[TheForge] Ceramic Chip Forge Workshop?

[Jeffrey Polaski]

Maybe try a melon baller as a forming tool for clay? 

Jeff Polaski
RGS Webmaster
(949) 824-6363

"The cow is of the bovine ilk;
One end is moo, the other, milk" 
			-Ogden Nash

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
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Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 10:57 AM
To: Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] Ceramic Chip Forge Workshop?




-------------- Original message -------------- 

> Mike,
> That sounds like an interesting idea. I like working with coal except
for the 
> mess and the smoke, and a ceramic chip forge sounds good. If a
castable 
> refractory could be used for the "chips", then it might be feasible.
(I don't 
> know where we'd come up with ceramic chips, otherwise.) 
> 

Bruce
You could use old broken fire brick or broken white ware (no glazing)
from a ceramic shop. However, round balls will give better flow
carracteristics as the flame moves through them, and will be easier to
push work into.
Castable refractory is always my first choice for shaped parts, and kiln
furniture is my prefference for any part it can be employed with. Kiln
furniture is top grade refractory that has been cured at high heats for
as much as three days; thus it is more stable than castable refractory
(no chance for air bubbles, or cracking during curing).
Normally, I don't recommend simple clay for any refractory use, but
every rule has its exceptions. Small refractory balls are not going to
be inclined to crack if they're made carefully; It is hardly a trajedy
if some of them do. Thus, the choice between clay or castable balls
would boil down to economics. Some places castable refractory is cheap
and potter's clay is expensive; other places, visa versa. It is only a
matter of convenience.
If you choose clay, I would suggest a small icecream scoop as a forming
tool.
Mike P. 
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