Hand kneading of clay...

After cutting clay bars to pieces we still have to prepare clay more in order to be ready for use. Although pug-mill removes most of air, we have to knead clay by hands to be sure no air bubbles remain in. Only after thorough handkneading we are sure clay contains no air at all.

Kneading is done by special technique called "the bull's head". We have to knead each piece of clay for about 50 to 60 times...

"The bull's head"

Hand kneading

Hand kneading

 Use of the slab roller...

Sometimes in order to make some I have to use flat pieces of clay. For this reason  I have to use dedicated equipment (the slab roller) to prepare and produce small or big flat pieces of clay. These pieces can be used to be pressed in molds or to making various objects.

Clay must be smooth, even and have the same thickness. Sponging helps keeping the surface smooth.

Slab roller

[ ΕΠΑΝΩ ] [ Knead ] [ Molds ] [ Wheel Throwing ] [ Dry-Sponge ] [ Paint-Glaze ] [ Firing ]