Tuesday I fired my (tightly loaded) bisque kiln. Thankfully, despite a strong thunder-storm, the power stayed on (as Nick said, I must have done SOMETHING good…”). Yesterday, as I was planning to head down to the studio for an afternoon session, the power went out (and was out until a bit before 8 pm). This lead to a bit of a schedule change…
Things you CANNOT do in a pottery studio without power:
- Trim pots
- Throw some more pots
Things you CAN do in a pottery studio without power:
- Recycle and wedge clay
- Clean (oh joy!)
- Organize bisque-ware for 2 glaze firings
Chess pieces and test plates all mocked up for glaze firing
Nick and Miri's PR Prattle 
Aug 20, 2010 at 8:23 am
Oh that is a beautiful arrangement of your work. Can you get a backup generator for power?
Aug 20, 2010 at 9:56 am
Thanks Linda! I was quite pleased with how that shelf “photographed”… 🙂
We do have a backup generator and yes, could have switched it on to power the wheel. But, the generator is in close proximity to my studio, which means vibrations and a rumble that I find not overly relaxing. If I was working against a deadline, I’d do it but yesterday I just opted to do other stuff. The generator DID come on at 5pm so that I could make dinner… 😉
Aug 20, 2010 at 9:03 am
hope the power’s back soon. your layout of the kiln shelf looks like one of those battlefield macquettes of famous generals preparing for war.
Aug 20, 2010 at 9:56 am
It does, doesn’t it? 🙂
Aug 20, 2010 at 9:04 am
How about a backup kickwheel?
Aug 20, 2010 at 10:02 am
🙂 Yeah, I was thinking the same thing yesterday…
Sep 4, 2010 at 3:33 am
I took my first throwing classes with direct drive wheels, but bought a Randall kick wheel with electric motor assist. I prefer the kick wheel for its versatility and the added feel for the clay. I met a full-time professional potter in Indiana who has thrown on a kick wheel (without a motor assist) for 40 years and wouldn’t have it any other way!
Sep 4, 2010 at 7:01 am
Interesting! I also started throwing on a kick wheel. Its been MANY years though since I’ve used one.
Aug 20, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Why has your power been going off so much lately? I don’t remember your having so many outages in the past. Fran
Aug 20, 2010 at 2:44 pm
I wish I knew Fran. From our 3 years of experience, outages in the rainy season ARE more common.
Aug 20, 2010 at 7:06 pm
now that is the COOLEST chess set, but let’s hope the power straightens out!
Aug 21, 2010 at 6:17 am
Thanks buddy! 🙂
Aug 21, 2010 at 3:48 am
Hey out power goes out here a lot too whenever it rains.
Aug 21, 2010 at 6:19 am
Interesting. Does it stay out for long? The frustrating thing about our power is the inconsistency. Sometimes it will just flicker out and then come right back. Other times, it will go off for a long time.