mudlove308 said: I've always wanted to use the clay pit at studio 588. I was supposed to go earlier this year but due to us being short handed at work my vacation time I had approved was canceled. Hopefully I'll be able to make it down in 25.
This one is Route207 inspired. Built a heated indoor clay pit, 1 ton of clay or around 20 bags, 16 foundry hill creme and 4 om4, plus 1 bag iron oxide black to make it grey (12% iron oxide by volume will make it pure black). There are a few kilos of epsom salt mixed in to make the clay extra thick and clingy. It's filled up to 30 inches but you will float unless you dig your heels into the really thick stuff at the bottom and slowly excavate the clay under your body until down to shoulder deep.
As for construction, it's mostly 2x4s and deck screws for the frame, 1/2 inch foam board insulation, 240 ft of de-icing cable wrapped around the inside for heating, pond liner on top, and then mud to fill with a small plastic step for the shallow tip to climb in and out. The step is filled with thick blocks of prepared clay as an anchor point for feet. The heating element is 1,200 watts / 10 amp and safely plugs in to a GFCI 15A circuit. It takes about 3 hours to get comfortably warm at around 102 F.
The one in my current profile pic is pretty dreamy. Deep, thick, perfect for diving into. And best of all, there's a bunch of other pits at the same place I've yet to try out. I can't wait to go back!
likesitdark said: This one is Route207 inspired. Built a heated indoor clay pit, 1 ton of clay or around 20 bags, 16 foundry hill creme and 4 om4, plus 1 bag iron oxide black to make it grey (12% iron oxide by volume will make it pure black). There are a few kilos of epsom salt mixed in to make the clay extra thick and clingy. It's filled up to 30 inches but you will float unless you dig your heels into the really thick stuff at the bottom and slowly excavate the clay under your body until down to shoulder deep.
As for construction, it's mostly 2x4s and deck screws for the frame, 1/2 inch foam board insulation, 240 ft of de-icing cable wrapped around the inside for heating, pond liner on top, and then mud to fill with a small plastic step for the shallow tip to climb in and out. The step is filled with thick blocks of prepared clay as an anchor point for feet. The heating element is 1,200 watts / 10 amp and safely plugs in to a GFCI 15A circuit. It takes about 3 hours to get comfortably warm at around 102 F.
Wow that is crazy cool. You built that? I bet that also helps skin a lot too with the Epsom salt too.
Brownie said: The one in my current profile pic is pretty dreamy. Deep, thick, perfect for diving into. And best of all, there's a bunch of other pits at the same place I've yet to try out. I can't wait to go back!
Looks really creamy. I love how it covers your head.
TannerQS said: Wow that is crazy cool. You built that? I bet that also helps skin a lot too with the Epsom salt too.
Yes, and it's had its fill of several substances over the years. I am surprised there's not much tinkering done with indoor clay. Adding flocculant like Epsom salt gives clay a gel-like quality, so the amount of coverage compared to untreated clay is almost double with the right proportions. It also creates suction because of ionic adhesion, so your body pulled down when the surface tension is sufficiently broken with rapid motion. But when the movement stops, everything thickens up again and resurfacing sloooowly creates suction because so much mud is being pulled with you. Epsom salts are cheap and some are even scented, so I am surprised more producers don't try it.
Love you, too
