ART CLAY SILVER [ACS] and PMC

Deana
What is the difference between PMC and Art Clay Silver Clay? Why do you like ACS more than PMC? Hands in clay-feels good.
Metalman
Metal clay is a wonderful new material made of fine silver and an organic binder. It looks like and can be worked like ceramic clay. When it is fired. the binder burn off and the end product is fine silver, 99.9% pure silver.
Art Clay Silver or ACS and PMC are brand names for this new material. This metal clay which may be the biggest innovation in precious metalsmithing in centuries. [if you are knowedgable in metallurgical history, please contact me at kram@rings-things.com ] Both companies have manufactured a number of variations on their metal clay product for different applications.
I have worked with both materials. To be blunt about it, I haven't found anything that I would consider a significant difference. Each of the products in both product lines is a little different from each other. Some people have said they find that PMC + is less 'sticky' then ACS original. This may be true but the variation could also be accounted for, from batch to batch, in the manufacturing process. ASC] fires in a shorter time period, and I have found it very compatible with my glass interests. This is not to say that PMC+ or 3 might not also be good with glass as well; I haven't tried it.
I have a good supplier -- Rings and Things -- they carry Art Clay products, that works for me. I became a Master Instuctor for Art Clay because the contact and the accessability fit for me.
New lower-fire products are now available [ART CLAY 650] and this will open further avenues of material use and expression.
Claylady43
Someone gave me some silver art clay about 4 years ago. I saw it in use on a show about HAIA today. I immediately got my old clay out but it is hard as a brick. I went to a website that sells the clay and read how to re-soften it by submerging the hardened chunk in water, wrapping it in plastic and let the water work it's way into the chunk of clay. Any other suggestions from those of you who use the clay??? The thing on the show that got me excited was using a torch to fire the clay. Wow! Thanks for any input, help or tips you might have.

Metalman
Yes, that works. I would let the water work for a day or two, then I might chop it up a bit, then moisten it again and let it work again. At some point it will all be soft enough that you can take a pallette knife or a firm spatula and mash it around to a smooth consistency. If it is too moist at this point - air dry it for a short time and work it again. This can end up being a bit tricky but you will be able to work it out. I use paste a fair amount, reconstituting the clay into paste is easier because the amount of water you use is not as critical.
Torch firing works great.
Woodie
Can Art Clay and PMC Clay be used together?
Metalman
I have not done the experiment but the difference in the firing schedules for Art Clay and original PMC would make me think that they would not be compatible. The difference in shrinkage rates, which is significant would also be a factor.