Throwing a wheel is an art form unique to pottery. It is a way of creating handcrafted pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. To have an even wall when throwing a wheel requires both a good technique, proper equipment, and the ability to recognize and rectify mistakes. With proper practice, even wall throwing can be achieved by any aspiring potter.
What is the Proper Technique for Even Wall Throwing?
When throwing a wheel, there are a few techniques that can help to ensure even wall thickness. Begin by centering the clay on the wheel. Lift it off the wheel bed slightly and press down to create a flat disc. Apply downward pressure and use your arm to rotate the wheel. As the clay gets longer and thinner, use your thumb and index finger to apply pressure and forearms to expand the clay outward. Community is essential to get the walls even. Fingers should be close enough together that they almost touch, being used to push or relax the clay depending on where it needs to be expanded or retracted. When the walls reach your desired thickness release the pressure and gently taper off the edges.
What Are the Benefits of Even Wall Throwing?
The benefits of even wall throwing are numerous. By having consistent wall thickness, potters are able to create pieces with a uniform visual appearance. Even walls also provide structural stability, allowing pieces to be fired at higher temperatures while remaining intact. Even walls also help to maximize kiln space, allowing potters to increase their output without necessity for larger kilns.
Equipment Needed for Even Wall Throwing
To get even wall when throwing a wheel you need the right tools for the job. You’ll need access to an electric pottery wheel and a wet/dry wall thickness gauge to measure walls as you throw. Other tools such as a clay knife, wooden rib, and/or wire are also helpful for trimming and shaping pieces. You’ll also need an air compressor and slip trailer tool if you’re looking to refine your technique further.
Tips to Improve Your Even Wall Throwing Skills
When trying to learn the skill of even wall throwing, there are a few tips that can help to ensure success. Firstly, take your time. Throwing a clay should never feel rushed if you want an even walled piece. Secondly, practice regularly and keep an eye on the wall thickness of your work. Where possible use measurements to help ensure consistency. Lastly, try throw multiple pieces of low-fire clay so that you can understand how factors such as water content, temperature, and speed can affect your results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Throwing a Wheel
When trying your hand at even wall throwing it is important to recognize and rectify common mistakes. Overworking and underworking are common occurrences in throwing wheels. Overworking refers to over expansion of walls or hand pulling too much clay from the center. Underworking is when walls are too thin or inconsistent. Additionally, using too much water can cause slips in walls or increase drying times, meaning mistakes can become apparent after firing. It’s important to monitor your work throughout the process.
Analyzing Your Throw – What Did You Do Right/Wrong?
Once you’ve finished throwing a piece it’s important to analyze the results. If successful, look at what it is you did right – was it getting the right speed, angle of clay on the wheel bed, or achieving uniform wall thickness? If something wasn’t quite right there could be any number of reasons. Maybe your clay wasn’t hydrated properly or perhaps you pushed too hard with your fingers? It’s important to recognize these errors in order to improve your technique.
Troubleshooting Issues with Your Wheel Throw
In the event of unexpected problems with your wheel throw there are some troubleshooting tips that can help get your piece back on track. If walls aren’t long enough, consider using a wooden rib or clay knife to create extra length. If walls appear too thin, try increasing water content in clay or adding more force with your arms when rotating the wheel. If walls are sticking or inconsistently thick/thin then look at adjusting hand placement or ensuring clay is properly centered on the wheel bed.
Advanced Techniques for Professional Wheel Throwing
More advanced potters looking for ways to refine their technique may want to explore techniques such as altering angles on the wheel bed, altering revolutions per minute (RPMs) as they throw, or using a slip trailer tool for detailed refinement of pieces. Keep in mind that these techniques require practice and take time to master, so don’t expect immediate results.
Finding the Right Wheel and Clay for Even Wall Throwing
To achieve success when throwing a wheel it is essential to have a combination of equipment, clay, and skill that suits you. Consider the size of your workspace when selecting a pottery wheel, and further explore options when choosing clays that have different water retention levels and have been fired at different temperatures. Experimentation is key here as every potter works differently and results will vary from one person to the next.
Throwing a wheel can be both a challenging and rewarding experience for any potter. With patience and practice you can achieve beautiful pieces with even walls. Consider the tips above along with equipment and technique to get the best results possible.
