Getting Started: What you will need: 1 gallon bucket filled to the half way mark with water 1 sponge 1 pear pitter 1 Plastic or Metal Rib Tool
Cylinder Requirements: 1. 6 inches tall 2. Minimum 2 inches wide 3. Cut it in half to show Ms. Ashley... Walls need to be consistent 1/2 inch to 1.4 inch 4. Once approved by Ms. Ashley you can fire one to keep.
Steps:
Centering clay on a pottery wheel is a fundamental skill in ceramics. Here are step-by-step instructions:
Prepare Your Workspace:
Ensure your pottery wheel is clean and properly set up.
Have a bucket of water nearby to keep your hands and clay moist.
Prepare Your Clay:
Wedge your clay to remove air bubbles and create a consistent texture.
Position Your Clay on the Wheel:
Place a lump of clay onto the center of the pottery wheel head. Press it down firmly to secure it.
Start the Wheel:
Turn on the pottery wheel at a slow to medium speed. Excessive speed can make centering difficult, especially for beginners.
Position Your Hands:
Wet your hands to prevent the clay from sticking. Dip them into the water frequently throughout the process.
Keep your arms close to your body for stability.
Apply Pressure:
Using both hands, gently press down on the clay to create a stable base. Apply even pressure with the palms of your hands.
Coning:
With your hands on either side of the clay, form a cone shape by pushing the clay upward and inward. Keep the motion steady and controlled.
Aim to maintain the center of the clay mass directly under the wheel's rotation axis.
Flatten the Cone:
Once you have formed a tall cone, gently press down on the top to flatten it slightly. This helps to distribute the clay more evenly.
Repeat Coning:
Repeat the coning process several times, gradually increasing the pressure and height of the cone.
Focus on keeping the clay centered and symmetrical.
Checking Centering:
Stop the wheel periodically to check the alignment of the clay.
Use your hands or a wooden rib to feel for any irregularities in the surface.
Refining:
Once the clay is centered, refine the shape by gently pushing and pulling the clay upward and inward with your hands.
Smooth out any bumps or imperfections on the surface.
Final Check:
Stop the wheel and examine the clay from different angles to ensure it is perfectly centered.
Make any final adjustments as needed.
Ready for Pottery:
Once the clay is centered, you can begin shaping it into your desired form using various pottery techniques.
Remember, centering clay takes practice and patience. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't come easily at first. Keep practicing, and over time, you'll improve your skills.