How to Grind Clay at Home

Process and hand grind dry clay into a powder form.

Earth clay, also known as earthernware or stoneware clay, is a natural and unprocess clay. The clay is harvested from the ground such as near a creek or riverbed. All impurities are removed prior to the clay being ground into powder. The powder is then hydrated for use. A simple and very inexpensive way to process clay into powder is hand grinding. Hard work and long hours go into the grinding process but a fine clay powder is achieved.

Things You'll Need

• 6-feet square, 6 mil plastic sheeting
• Earth clay
• Work gloves
• Hard rubber mallet
• Window screen
• Three 5 gallon buckets
• 4-by 4-inch lumber, 4-feet long

Instructions

1. Open the 6-foot square piece of 6 mil plastic sheeting. Place it in a location that is dry and away from the elements. Place the harvested clay in the center of the plastic sheeting to dry. Allow the clay to dry completely before beginning the grinding process.

2. Put on the work gloves. Remove all debris from the clay, such as rocks and sticks.

3. Fold the edges of the sheeting over the clay. Hit the clay with the hard rubber mallet to break into smaller pieces. Open the sheeting and remove any noticeable debris. Repeat the process until the pieces are between 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

4. Fill a 5-gallon bucket approximately 1/4 full of the 1- to 2-inch pieces of clay. Place the 4-foot 4-by 4-inch piece of wood vertically in the bucket. Pound the 4-by-4 up and down on the clay to grind and crush.

5. Place the window screen over the top of the second 5-gallon bucket. Scoop a handful of ground clay on top of the screen. Brush the ground clay back and forth over the screen so the small pieces of clay fall through the screen. Dump the remaining pieces of clay in a third 5-gallon bucket. Repeat the process until the first bucket is empty.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the third 5-gallon bucket is 1/4 full. Grind the clay in the third 5-gallon bucket and repeat step 5. Continue grinding until all clay is processed.

References

• Clay Times: Clay Basics