hot plate

[sandmor1]

would it be OK to use the base of a slow cooker to dry the clay.

I don't mean the crockpot itself, just the metal base. I have a very old old one I never use now and the base is a flat metal (?) sheet.

I have just been air drying so far although I do have the other normal things, hairdryer/heat gun etc.

Is one method of drying any better than another? I have been leaving the item to dry for at least 24hrs up to 48hrs.

Thank you
Sandra

[MuranoSilver]

My concern with drying the clay directly on the metal base is that if it's aluminium then it will react with the clay
causing pits and holes in the clay...steel would be OK though

nic xx

[FVT]

I've been considering one of these for a long time, I've heard they are good for drying purposes....as well as boiling eggs ;-)

Single Boiling Table Top Hob (Comes in silver & White): Amazon.co.uk: Kitchen & Home

[elliboo]

If they get hot enough to boil water would they start to burn off the binder before you're ready to fire? I'd be a bit nervous about lots of warping too on a very hot surface. I dry my pieces in a low set oven, or a toaster oven. I might keep my eyes open for a little mug warmer though.

[FVT]

It would definately be wise to keep the hob on the lowest possible setting. The other thing I've seen them used for is Keum Boo. A mug warmer has been on my list though, but they all seem to be USB powered, I'd prefer to keep it in my work area so it would need to be powered by the mains.

[Sheltie]

Have to be honest I use a fan oven set to about 80degrees and not had a problem so far. The pieces are set on playincards and then just poped onto the wire rack.

[elliboo]

It would definately be wise to keep the hob on the lowest possible setting. The other thing I've seen them used for is Keum Boo. A mug warmer has been on my list though, but they all seem to be USB powered, I'd prefer to keep it in my work area so it would need to be powered by the mains.

Could you use one of those plugs with USB adapters? Like one of these Not suggesting the seller, just the first one I googled!

[FVT]

Ooh good thinking Sharon, thanks for the tip! :-)

[sandmor1]

OK Ladies...I guess that my slow cooker hot plate is no good. I asked my DH what it was and he said aluminium, that it was too light to be steel. But I liked the link to the single boiling tabletop hob. I might look into that.
Thank you to everyone for your input. Very helpful..as always.
Sandra

[MuranoSilver]

Glad you found out about Aluminium contamination in time then (phew!)
Had another thought - perhaps you could put a kiln tile on top of the aluminium part (the thin ceramic types)
then put your work on those to dry ~ the heat should transfer through
Nic x