Yep, the rumor is true. T Pots Pottery now stocks a red clay called Navajo Wheel by IMCO.
We tested the clay for a few weeks, everyone who threw with it, really enjoyed the smooth, creamy feel and loved the deep, rich color. Testers felt the clay was easy to center and throw with, so easy, may found themselves with the top portion of their pot suddenly unattached to the wheel and in their hands at the end of a "pull". Using less water than with the white clay (B-Mix) really helped with the "flimsiness" feeling of the clay.
I found the clay to be easy to throw, softer than B-mix. Navajo Wheel is much less tempermental in respect to attaching handles and "S" cracks. A few pieces were intentially left with a thick, uncompressed bottom and left to dry right side up. - no "s" cracks. Handles stay put, even with slightly dry clay.
Navajo Wheel on the left, B-Mix on the right= same glaze on both
The best part is the clay will wash out of clothing! The shrink rate is 15%, a little more than b-mix at 12%. so far the studio glazes all have a nice fit with no crazing and they look gorgous on the darker clay.
I'll add updates about the clay as they come out of the kiln.
Happy Holidays
Teresa
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