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First time posting here - i am a relatively new potter trying to throw larger pieces now that i am in my fourth class .
and by larger i mean 3-4 lbs instead of the 1.5-2 lbs that i can now center and open relatively without any problem
so this happens on and off - i will start centering on top wheel speed and it’s looking ok for the first min or so. at which point the top of the clay develops a twist in it - essentially the top part and bottom part are now spinning like they r two clay bodies, although still attached.
once this happens i cannot for the life of me bring the clay to center. the last time i literally centered for 15 min and then developed a headache after :(
any tips on what might be happening ? and how to avoid. i am finding lots of info online for this twist to happen during opening or pulling up. but my issue is earlier.
photo of my 3 lb clay pot where this did NOT happen.
thanks Usha
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Two things — first is to wedge the clay more and better. Wedging larger pieces is different than small pieces, so I would recommend asking for some instruction. Second is ensuring the clay is absolutely firmly planted onto the wheel/bat.
thanks , i did notice that it seemed to happen initially when the clay moved when u started centering at which point i stopped the wheel and pressed tha clay into the bat
perhaps that triggered the off centre ness. but this last time it happened the clay was adhered fully on the bat…
I’ve found that in addition to proper wedging, coning the clay two or three times really transformed my throwing. Prior to this I was constantly trimming uneven rims with a needle tool. For me it was really the missing part of the puzzle.
i have started coning the clay but i do this after the initial centering do u start centering by coning ? i could try that next time
It sounds like you’re trying to center it in sections? Is that correct?
Edit: If by “top wheel speed” I hope you’re not centering pedal to the metal…?
actually i am - i was told to center the clay when the wheel is at top speed is that not correct way ?