Subject: Raku Tongs

From: David Wilson <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 1996 09:40:51 -0600

I've noticed on a newsgroup that I read, "bit.listserv.clayart", a mention
of "Raku Tongs". They are used to pick the pottery up out of the kiln,
after its fired. I was wondering if anyone here has experience with making
this tool. Several people, one in Phoenix, that post to this pottery NG,
have requested info on how to find a blacksmith, that can make this tool.

I'd be glad to do a drawing of it if I knew the vital statistics. Then
upload it to the FTP site, if anyone is interested.

David
http://www.flash.net/~dwwilson/
mailto:[email-masked]

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From: "Mark E. Williams" <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 1996 12:23:14 -0400

On Sep 18,  9:40am, David Wilson wrote:
> Subject: Raku Tongs
I'm interested. Let me know when you get it to the ftp site.

Thanx,

Mark

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From: [email-masked]
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 1996 12:12:14 -0500

> mailto:[email-masked]

I have a two different pairs of raku tongs I could photo and send as an
attached file, well.. really three if the poster is wanting an unusual
style I designed and call the iron maiden that works with large pieces
and low tolerance for muscular events.   Raku tongs are very simple.

Cynthia
TX

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From: "Mark E. Williams" <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 1996 14:59:07 -0400

On Sep 18, 12:12pm, [email-masked] wrote:
> Subject: Re: Raku Tongs

Sounds real nice. Please post.

Mark

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From: [email-masked]
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 1996 20:19:02 -0500

I have uploaded a photo of the three raku tongs (tongs.jpg) to the ftp
site if anyone is interested.  The specs are as follows:

#1  31" long
    23' to hinge
    18 1\2" of handle is 1\2" tubing (for weight) then welded to 3\8"
bar

#2  (iron maiden) 5' long
    30" handles of 5\8" pipe (to curve), same pipe below curve
    12" of 1" x 1\4" flat is then bowed out about 2"
    nail are on both curves and welded in drilled holes
    3" bolt through the ends (bottom of photo) pivots on a stack of
bricks          for weight distribution (ahhhh!)
#3  40" long
    30" to hinge
    26" of handle is 1\2" tubing then welded to 3\8" square bar
    as in #1 the ends meet

Cynthia
TX