Where can I get clay that dries without a kiln oven?

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cardinal43

Member
Working on a project and can make the holder I need from clay. Problem is, I need it to dry (so it's like a flower pot) .

I don't have a kiln oven, so what kind of clay (or other substance) can I use??

THANKS
 
F

frnash

Active member
Hmmm, caliche, from da Arizona (Sonoran) desert? The darned stuff is like concrete, impenetrable too!
"An impermeable caliche layer prevents water from draining properly, which can keep the roots from getting enough oxygen.

Second, the impermeable nature of caliche beds also prevents plant roots from going through the bed, which means the roots have a limited supply of nutrients, water, and space, so they cannot develop normally."
Click to expand...
(Just kiddin'.)
 
A

anonomoose

New member
cardinal43 said:
Working on a project and can make the holder I need from clay. Problem is, I need it to dry (so it's like a flower pot) .

I don't have a kiln oven, so what kind of clay (or other substance) can I use??

THANKS
Click to expand...

I think that you can dry your project in a standard kitchen oven. Most clays will harden over time very well, the kiln speeds up the process, and is required for most glazes.
 
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blutooth

New member
The short answer is you can't get clay to a durable "ceramic" state without kiln type heat. It will get hard in your oven, but that will only dry out the clay and NOT give it the ceramic properties you are looking for.

What I would suggest is do a quick search for pottery shops in your area. Most places will rent out shop space and time for a pretty reasonable fee and that will include the clay and firing.
 
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t_man

New member
What blutooth said

I'm a hobby potter and work in a local pottery shop/studio.

As blutooth said, putting the clay in your kitchen oven will give you dry clay, but will not put in through the ceramic change where it will be strong. You need a kiln for that.

Most studios will fire your pieces in a kiln for a modest charge. It is usually based on the cubic inches of kiln space needed for the piece. Even professional potters go this route vs. having their own kilns.

Not sure what you are trying to make, but call a local pottery studio/shop and they will be able to advise you on the best materials and options for firing. Even different clays are better suited for different things.

Good luck
 
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