|
Post by basilp on Jan 15, 2006 19:05:04 GMT -8
Hi All,
Does anyone know of a good resource for used clay? While I realize it is not recommended to use clay that is contaminated, I would love to get my hands on clay that has been thrown out by a studio. At least for practice purposes it wouldn't be as costly of an adventure as buying the stuff new.
Thanks
|
|
|
Post by Steve Austin on Jan 17, 2006 22:39:37 GMT -8
Hi Baslip, That's a tough question to answer, firstly unless you are close to a studio where they are willing to give you clay that is to be discarded, you still have to get security clearance. That is assuming you are going to collect it yourself. If you want it to be sent to you then there is the issue of weight. Used clay takes up a lot more room than new clay because it is already shredded and it doesn't weigh any less. There is also the time that the studio has to spend boxing up the stuff to be forwarded. I can't think of any solutions for you at this moment in time but if I do I will post the answer. Best of luck. Steve.
|
|
|
Post by basilp on Jan 18, 2006 14:03:35 GMT -8
Steve,
Thanks for your input. Everything that you have mentioned makes perfectly good sense! I guess I will just have to bite the bullet and make a purchase for my tuning project (front, rear facias, and side skirts). Based upon my volume calculations, I will be well over $1000 in clay alone!
Best Regards,
Basil
|
|
|
Post by Steve Austin on Jan 18, 2006 15:57:03 GMT -8
Basil, Maybe if you have a good idea as to the shape that you want then some of the bulk can be taken up by using Styrofoam first, you can then cover that with a skim of clay to finalize the shape. This would dramatically cut down the amount of clay needed. Once you have the shape I assume you will be taking molds to produce fiberglass parts. The beauty of using new clay is that it comes in billets and it's easy to stack the boxes, also you can re-pack the recycled clay after use into the original boxes. By recycling your own clay you won't be surprised by any unwanted articles such as X-Acto blades or sharp objects that could be included if you used an outside source. Steve.
|
|
|
Post by basilp on Jan 18, 2006 20:19:28 GMT -8
You're right on point Steve. That is what I had planned to do. Question - Is it necessary to coat the styrofoam with shellac prior to applying the clay?
Thanks again for sharing your wisdom. Working a clay surface sure beats sanding on bondo or drywall compound! I've had it with the dusty environment...
|
|
|
Post by Steve Austin on Jan 18, 2006 21:52:16 GMT -8
Basil, You can most certainly give it a coat of shellac or even latex paint. This will give the Styrofoam a hard coat and eliminate some of the particles associated with Styrofoam and reduce the amount of contamination to your clay when you recycle. You can also use a heat gun over the surface to harden the foam. If you do coat it with a shellac or latex paint it is not necessary to fill the open cell of the foam after all this is what provides the adhesion for the clay. Sounds like a fun project you have!! Steve.
|
|