A pug mill is a machine used to mix wet and dry materials, such as clay and asphalt. It has been around since the 1800s and is powered by horses, mules, or electricity. Potters use it to streamline the process of making and recycling clay, while making asphalt requires careful supervision. Pug mills vary in size, power, and capacity, and can be dangerous if used improperly.
The word “pug” means “to mix with water to make it more elastic”. A pug mill, then, is a machine used to grind and mix wet and dry materials, usually for clay, asphalt, and similar compounds. Generally a pug mill consists of a container and one or more rotating arms fitted with blades or paddles. These act like a blender, producing a smooth, moist mixture that’s easy to work with.
The pug mill has been around since at least the early 1800s. Initially, it was powered by horses or mules. Electric pug mills then became commonplace in the industry, although the basic design remained similar.
Potters rely on these blenders to streamline the process of making and recycling clay. The clay can be mixed afresh in a dedicated mixer or in a combined mixer/mill. Used clay can also be added to the mill to replenish. Once the clay is mixed, the mill is used to create an even texture and moisture level. A good pug mill, or one with a vacuum component, can also remove nearly all of the air from the clay, preventing bubbles from creating fine dots in the finished work.
Making asphalt in this mill generally requires more careful supervision than making clay. The blades of the mill must be very close to the walls of the container so that none of the particles added to the asphalt can escape the mixing. Likewise, the mill must be filled precisely to ensure proper mixing of the materials. The speed and duration of mixing are also crucial. Asphalt mixed too briefly or slowly may not have time to homogenize, while asphalt mixed too long or too quickly can lose some of its pot life.
Pug mills vary widely in size, power, capacity, and configuration. Some have helix-shaped mixing blades, while others use easily replaceable paddles attached to a rod for mixing. In addition to those intended for mixing clay and asphalt, mills can be made to mix agricultural or chemical compounds.
Individuals should use caution when cleaning or repairing a pug mill or when removing materials from the mill. Some materials are quite heavy and are better suited to a pug mill with an extruder than one with manual removal. Additionally, this mill can be a powerful machine and can cause serious injury if used improperly.
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