giffen grip

updated wed 19 feb 03

Jorga Riggenbach on fri 7 feb 97

Marilyn said: ... >I set the pot on the Giffen Grip, sand it with a coarse,
then very >fine sandpaper.

What is a "Giffen Grip"?

Jorga

long gretchen on sat 8 feb 97

The Giffen Grip made by Brian Giffen in Boulder, Colorado is a centering
tool that fits over your wheel head. Its a great tool for trimming if you
have trouble tapping a pot on center. I use it for doing slip decoration.
They are expensive but worth the price. I have had mine since 1983.

He advertises in Ceramics Monthly, and is a nice guy besides. Gretchen in
sunny Boulder.

On Fri, 7 Feb 1997, Jorga Riggenbach wrote:

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Marilyn said: ... >I set the pot on the Giffen Grip, sand it with a coarse,
> then very >fine sandpaper.
>
> What is a "Giffen Grip"?
>
> Jorga
>

Joyce Lee on mon 29 dec 97

I've said this many times, but it is no less true. I love my grip. I am
grateful to the clayarter who recommended it. I use it most of the time.
I also have the part that allows you to trim irregularly shaped pots.
Not only do I love my grip, but occasionally potters more advanced than
I use my studio; they usually have something at least slightly
disparaging to say about the grip. However, unfailingly, they decide to
try it and are hooked. I think their initial reaction is a learned one
and a kind of snobbery. (We all are snobs of one kind or another, in my
experience. It's just which arena are we in at the moment? Before you
hit that send button, I know the difference between "discriminating" and
"snobbery." Snobbery is not nice. I stand by my original statement.) The
grip is not a crutch. It's a cool tool. Just as I prefer an electric
wheel and a commercial slabroller (neither of which are essential to
making good pots, of course), I also prefer the grip. I have learned to
tap on and sometimes I do a series of tapped pots simply for the
discipline. I don't like the dampened rim that results when I secure the
pot to the wheel with water/metal friction for tapping, but it's very
correctable. I don't know why the controversy. The grip isn't that
expensive. I use a clay mixer and a pugmill, too. We buy every tool we
can afford. I also use my hands, fingers, elbows and knees. But I
throw with two sponges. Don't know from whence that came. My #1 support
person even bought me the clayshapers after Erin and Louise recommended
them on Clayart. Wish I could figure out how to use them for more than
smoothing the underside of handles.

Joyce
In the Mojave on her birthday. Gads! Now I'm even older than "older
than dirt." Like Mark Twain, though, considering the alternative...

Randall Moody on wed 30 sep 98

Here is a question. Giffen Grip... is it a good thing or a bad thing? I
have my opinion but I want to hear others.

Kenneth D. Westfall on thu 1 oct 98

In my opinion I couldn't live with out one. The time is would take to trim
small item would tripled if i didn't have a Giffen Grip. It deficiently
eliminated all the chucks I would have to make to fit all the varied shape
of pots. It's also hard to beat a life time warranty on the parts.


At 09:26 AM 9/30/98 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Here is a question. Giffen Grip... is it a good thing or a bad thing? I
>have my opinion but I want to hear others.
>
Kenneth D. Westfall
Pine Hill Pottery
R.D. #2 Box 6AA
Harrisville, WV 26362
pinehill@ruralnet.org

J. D. Walker on thu 1 oct 98

Randell,

Production or non-production that may be the question. I don't know about
others, but in my production I don't think I could live with out mine. Mugs
even get trimmed as it only takes about 1 min. to center trim and bevel the
edge. My only fault with the GRIP is they don't make a bigger one for
bigger forms. Now it did take some time in getting use to the thing so that
I did not crack pots in griping to tightly, but every thing has a learning
curve.

Other wise the best mony I ever spent after my wheel and Kiln.

Jeff Walker
where its time to throw more mugs for the last big order for X-mas
-----Original Message-----
From: Randall Moody
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 1998 8:28 AM
Subject: Giffen Grip


>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Here is a question. Giffen Grip... is it a good thing or a bad thing? I
>have my opinion but I want to hear others.
>

Andi Cody on thu 1 oct 98

We just "inherited" a Giffen Grip from our son, who moved back in :< and I
tried it out yesterday on our Lockerbie kickwheel. What a difference in
trimming! Centering was a snap and the time it took to trim my two pots
(one of which was a jug shape) was shortened immensely. I think I'm gonna
like it a lot.

Andi
in San Diego

At 09:26 AM 9/30/98 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Here is a question. Giffen Grip... is it a good thing or a bad thing? I
>have my opinion but I want to hear others.
>

June Perry on thu 1 oct 98

Dear Randall:

We had this discussion a while back and like most discussions of this type,
there were mixed opinions on the usefullness of this tool.

I think the general consensus was that it was good if you were into production
work.

I won one of these at a workshop, years ago, when they first came out and I do
use it periodically for the odd shaped pieces or thin necks bottles, etc. But
most of the time I just get my wheel head wet and stick on the pot and trim
and pop off the piece and re-wipe the rim. The new sticky pad works great for
bowls and plates. Another thing that I devised some years ago is a piece of
firm upholstery foam, about an inch thick, cut into a circle and glued to a
bat. Then, with the wheel rotating I used a thin magic marker and made
concentric rings about 1/8 of an inch apart. Works great for plates and bowls
and is very inexpensive and quick to make.

Hope this helps.

Warm regards,
June

Donn Buchfinck on thu 1 oct 98

it is great if your making round pots, but since I make other than round now
it became obsolete.

I had one for a time, and then when I got together with my girlfriend, it
stayed on the top shelf of our studio with her giffen grip.

I think it is like any tool out there, if utilized well it can be a great
time saver.

I prefer to tap and center my pots, that way I can choose what part of the
pot I wish to center to trim.

Donn Buchfinck

barbara lund on thu 1 oct 98

I know that there are many out there who don't need or use one, but I have
had mine since 88 or so and love it. I am one of those potters who trims
everything And this gadget has been a real time saver. Back in the early
days I needed it to help me recenter the pots, but over time, that job just
became part of the "body training" we all develop and for years now I can
plonk a pot back on the wheel and have it be right in place. The grip
holds the pot in place for trimming without lugs and makes trimming things
with uneven or delicate tops very easy. usual disclaimers here. Just a soul
who is glad she lives in an era of the grip. Other Barb from Bloomington





At 09:26 AM 9/30/98 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Here is a question. Giffen Grip... is it a good thing or a bad thing? I
>have my opinion but I want to hear others.
>

the cat lady on thu 1 oct 98

At 09:26 AM 9/30/98 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Here is a question. Giffen Grip... is it a good thing or a bad thing? I
>have my opinion but I want to hear others.
>
>
Love it! Can't believe I waited so long to buy it (9 years).

HOWEVER, one should learn to trim before purchasing it - much
as one should learn math prior to purchasing a calculator
(probably a bad analogy - but hey, best I can do on short
notice).

I find it invaluable for pitchers, creamers, etc. No more ruined
spouts :) For production trimming, cannot be beat with a stick.

sam - alias the cat lady
Melbourne, Ontario
SW Ontario CANADA
http://www.geocities.com/paris/3110
scuttell@odyssey.on.ca

"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods.
Cats have never forgotten this."

Marcia Canterbury on thu 1 oct 98

Its a great thing...I love my Giffin grip.
As a production potter I need to work very fast and "the Grip" makes it
so very easy to flip the pots over and back again testing thickness.

Billy Winer on fri 2 oct 98

Randall, Most everybody on this list loves the Giffen Grip. I personally
don't even though I use it sometimes. I don't know if my Grip has a defect,
but I find that the holding of the pot loosens during usage and the pot moves
during trimming which causes a problem. Centering is not what I expected it to
be. That's my 5 cents worth! Billy in Lexington, KY

Randall Moody wrote:

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Here is a question. Giffen Grip... is it a good thing or a bad thing? I
> have my opinion but I want to hear others.

Bill Aycock on fri 2 oct 98

Opinion- Giffen good thing-

Any tool that does its job and is as claimed is a nice addition to the shop.

Bill

At 09:26 AM 9/30/98 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Here is a question. Giffen Grip... is it a good thing or a bad thing? I
>have my opinion but I want to hear others.
>
>

Bill Aycock --- Persimmon Hill
Woodville, Alabama, US 35776
(in the N.E. corner of the State)
W4BSG -- Grid EM64vr
baycock@HiWAAY.net

Brian Crocker on fri 2 oct 98

------------------
Randal, the griffon is worth its weight in gold if you want to save time, =
and
time is what it is all about if you want to make a living out of Potting.
Brian Crocker.
4 Erica Street, Tea Tree Gully, S.A. 5091
AUSTRALIA.
=7B e.mail address =7D crocker=40picknowl.com.au
phone-fax 08 8264 4136

----------
=3E ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
=3E Here is a question. Giffen Grip... is it a good thing or a bad =
thing? I
=3E have my opinion but I want to hear others.

Charlie and Linda on fri 2 oct 98

I find that the Giffen Grip to be very useful for certain shapes, too.
One note though, after a while it seemed I couldn't keep anything
centered and no matter how I adjusted the device it didn't help!

Of course it turned out to be the rubber gripper pads needed replacing
as they lose their elasticity with time and use....but for those of you
out there that have a "Grip" with a few years on it...watch out for this
problem.

Charlie

PS-I haven't found anything can beat a clay chuck for trimming long
necked bottles. Any other suggestions?

Bill Hall on fri 2 oct 98

I love mine. It takes less skill to center a piece on the wheel, and it
holds the piece more securely with less damage than other methods I've used,
including holding the piece with blobs of clay, wetting the wheel head, and
using a bat covered with foam. A bat covered with foam works well,
especially for bowls, but it's no good for tall pieces, and doesn't work at
all for bottles. Wetting the wheel head or using blobs of clay will damage
some of the rims that I use, whereas the Giffen Grip won't, once you learn
not to tighten it too much. With the extension arms in place, it will even
hold a piece that can't sit on its rim.

The only limitation that I've seen so far is that it won't hold pieces that
are over about 13" or 14" in diameter.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
> [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU]On Behalf
> Of Randall Moody
> Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 1998 8:27 AM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
> Subject: Giffen Grip
>
>
> ----------------------------Original
> message----------------------------
> Here is a question. Giffen Grip... is it a good thing or
> a bad thing? I
> have my opinion but I want to hear others.
>

Kathi LeSueur on fri 2 oct 98

If you are making your living as a production potter a Giffin Grip can be a
valuable tool saving much time. However, I've found that there are thing for
which traditional trimming is better. I've had three grips and all of them
have been off just slightly (took one in to my supplier and he tried it on
three different wheels. Off on all of them). On most forms this doesn't
matter. On plates it does. So I trim in the traditional manner sticking them
down with wads of clay.

Over the years I've found that with a little care and patience I can trim most
things without fastening down, just tap on center and then trim. This has
speeded things ups.

If you aren't doing lots of trimming then I think the grip is unnecessary.

Kathi LeSueur

Edward Cowell on fri 2 oct 98

Can't imagine life without my Giffen Grip. Never could master that tapping
method for centering, and forever had problems getting wads of clay to
stick or unstick. It's wonderful for production potting or an individual
piece. Likewise, can't imagine life without Clayart to greet me every
morning. Don't want to return to the Dark Ages.

Laurie Cowell,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

John Hesselberth on sat 3 oct 98

>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Randall, Most everybody on this list loves the Giffen Grip. I personally
>don't even though I use it sometimes. I don't know if my Grip has a defect,
>but I find that the holding of the pot loosens during usage and the pot moves
>during trimming which causes a problem. Centering is not what I expected
>it to
>be. That's my 5 cents worth! Billy in Lexington, KY
>
Billy, If your Giffen Grip is loosening during usage it might be because
you are trimming clockwise. If that is the case, try trimming
counterclockwise and see if it works any better for you.

John Hesselberth
Frog Pond Pottery
Pocopson, PA 19366 USA
EMail: john@frogpondpottery.com web site: http://www.frogpondpottery.com

"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed, and
hence clamorous to be led to safety, by menacing it with an endless
series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary." H.L. Mencken, 1925

Jim Cullen on sat 3 oct 98

I don't use a GRIP and I am looking for some clarification.

I understand how the GRIP works on cylindrical objects but how about ovals or
bottles with small necks? Are objects that require chucks handled the same
with the GRIP as a cylinder?

I like the idea of being able to remove a pot from the GRIP and checking
thichness and then replacing it on the GRIP, but but is it worth $164 +/-?

I tap and tap and then hold with clay wads. I like this because I can actually
trim off-center if that's what I'm after or to correct a blemish on the side
surface. I can also trim the entire side of the pot. Doesn't the GRIP get in
the way on the side of the pot?

These questions are beyond the concept of simply triming a foot on the bottom
of the pot. I'm looking a the sides and the rim underside also.

Thanks for your assistance.

Keep Centered
CULLEN
Naperville, Illinois

Lois Ruben Aronow on sun 4 oct 98

------------------
On Sat, 3 Oct 1998 15:39:26 EDT, John Hesselberth wrote:

=3E----------------------------Original message----------------------------
=3E=3E----------------------------Original =
message----------------------------
=3E=3ERandall, Most everybody on this list loves the Giffen Grip. I =
personally
=3E=3Edon't even though I use it sometimes. I don't know if my Grip has a =
defect,
=3E=3Ebut I find that the holding of the pot loosens during usage and the =
pot moves
=3E=3Eduring trimming which causes a problem. Centering is not what I =
expected
=3E=3Eit to
=3E=3Ebe. That's my 5 cents worth=21 Billy in Lexington, KY
=3E=3E
=3EBilly, If your Giffen Grip is loosening during usage it might be because
=3Eyou are trimming clockwise. If that is the case, try trimming
=3Ecounterclockwise and see if it works any better for you.
=3E
I hadn't thought of it, but I trim clockwise too, and experience the
loosening thing happening. I am a lefty, and throw clockwise. any
hints besides trimming counter? That would be a big mess for me.

Jean Lutz on sun 4 oct 98

: Giffen Grip
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Randall, Most everybody on this list loves the Giffen Grip. I personally
don't even though I use it sometimes. I don't know if my Grip has a defect,
but I find that the holding of the pot loosens during usage and the pot moves
during trimming which causes a problem. Centering is not what I expected
it to
be. That's my 5 cents worth! Billy in Lexington, KY

Billy, I had a similar problem with the first grip I bought. The problem
was that it was a "left handed" grip and made to go in the opposite
direction. I returned it and the replacement has been great! Call the
company they can tell you how to determine if you have clockwise or
counterclockwise one.
Jean Lutz
jlutz@azlink.com

Bobbi Bassett on tue 6 oct 98

I have had a Giffen Grip since they came into being. I don't know how others
feel about it, but it would be a dreary day in my studio if anything happened
to it. I use it constantly and have the sliders for irregular pots and use
them occasionally. I use the grip for more than trimming. I used it for
incised decoration and for banding, etc., etc., etc...........

Just one womyns opinion
Bobbi in PA

Lesley Alexander on mon 28 jun 99

Karen Greene wrote about her now off center giffen grip. Odd, I seem to
have the same problem. For a long time I thought it was just my wobbly
pots, but no... One could glue something to the rubber, I suppose, or
remove the rubber and glue a strip in between. Or fuss with the back to see
what is off there. True, it's very odd; does anyone have advice? Lesley
off center in So Calif.

Bev Lev on mon 22 oct 01

I love clayart........ thanks all for your colourful opinions. I had no idea
that my question would open up so much discussion.

So here I am now working on my tapping centre technique (loved the can of
beans approach) and would still like to try and get hold of a used giffen
grip.... I can certainly see where both have their place. So if anyone who
stashed theirs in a corner to collect dust long ago would like to part with
theirs for a reasonable sum, let me help you. I wouldn't mind making more
space in your studio and taking it off your hands.

bob huskey on fri 26 oct 01

Prices for the Giffen Grip continue on down to $125 at Bennett =
Pottery.Also,check Bailey Pottery.

Martin Howard on sat 27 oct 01

Could someone give me URL which shows just what the Giffen Grip is like?
I want to compare it with the Universal Jaws which I mentioned in several
previous posts.

Martin Howard
Webbs Cottage Pottery
Woolpits Road, Great Saling
BRAINTREE, Essex CM7 5DZ
01371 850 423
martin@webbscottage.co.uk
http://www.webbscottage.co.uk
This web-site is being updated NOW!

Leland G. Hall on tue 9 jul 02

Hello claly folk,

I am fairly new to the list, and ya all don't know me like I'm comeing to
know you all after four years of following the archives. I love how giving
this community of potters is, and you have made so much possible for me
that I could never have acomplished on my own. Many thanks.

I am technically (legaly) disabled, and every day of potting for me is sort
of like the special olypics. My mind if fine, (though I've been told I'm
exceedingly eccentric) but it's mighty tough to get this broken down body
to follow. I live on a small disability pension, plus whatever pots,
masks, platters or whatever I can dream up and sell. I'm getting better
in the studio, learning every day, but have come to realize that I
desperatly need a Giffen Grip. While searching the Clayart Archives under
the subject of Giffen Grip, I saw that some of you have Giffen Grips that
you have more or less retired to a shelf for whatever reasons. I'm not
complaining about the price of new ones, (I'm sure they are worth every
penny) but there is just no way I can afford it. So my question is, does
any one have a used, (but not using) one that they would part with for a
price that is less than new? I kind of feel like I'm whining, and am a
little embarresed, but also hope it doesn't hurt to ask. Help would so
very much be appreciated. Thanks a million folks, and happy potting.

Leland Hall
Before The Wheel Enterprises
La Pine, Oregon
b4thewheel@bendnet.com

Fillmore on mon 2 dec 02

As the holidays approach I have been searching the web for a Giffen Grip.
They are pricier than I remember. Wondering if anyone has one they are
interested in selling? Prefer one with all the parts and not too used.

Thanks!

John Jensen on sat 15 feb 03

I think the Giffen Gripp is a wonderfully useful tool, though I rarely
use mine. I did go through a period when I used it a lot. I tend to
use specially made chucks these days. When trimming bowls I don't like
to put the rims at risk by setting them on the wheel head; and with
large bowls, they wouldn't fit anyway. So I throw a chuck to my needs
when I do a series of pots and let it dry along with the pots. When I'm
finished with that batch of pots, I can wrap the chuck in plastic to be
used again another time. I also often will let the pots dry to leather
hard condition when on the bats, then replace the pots on the wheel and
trim the lower portion with the pot right side up. When necessary, I
can put a tall pot inside a centered bucket and use the bucket for a
chuck.
All that being said, the Giffen Grip is still a fine tool. If using it
prevents you from taking the time to learn to "tap on center," then
perhaps it might be worthwhile to put it away from time to time.

John Jensen, Mudbug Pottery
mudbug@toadhouse.com , http://www.toadhouse.com

Tony Ferguson on sat 15 feb 03

Elizabeth,

I was one of those "people" who thought the Giffin grip was kind of
silly--until I saw Tony Winchester use one in a workshop--I had seen them
before in other potter's studio's but never really took them seriously. =
I
have one now and it has made trimming much more efficient. With very
unusual forms you may need to use the old wad method, but I have found wa=
ys
to adapt the grip to trim just about anything--Winchester, by they way,
trims his faceted work on the grip. The arms work way better than you wo=
uld
imagine and they can even hold a pot in mid air above the grip as you tri=
m
it. I have also combined chucks on the grip to trim unsual shapes. The
grip is a fine example of utilizing current technology instead of scoffin=
g
at it. Another lesson learned for me regarding making a judgement before
trying something.

Tony



Thank you.

Tony Ferguson
On Lake Superior, where the sky meets the Lake

Stoneware, Porcelain, Raku and more
by Coleman, Ferguson, Winchester...
www.aquariusartgallery.com
218-727-6339
315 N. Lake Ave
Apt 312
Duluth, MN 55806


----- Original Message -----
From: "Elizabeth Herod"
To:
Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2003 11:18 AM
Subject: Giffen grip


I see several people using the Giffen grip to trim. Do any of you recomm=
end
trimming using the Giffen grip?

I find that recentering the pot for trimming is a frustrating experience.
40% of the time it is fine, and the other 60%, it=B9s just not right.

The majority of the time, I think that I should just keep practicing, and
I=B9ll get better. The other part of the time, I think that I should use=
one
of these things so that I don=B9t ruin a good pot with the trimming.

I=B9ve gotten to the place where very little trimming is needed, so I don=
=B9t
have a lot of room for error.

I=B9m open to suggestions.

Beth

P.S. I actually do much better when I intentionally leave clay at the
bottom, in order to carve feet.

_________________________________________________________________________=
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Elizabeth Herod on sat 15 feb 03

I see several people using the Giffen grip to trim. Do any of you recommen=
d
trimming using the Giffen grip?

I find that recentering the pot for trimming is a frustrating experience.
40% of the time it is fine, and the other 60%, it=B9s just not right.

The majority of the time, I think that I should just keep practicing, and
I=B9ll get better. The other part of the time, I think that I should use one
of these things so that I don=B9t ruin a good pot with the trimming.

I=B9ve gotten to the place where very little trimming is needed, so I don=B9t
have a lot of room for error.

I=B9m open to suggestions.

Beth

P.S. I actually do much better when I intentionally leave clay at the
bottom, in order to carve feet.

william schran on sat 15 feb 03

Beth wrote: <frustrating experience.
40% of the time it is fine, and the other 60%, it's just not right.>>

Beth asked if the Giffin Grip would help with trimming, that she
didn't have to do much trimming.

Beth - I have a Giffin Grip and it does save time re-centering the
clay - if the pot is centered & round to begin with.
If the pot is a little "off" then the Grip won't help - your better
off using wads of clay. Big thing to remember - only the bottom
should be trimmed and thus that's the area you should concern
yourself with trimming. The rest of the pot should have been
completed when originally formed.
bill