AusBonsai

Hey MItchell I thing you need some "Binder" of some sort in the mix
Paper Mache or Chopped Spagnum moss?

Ken

I make my own grow boxes, the rest I will leave to those with time and inclination.

Don't let 'em discourage you Mitch. I want to see what you do with this material.

me too, i think its a great idea
lets not limit our options

Sorry, for the delays guys/gals. Had a few too many drinks the other night and decided to put myself to bed. Better that, than make a total fool of myself.

The clay is still wet and bagged, ready to go. May get time tonight.

After adding water to the dry mix, I kneed it as one would when making dough. In fact the whole dry/wet mix is similar quantities, to how one would make dough.
It should feel dry to the touch when ready, but no bone dry particles of Fireclay should be left.

The Fireclay has a distinctive brown colour.

Do not breath in Fireclay dust. You must wear some kind of breathing protection. Holding your breath is not one of those options.

Some quick 2 minute jobs. You can tell I have next to no skills in creating these, but it's fun anyway.
I'm going to air dry them inside for a few days, then bake them in the oven.

I also use this method to make clay sculptures. I'll see if I can grab a pick of a few.

When I have time off work I'm going to attempt a homebrew kiln setup. Have all my parts (glass matting,air induction,thermostat), just need time to sit down and start work. I plan on using timber/charcoal to make a Raku kiln, still not suitable for bonsai, but will be a fun build.
I do these things because I get bored, not because I have a desperate need to make Bonsai pots.

If your wondering about the no drainage holes. I find it easier to create them prior to baking with a sharp blade/screw driver after it is air dried, instead of while shaping the pot.

Nice one mitchell,

So whats the deal after you bake these in the oven...will they actually withstand being watered and moist for several years to come or will they
just fall apart since they will not be fired at the appropriate temperatures?

Cheers

Levuccio

I think its great your trying out new things. I'd make my own vessels to if i could. Gives me great satisfaction when i make something my self. Thats another reason why i like bonsai so much, just wish i had more room. Keeps us posted on your creations (add thumbs up picture here) hehe

Levuccio, yes they would deteriorate if just baked. I have intentionally left them like this, such they will melt away over a few months.

I coat them in an acrylic sealant. You can get spray on stuff at Buzzings for terracotta pots. I however use a craft sealant, so I can paint it prior.

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