Pitfire Info

Date:

Sunday, Sept 16, 2004
at 9:00 AM

Location:

Ocean Beach
(parking lot at Lincoln and Great Highway)
San Francisco

[MAP]

Please be on time! It's important to get an early start.

In case of rain, we will post an announcement on the main page of the website. Please check back Saturday Night!

Pre-Firing Preparations

There are many things to do before the firing; participants are expected to help with preparations. Sample jobs include collecting wood and sawdust and transporting materials and tools to the firing.

There will be a planning meeting mid-summer (date to be announced). All registered participants should attend to get final assignments and make plans for the firing.

Preparing your Pots

For best results:

  • Work with a well grogged clay, such as raku or sculpture mix, that will resist theremal shock.
  • Smooth the surface of your pots by burnishing and/or applying terra sigillatta. (See Linda Mau's Terra Sig recipe, at the bottom of this page.)
  • Bisque your pots to a low temperature (cone 08 to 012).
  • Pack your pots carefully for transport to the beach! Bring boxes with lids to protect your pots from moisture at the beach.

What to Bring

  • Shovels
  • Strong metal rakes
  • Work gloves
  • Sturdy shows for walking in the sand and on hot coals
  • Layered clothing
  • Hat
  • Sunblock
  • Folding chair, beach blanket, beach umbrella
  • Eating utensils and paper goods
  • Cold drinks (no alcohol is allowed on the beach!)
  • Your potluck dish
  • Handiwipes for cleanup (there is no water for washing at the beach)

Those of us who want to caravan to the beach will meet at the Sunnyvale Community Center Pottery Studio at 7:30 AM.

If you are going on your own, please meet at the parking lot on the corner of Lincoln and The Great Highway promptly at 9:00 AM so we can all help carrying supplies down to the beach. (It is a healthy walk from the parking area to the beach.)

Linda Mau's Terra Sigillatta Recipe:

White Terra Sig

Red Terra Sig
  • 6 cups water
  • 5 1/2 cups EPK or 4 1/4 cups OM4 ball clay
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sodium silicate
  • 6 cups water
  • 3 cups Newman Red clay
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sodium silicate
Carefully measure the liquid ingredients, then add the dry clay by sprinkling it into the water. Mix thoroughly! A blender is excellent for small batches.

Let the mixture stand undisurbed for at least 36 hours. There will be a very thin layer of clear water on top, then the Terra Sig, then a layer of very solid slip on the bottom. Carefully pour off the Terra Sig into a clean container (you can let the extra water evaporate off). The thick slip at the bottom can be discarded, or you can add water and repeat the process to make a bit more Terra Sig.