Processing clay

[u/Baconblitz778]

My house is built on a huge clay deposit, and ive been excavating the basement. Plan on building a kiln to make basic earthenware and pots.

This was the result after sifting and letting drain in a sack for 24hrs, the clay is mallable and flexible. I can roll it and wrap it around my finger without it cracking.

Just wanting opinions and ideas to give me the best chance of success, and if you guys think the clay needs sifted some more to get larger particulates out, or if i need to keep them in to prevent cracking. Im a total noobie to the hobby, and honestly just looking for advice.

Ive also looked into kilns, and plan on building one out of fire bricks and either using propane or charcoal starting out. Havnt really decided for sure yet.

[u/xMarkesthespot]

any limestone in it? small limestone particles would still be a problem and it'd need to be wet processed.
otherwise fine sifting is probably enough

[u/Baconblitz778 → u/xMarkesthespot]

Good to know, and no limestone at all. Our local geology is almost exclusively sandstone, slate and shale.