A Throwing We Will Go

Testing Out the New/Old Wheel

 

 

After a three week break from the daily grind of my "day" job, I actually was able to spend some time in the studio we have created in our basement. Really, it's a nice sized space that has been underutilized greatly since moving here in 2005 for anything other than a "catch-all." The room is approximately 27' X 17' and offers lots of functionality with space, built-ins and other amenities; like a huge 3 compartment metal wash sink and the raised working surfaces and storage/shelving space available. A lot of people would be thrilled with such an awesome workspace and I am appreciative of the space that I have. In any case, other work is going on to make the space even better right now like some electrical work, work on one of the outside walls and other cosmetic touch-ups. However, this work isn't stopping me from breaking in this late 1950s pottery wheel. As if I could break anything in from that decade.

 

This wheel isn't without it's quirks. However, I am learning to compensate for it's wobble...lol It has been taken apart and everything re-tightened up (the wood/framing portion), but there are some mechanical issues. It is in need of a new switch and spring that is connected to the foot control. Also, it may need to have a new bearing or the existing one may need repairing...not sure, but now that I am back to work at my full-time job the mechanical parts can be torn down and gone through. It is certainly built to last.

Above to the right is an image of the pieces thrown so far...I am thinking of having my mom paint on some for me before I glaze and fire. I will probably have to have someone fire them for me, since I am still looking for my perfect kiln.

I am looking forward to making many more pieces. I hope to chronicle my progress here and share, regularly on this blog...until next time - make beautiful things with your hands!                                         
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

A Kiln Quest

Now I Need a Kiln!

 

The next order of business is to locate a kiln - still undecided which route to go, but will most likely start off with an electric kiln. Looking into it more - learning lots and spinning my head trying to make sense of what is best, what will suit my needs, what will give you the most bang for the buck and so forth. Of course, I will be looking for a used kiln, so that will help dictate what I end up with. Since, I am so green - greener than green ware - I need to acquire items in the most economic fashion. I fear Craigslist, but at least I have someone who knows how to wheel and deal in my corner and protect me from any potential violent Craigslist predators! I know - so dramatic. I cannot help that flaw and many more times than once I have been told those exact words. Maybe I missed my calling in acting...lol

Things I am considering when searching for a kiln are:

Now, that's a kiln!

1. Price/Condition
2. Location - in terms of distance from me, so I can zip over and pick it up...
3. Size
4. Make
5. Maximum Temperature
6. Accessories/extras


You know, things like that. Oh - decisions, decisions, decisions...I am looking at one right now that has a ton of extras, including molds for ceramics and stuff, too...I am thinking that would be cool. Basically, I need everything...welcome to my journey...ching ching!

BTW, anyone out there in the Northwest Ohio/Southeast Michigan area just need to get rid of one gratis or cheap, cheap, cheap? I would be happy to come pick it up...actually, I would be willing to travel upwards of 100 miles in any direction - by land of course :)

An Unknown Electric Wheel-Now Known-Pottery Maker by B&I Mfg.

Pottery Maker by B&I Mfg. Burlington, Wis. 1950s-1960s

 

 

I know the picture is very dark, but it was dark outside. In any case, I had a heck of a time finding any information on this wheel. After the label being painstakingly separated from the paint, it was was determined the label read; Pottery Maker by B&I Mfg. Burlington, Wis. This company is no longer in business, but it looks like they sold all sorts of things from crafting supplies to farm implements to who knows what else.

They also sold Gem Makers using pretty much the same setup. They were advertised in Popular Mechanic magazines from the 1950s to the 1960s. The wheel sold for $36.50 and the bench sold separately for $22.50 in the June 1957 issue. You also had to purchase the motor separately and assemble the bench.

The motor works well, the wheel seems to be in good order. I am not sure how long I will be able to use this thing, but for now it will be fun cleaning it up and putting it to good use until something else comes along.

Remember those old Sears Roebuck catalogs - you could buy this from there. Looks like the Gem Maker was much more popular than the Pottery Makers. I haven't really found too much on the actual Pottery Maker version, but the Gem Maker is a good match with lots of other accessories.

Anyone else out there with the Pottery Maker version? Anyone have one at one time? Curious to hear your stories/thoughts. I have added additional photos below...