Crank Clays & Raku Clays
Our carefully curated selection of crank and raku clays is trusted by potters of every skill level for superb thermal shock resistance, excellent handling properties and consistently high quality. Designed to meet the unique demands of raku pottery, sculpting and other high-heat, high impact techniques, these clays are great for handbuilding large sculptures and raku firing. The clays offer coarse texture, grogged structure and low shrinkage, making them an ideal choice for projects looking for durability and expressive surface quality.
What Makes Clay Suitable for Raku or Crank Work?
Raku pottery is a dynamic firing technique where projects are removed red hot from the kiln and cooled rapidly. This shock from extreme temperature changes requires a clay body that is highly resistant to thermal stress.
Raku clays have a great thermal shock resistance, essential for withstanding being pulled from a hot kiln during the raku process. These grogged clays also have improved strength which reduces warping or cracking. The clay has a firing range between 900°C and 1300°C, making it suitable for raku kilns, pit firings and bisque firing.
Crank clays share similar traits but are specially formed for large handbuilt or sculptural ceramics where texture and stability are highly important.
Unleash Creativity with Crank and Raku Clays
The beauty of raku pottery lies in how unpredictable it is. Glazes can crackle, surfaces can turn black with carbon, and no two raku firings are the same. With our range of clays, potters can confidently explore artistic possibilities knowing that their projects can withstand thermal shock, rapid cooling and more.
If you're undertaking sculptural or ceramic art projects, crank clays are perfect for creating pieces with delicate protrusions and offer the structural integrity required for things like outdoor sculptures.
Manufacturing Methods of Prepared Clay Bodies
Bodies marked with a 'P' are finished by our Panmilling technique. This production method gives excellent, reliable control of grog and water contents but is inherently more open to occasional larger or extraneous particles arising in the ingredients or during processing. It generally produces better moisture control in grogged bodies.
Bodies marked with an 'S' are Sliphoused bodies. These are prepared in very large batches in slip form which is finely sieved prior to or after grog addition. The purified slip is then pumped into presses for dewatering prior to pugging. Sliphousing gives greater product uniformity and virtually guarantees freedom from contamination, but it is more difficult to control grog contents due to settling from suspension, and moisture content. It is the best technique for smooth-textured bodies.
Bodies marked with a 'PB' are produced by a Plastic Blending process, which yields bodies offering the high purity and cost effectiveness of a sliphoused product together with the ultra-tight control over grog additions offered by the panmilling process.
Why Choose Potclays?
We're proud to offer a one-stop shop for all things pottery and ceramics and even prouder to serve artists of all skill levels. Whether you're choosing the right body for your build, selecting a compatible glaze, or looking for the best tools for your technique, we're here to help. Get in touch today and let our expert team support your next project.
Browse our range of products and find a variety of clays, powder glazes and more.
