[Cob] Earth floors

[Raduazo at aol.com]

    I am having a problem processing enough clay for a floor finish. 
    The first step is to wet it and mix it with a power mixer then I push it 
through 1/2 inch screen. This gives me a tapioca-like mixture of clay tapioca 
balls mixed with a few very sharp quarts rocks. 
    The next step is add more water, mix it again and push it through a 
window screen. This is where the problem occurs. When I place an aluminum or nylon 
screen on top of the 1/2 inch screen and try pushing the clay through it is a 
very slow process. I cut up my right hand Tuesday, my left hand Wednesday just 
making one batch a day, and I am not looking forward to five more batches 
needed to finish. I can wear dishwashing gloves or a wooden block taped to my 
hand to protect it from the sharp rocks, but if I use more force to speed up the 
process it tears the window screen.
    Today I am going to try 1/4 inch screen and then two layers of 1/4 inch 
screen set at a 45 degree angle with a power mix between steps to get rid of 
the tapiocas. This stuff is tough enough to take lots of force. Then I when I 
get to the window screen it is my hope that most of the sharp rocks will be gone 
and I can use a little more force.
    If this does not work I am not sure what to do. I am slated to help Chris 
do his floor next. He wants the same nice red clay as I am using for my floor 
and his floor is twice the size of mine. 
    I tried finding a supplier for stainless steel screen but cannot seem to 
find anyone who wants to sell small quantities.
    Does anyone have ideas? Someone must have had this problem before me.
Ed