We will not be able to get New York State talc after January 1, 2009. To read R.T. Vanderbilt’s press release announcing their decision to cease talc operations in Gouverneur, NY, click on this link:
http://www.rtvanderbilt.com/pr_talc_production_cease.pdfWhat this means for you, the potter:
You must test new clay bodies. We have formulated two new bodies to replace our original 105.
#105 is a talc body containing a new talc from Texas. You will find it very similar to the old 105 in workability. It is noticably darker in moist form and a bit whiter when fired. It is available with and without grog and works well with most commercial underglazes and glazes. This is the clay body we recommend for basic classroom use and tile work.
#105NT is a low-fire white body with no talc. It is very plastic and available with and without grog. It throws nicely and is good for smaller hand-built pieces.. This body was developed to conform with certain regulations set by the state of Connecticut. Some commercial glazes and underglazes do not fit this body. We highly recommend testing for glaze and underglaze fit.
See "Tips & Suggestions for 105NT & 105NTG"
If you have questions, please e-mail technical@standardceramic.com. Tell us how you use the clay, what forms you make, what glazes you use and we’ll help make the transition easier. Please let us know if you’d like samples of these bodies to test.
Thank you for visiting our web site and for using our products.
