Pot worth trying to fix?

[barrosinc]

This pot broke in the kiln... Is this fixable? I am getting this for free and getting a replacement.

Should I try to fill it in using epoxy?

 

[armetisius]

Max,
I would line it with nylon screening and use it just like it is.
Be careful of the tension you exert with you tie in action though.
JMO.

 

[rockm]

Use it until it splits completely, but those cracks are substantial. Epoxy filler or auto body bondo could be used to spackle the cracks.

In any case, using a pot like this is always risky, since it could "let go" at any moment, potentially leaving your tree broken on the ground...with soil disturbed or partially barerooted. That has happened to me once.

 

[M. Frary]

Gorilla glue.

 

[jquast]

Hi Max,

where did you purchase the pot? Can you provide a website?

Thanks,
jeff

 

[barrosinc]

where did you purchase the pot? Can you provide a website?

just a person I know that does ceramics pots and sculptures to cone 8 in Chile.

I think I can find gorilla glue... I have fast and slow epoxy that I use with my RC gliders.

The top crack is easy, the other one is a bit harder.

 

[rockm]

I may be stating the obvious here, but if this is a kiln fracture, the pieces WILL NOT MOVE from their current positions. Trying to squeeze them together to apply glue or something WILL BREAK THE POT. Glass doesn't bend very well. Filling in the cracks is the only option here. You cannot glue them back together IF this cracked in the kiln during the firing process and the pieces are still attached to one another.

 

[barrosinc]

Yes, it cracked in the kiln. I thought I could move it a bit. Taken note.
I will fill in then, it might not break that easy then if all pieces are still attached?

 

[rockm]

Yes, it cracked in the kiln. I thought I could move it a bit. Taken note.
I will fill in then, it might not break that easy then if all pieces are still attached?

It is still in danger of breaking with no warning. Those are weak points, always will be. Epoxy can work for a while, be given it will be buried under probably acidic soil and constantly wet, I wouldn't hope for much over time.

I'd just throw it out, if it were mine, because it presents a an unpredictable danger to the trees in it. If the cracks where hairline or even a bit larger and didn't run more than half the width of the pot, then it might be a bit safer and more useable.

 

[Bunjeh]

You should try Kintsugi. Repairing with gold lacquer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi

 

[rockm]

I knew someone was going to suggest that ;-) Spending $500 for an unremarkable pot worth $50? That technique is generally used for valuable antique or notable pots. And again, this pot isn't cracked, it's split. Filling in those cavernous gaps would cost a fortune in gold, IF you can find someone who knows what they're doing
http://lakesidepottery.com/Pages/pottery-and-ceramic-fix-restoration-repair.html

 

[whfarro]

You can get a marine epoxy. I used it in an emergency to seal a large cracked toilet tank. It's waterproof and will hold up to the constant watering of your trees.

 

[PierreR]

Use a two part mouldable plastic epoxy. Loctite makes one. Cut off the amount you need, work the components together, press into the cracks, when cured, you can paint the outside if you wish... I think JB weld makes a putty version of their product. ANother you can look for is Acraglass putty. Used if bedding rifles. Sticks to anything. near zero shrinkage.

 

[Dav4]

I agree with Mark...probably going to eventually fail after it's put to use, regardless of what you do. I'd toss it or do some outside the box ala Robert Stevenson and use the separate pieces of the pot(you'll have to separate them) to create some sort of landscape.

 

[LanceMac10]

How big are your Gliders? Loved RC cars years back. Got to be a little expensive. Maybe we shouldn't have built ramps to jump 'em over my buddies truck!!! If your glider is big enough, fly this abomination high and drop it!! Or, if your feet are a little more rooted in reality like Dav4 seems to be, well, that's a good idea as well!! If you do try to separate them, gather your friends around and make it seem like a magic trick. Make some rum drinks....whatever happens, everyone will love it, trust me!!!

 

[barrosinc]

gliders are
slope glider 1.2m (200 grams)
discus hand thrown glider 1.5m (287 grams)
and 3.2m fully molded 4kg slope glider... maybe this one could hold the pot?

 

[Djtommy]

Fill with laquer mixed with stonepowder, that should work.

 

[DougB]

Beware of Gorilla glue as it greatly expands as it cures. and I'm sure there is a great out of the box use for this defective bonsai pot but a spart for new creativity.

 

[Smoke]

PULL!

 

[barrosinc]

PULL!

huh?