I am a newbie-- what kind of clay do i buy for making plates, soup bowls, mugs, and such on a throwing wheel, so that the resulting dinnerware can be fired and glazed for eating on? I have taken some lessons on making pottery with a wheel, but now I want to buy a wheel and clay; it is overwhelming how to choose what clay to buy. Can some of you here help me figure out what clay to buy (Ball Clays: Kentucky Stone, Bell Dark, Tennessee SGP, XX Saggar, KT1-4, KTS-2, etc? Fire Clays: Newman Red, Gold Art, etc? Red Art earthenware? These are some of the choice I have at an online place I want to order clay from (Axner Potter's Wheel)).
help! what clay do i buy?
Nov 29, 2003
2 Replies
First reply
Information I have gleaned from potterycrafts (UK) was to use a stoneware clay (any colour) that fires to a high temp. Your cups plates etc. would then stand up to the rigours of utility wear. They went on to say, better to buy these kind of items 'ready cast' (bisque) and…
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I would avoid very smooth clays at the start; use one that has about 10 percent fine sand or grog, 30 mesh and a bit finer. That will have enough warp resistance and withstand thermal shock well. I agree that stoneware is the best way to start; it is more forgiving than earthenware, and glaze fit, while not easy at the best of times, is less of a problem.
Steve Bath UK
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