: TypicalGirl - Viewing Profile

I have an older Laguna motorized kickwheel.
I use the motor pretty much just for centering.
Lately, it seems I can't get the wheel to go as fast as I like. I kick it up to a good speed and then apply the motor (by means of the foot pedal) and it quickly slows to the speed of the motor.
What can I do to get a bit more speed out of it?

Looking for opinions/input please.

I purchased a spankin' new Skutt model 343 dual input pyrometer last week.
It arrived a few days ago - still in the box, I haven't had a chance to use it yet.
Today, there was a surprise in my mailbox! A friend sent me their old Fluke 50D pyrometer. She says she has only used it once.
It seems the 50D is no longer made, and I'm having a little trouble finding specs on it.

So, I'm wondering if anyone knows the temp range of the Fluke 50d, and if you all have opinions (I expect so) on which pyrometer might be better?
I could potentially return the Skutt and put the money towards [propane or porcelain or, well, you know...
Or if the Skutt might be more accurate or reliable, I can keep the Fluke as a back-up/spare (she only wants a bit of clay in exchange).

Thoughts?
Thanks!

I've reached out to both my local and regional guilds for some guidance/mentoring, but have only gotten "we'll get back to you" type replies, so I thought I'd ask here.

After several years of muddling through with functional pottery, learning my kilns and such, I've found myself switching gears and becoming a more skilled and more successful sculptural ceramic artist. I've entered a few shows over the last 16 months, been accepted and even won some awards.
I'm wanting to approach a couple of galleries, and I *think* I have a pretty strong hard-copy portfolio, but a lot of galleries also want a resume/CV and Artist Statement, and that's where I'm floundering a bit.

I don't have much formal education beyond some Jr College classes and a short apprenticeship, but, as I say, I do have a few shows under my belt now and a more focused direction to my work.

I'm wondering if there's someone out there who might be up for mentoring me through this aspect of things?

Or perhaps you could share your examples?

Thanks...

Stupidly frustrating situation...HELP!?!

Well, I spend a grueling day yesterday glazing for my last kiln load of the year.
You know...the one with all my Christmas gifts in it?

Went out to start loading and found ALL my full shelves are completely soaked from the rain the last few days. apparently I have a leak in the shed roof and the portion of the shelves that sticks out beyond the metal shelves I store them on is just below it.
So during the recent torrents water has been soaking my shelves.
They're the inexpensive really thick ones.

Did I mention this is the load with all our Christmas gifts in it?

Anyway, I've put them in the kiln, with the door closed about 1/2 way and the flue open and have the pilots on.
I'll take any and all suggestions for drying these things ASAP please. I need to fire tomorrow or Thurs at the latest.
sigh...

Quyle Kilns and the loosely formed Mother Lode Clay Collective are hosting a claycentric 3-day event, July 20-22 and would like to invite local potters and ceramic artists to participate. The event will feature sale booths, networking, demonstrations and a workshop by paper clay sculptor Michelle Collier, all with a purpose of bring clay artists in the Mother Lode in general, and in Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties in particular together, and promoting the clay arts to the public.

Prospectus online at http://www.box49.com/MLCC1.pdf
Also attached here...
 mlcc1.pdf (1.01MB)
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 800px.jpg (146.03K)
Number of downloads: 7