Reclaiming clay step by step

Sort scraps by clay type and firing range. Do not mix unknown bodies when the reclaim is intended for functional ware.

Procedure

1. Sort scraps by clay type and firing range. Do not mix unknown bodies when the reclaim is intended for functional ware.
2. Remove plaster, metal, glaze, fired fragments and contamination. Dry scraps, break them down without creating dust, slake and equalise moisture before wedging.
3. Label each reclaim batch, make shrinkage and firing tests and record the proportion of fresh clay.

What to record in CeramikaTo

• Work or sample code and date.
• Material, batch, cone, schedule and position.
• Observation separated from hypothesis.

Common mistakes

• Changing several variables at once without a control sample.
• Missing batch, cone or kiln-position information.
• Treating an estimate as a guarantee.