Classic Lines Pottery

Here are some pics of the order for the bookstore. These items are in the bisque stage (first firing) and will be glazed and fired again to a much higher temperature. I want to note that the only items made with the jiggering process are the plates, everything else it hand thrown on the wheel. The teapots are also part of the order but the French Butter  Dishes and the Rice Bowls are not, they are just inventory pieces for the web site and the upcoming farmers market.

I took some pictures of the process and am posting them as promised. In order to carve the bats the same I use a contour tool that I purchased at Home Depot for about $8.00. It is made with a lot of small wires held in place with tension and is much more accurate that the other type available made with plastic. I also use this as a guide for making the template that goes on the jolley. I draw the contour on a piece of red oak and then draw another contour with the foot. I then cut out the template and bevel the leading edge, drilling holes to mount it on the jolley. I use wood rather than metal because I can make one quite quickly, if I find myself making tons of the same plate I can always make a steel template at a later time.

The next step is to mount the template on the jolley and set the thickness, I use a couple of Palm Pilot styli placed on the jig and then tighten the bolts (not pictured). I roll out a slab on the slab roller thicker than I want the finished piece and cut it to approximate size. It can be slightly smaller in diameter than the finished piece and will expand when compressed that way there is less waste in the jiggering process.

The finished jiggered plates setting up until they release from the plaster.   

The other side after being removed. They will be placed on their rims to dry. 

Due to the large amount of table space required to dry the jiggered plates the next step in this process will be to build some racks that will allow me to work with many more plates at a time in less space. I am looking at building something between a bat rack and a ware rack that would hold the plaster bats vertical with space between each for drying and storing with shelves above to hold the jiggered plates until they set up. Once they have set up I will move them to a ware rack that I am building with about three inches between shelves. In an area about 6.25 square feet I will be able to dry anywhere from 80-120 plates (depending on size) safely and still have room in my studio to do other work. As a potter I have to wear many hats and it is time to put on the welding hat. I will make the racks with 1″ tubular steel and angle iron with plywood shelves.

I am making the saucers to go with all of the cups and thought I would describe and show the process a little. I have made a jigger using this system http://www.pspottery.com/jiggering_plate_molds.html. I cast the bats and then carve them to the shape I want using a profile or contour tool to match the shape. I am currently designing a better way to make bats for this system that will not involve carving or placing the shape in clay in the mold before casting. I will make posts showing how to do this at a later time. I only use this method for plates, everything else I do is thrown on the wheel. The arm that holds the shape for the back of the plate is called a “jolley” and the bat is called the “jigger” so the whole system is a “jolley jigger”. This system of making plates has been around for 100’s of years. I will post some pictures of the process later today or tomorrow.

Here are some pictures of the cappuccino cup and saucer in the “green” state (unfired). There will still be more shrinkage during the firings. Click on the thumbnail pictures to see a higher resolution version in a new window.

I recieved an order from a local used bookstore who is opening up a coffee house and pastry shop in conjunction with their “Fine Books” collectibles, first editions, etc.. They want 16 oz, 12 oz, 8 oz, 6 oz, and 3 oz cups and mugs with a saucer that will work with all sizes. The three largest sizes are no problem since I already make cups in those sizes but the smaller two require developing a new product. The first to be designed is the 6 oz cappuccino cups (traditional size) and I researched to see what is traditional.

My personal goal in this exercise (more…)