A pug mill is a heavy-duty mechanical mixer that processes raw or scrap clay into a uniform, workable state. It consists of a horizontal or vertical barrel containing a rotating shaft fitted with auger blades that chop and compress the clay. Most studio models include a vacuum pump that sucks air out of the clay body as it moves through the barrel, preventing blisters and blowouts during firing.
Heard on the job
The vacuum pump on the pug mill needs a new seal because the extruded clay still has air pockets.
Also heard as
- pugger