In brickmaking, particularly in traditional hand-moulding methods, a stock board refers to a fundamental piece of equipment used to shape the clay.
Understanding the Brick Stock Board
As detailed in the reference, the wooden block is a key component in hand-moulding bricks and is known by several names, including the moulding block or stock board. This wooden block serves as a base and guide during the process of forming individual bricks from clay.
Role in Brick Moulding
The stock board plays a vital role in the manual brick formation process. Its primary function is to interact with the brick mould to create the desired shape and facilitate the release of the newly formed, wet brick.
Here's how it's typically used:
- The stock board is a wooden block often placed on a table or workbench.
- It usually features a raised projection or "kick" designed to fit snugly into the bottom opening of the brick mould.
- The brick mould is placed onto this projection, ensuring it is correctly positioned.
- Clay is then forcefully "dashed" or thrown into the mould, filling it completely.
- Excess clay is struck off the top.
- A pallet is placed on the top of the filled mould.
- The whole thing is then turn upside down, transferring the wet brick from the mould onto the pallet, ready for drying.
Alternative Names
The stock board is also widely recognized as the moulding block.
In essence, the stock board is the base or block upon which the brick mould is seated during the filling process, crucial for shaping the clay and enabling the easy transfer of the green brick onto a pallet.
