Clay Mixing
Students in Ceramics can make clay after school - with supervision by a teacher or on clay mixing day with the class.
Clay Mixing procedures: Fill drum 1/3 way up with slip(Approx 5-6 inches). Close lid. Turn on Power. Allow to rotate for about 10 minutes. Start adding dry mix through the grates one small container(white bucket) at a time. Allow mixer to do the work. Continue to add dry clay mix .
**If the clay is still too wet, it will be sticky or pasty and you will need to add more dry material. If it is only slightly too wet you can add a scoop or so of the ingredient that makes up the largest portion of your recipe. If it is very wet, add more dry mix.
**If the clay becomes too stiff, adopting a crumbly appearance, sprinkle water over the clay as the mixer turns. DO NOT POUR WATER INTO THE MIXER. This will result in a slip pool forming on the bottom of the mixer, causing the clay slide on top of the pool and cease to be pushed through the mixer bars.
Once the consistency is achieved allow to mix 5 more minutes.
Clay Mixer Safety:
1.Always mix clay with a partner. If anything unexpected occurs, your partner will be able to help you and/or call for medical attention.
2.Respirators/dust masks should be worn at all times when mixing clay.
3.Tie back long hair -Remove all loose jewelry and accessories such as necklaces, scarves, and dangling earrings
4.NEVER PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE MIXER WHILE THE TUB IS ROTATING. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY
Cleaning:
1. Scrape the mixer tub and remove as much remaining clay as possible
2. Pour a five gallon bucket of water into the tub.
3. Using a scrub brush , scrub the sides of the tub. If you continually dip the brush into the water as you scrub, the water will do most of the work for you. -When most of the clay has been washed from the walls, scrub the floor of the tub as well. Make sure the mixing bar is clean.
4. Use a sponge to remove the dirty water -Repeat as needed.
5.Make sure to also clean the outside of the mixer, as well as the lid and controls
6. Place Tarp over Mixer and secure with bungee cords.
Spray down the Floor to keep dust to minimum.
Clay Mixing procedures: Fill drum 1/3 way up with slip(Approx 5-6 inches). Close lid. Turn on Power. Allow to rotate for about 10 minutes. Start adding dry mix through the grates one small container(white bucket) at a time. Allow mixer to do the work. Continue to add dry clay mix .
**If the clay is still too wet, it will be sticky or pasty and you will need to add more dry material. If it is only slightly too wet you can add a scoop or so of the ingredient that makes up the largest portion of your recipe. If it is very wet, add more dry mix.
**If the clay becomes too stiff, adopting a crumbly appearance, sprinkle water over the clay as the mixer turns. DO NOT POUR WATER INTO THE MIXER. This will result in a slip pool forming on the bottom of the mixer, causing the clay slide on top of the pool and cease to be pushed through the mixer bars.
Once the consistency is achieved allow to mix 5 more minutes.
Clay Mixer Safety:
1.Always mix clay with a partner. If anything unexpected occurs, your partner will be able to help you and/or call for medical attention.
2.Respirators/dust masks should be worn at all times when mixing clay.
3.Tie back long hair -Remove all loose jewelry and accessories such as necklaces, scarves, and dangling earrings
4.NEVER PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE MIXER WHILE THE TUB IS ROTATING. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY
Cleaning:
1. Scrape the mixer tub and remove as much remaining clay as possible
2. Pour a five gallon bucket of water into the tub.
3. Using a scrub brush , scrub the sides of the tub. If you continually dip the brush into the water as you scrub, the water will do most of the work for you. -When most of the clay has been washed from the walls, scrub the floor of the tub as well. Make sure the mixing bar is clean.
4. Use a sponge to remove the dirty water -Repeat as needed.
5.Make sure to also clean the outside of the mixer, as well as the lid and controls
6. Place Tarp over Mixer and secure with bungee cords.
Spray down the Floor to keep dust to minimum.