic for the first couple of days. This way the piece dries evenly.

Monika

Reply to
Monika Schleidt

Cling film/wrap is a potters best friend!

Steve Bath UK

In article , Marmaj40 writes

Reply to
Steve Mills

Now that is a good idea too. What else do you use the cling wrap for? Thanks

Reply to
Marmaj40

Reply to
<simonaheath

Slowing down drying on bottle necks while the rest of the body catches up, ditto teapot spouts. Joint edges on large, to be assembled pieces. You name it! Because I have a day job (still clay related) I can't always be there to keep an eye on the previous evening's throwing, so wrap allows me to stay in control.

Steve Bath UK

In article , Marmaj40 writes

Reply to
Steve Mills

At our local hardware store, I found drop-sheets in really thin plastic on a roll and perforated every meter. Really great stuff, and because it is so thin, it doesn't make big crease-marks in the soft clay.

Marianne

Reply to
Bubbles

as an avid trash picker i once found a BUNCH of dry cleaner bags in the trash bin of a clothing store.

apparently they got a shipment of new clothing and after removing the bags threw them out.

once i run out of the bags (this was 7 years ago) i'll try going in the FRONT door and schedule a visit the next time they expect new material to come in.

see ya

steve

steve graber

Reply to
Slgraber

I think I forgot to tell you a tip I just learned. Paint wax on the joints of where you join one piece to another after you join them. That will slow down the drying. Donna

Reply to
D Kat

thanks, Donna, I learned to do that in my beginning class, and I have been doing that. When making the handle you you all make it at the same time you make the cup, etc. or do you wait until the piece is leather hard, and trimmed? Then attach it and put wax on / and then wrap all together?>I>I

Reply to
Marmaj40

I wait until my piece is hard enough to handle without warping it (somewhat softer than leather and up to leather hard), and then pull the handles. I actually prefer my handles pulled on the pieces now. If you haven't done it or seen it - Basically take a partially pulled handle that is about 3" long and attach to the piece and then pull from there. I then let the handle sit up a but (dry while I work on others or do something else - not long), wax it and the wrap it up even if I put it in the damp closet.

Donna

Reply to
D Kat

When attaching handles I score both ends with a wire brush and then apply vinegar. My Ceramics teacher recommended vinegar and it works great. I'm not sure why but it helps bind the pieces and the stick well. Any type of vinegar will do. After attaching the handle I place the whole piece into a plastic bag and forget about it for at least a week, then remove from the bag and let it dry.

Reply to
Brad Panek

I must tell you all that I am about to bisque a piece with a handle. I'm happy to say that there is not a single crack because I used vinegar, painted the handle with wax and put it in a wrap of drycleaner bag material for 3 days. Thank you all for all the advice. I just have to learn to be patient. Some things you just can't rush. Martha

Reply to
Marmaj40

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.