Linda Randall on thu 17 jul 97
have been having back and knee problems and saw clay times this month that
suggested elevating wheel to standing position. Also heard recommendation
for raising wheel on blocks....the brent leg extension kit seems awful
expensive for my brent model b. would like to get feedback from anyone who
has any info on this.
Is it an adjustament to throw standing up ...pros and cons
thanks
lunacran@aol.com
Jim Duffy on fri 18 jul 97
Linda,
Try building a 'table/workbench' that will not only have a place to
drop-in the wheel, but will provide workspace for tools and ware.
Something widier than your wheel will give the stability you'll need.
Check out some of the Amaco handicapped equipment and see if the tables
are adaptable to your Brent wheel.
Linda Randall wrote:
> ----------------------------Original
> message----------------------------
> have been having back and knee problems and saw clay times this month
> that
> suggested elevating wheel to standing position. Also heard
> recommendation
> for raising wheel on blocks....the brent leg extension kit seems awful
>
> expensive for my brent model b. would like to get feedback from anyone
> who
> has any info on this.
> Is it an adjustament to throw standing up ...pros and cons
> thanks
> lunacran@aol.com
D. Kim Lindaberry on fri 18 jul 97
Linda Randall wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> have been having back and knee problems and saw clay times this month that
> suggested elevating wheel to standing position.
> Is it an adjustament to throw standing up ...pros and cons
Linda,
I had a student that had a problem with being able to sit comfortably at
an eletric wheel. Our temporary solution (until we could purchase a
special wheel for people with disabilities) was to place the wheel on a
small platform/table made out of 2 x 4's and plywood. The cost is
nominal. He was able to throw alright but did encounter a few small
problems with our temporary solution. Using the speed control was a
little problem because its a bit difficult to support yourself on your
feet and at the same time have one foot on the controler. The solutions
was to set a good working speed and then take the foot off of the
controler until the speed needed to be changed again. Most people throw
that way anyway so no big deal. I think that getting the proper height
of the wheel is the hardest thing to do when using a platform. The
height which is best for centering the clay may not be the best for
actually throwing. You may find that if you have set the height too high
you will encounter problems if you try to throw tall objects because you
can't comfortably get your hand down inside the pot. If you set the
height too low your are hunched over the clay and end up with a sore
back. With some adjustments to your throwing style you should be able to
throw standing up with few or no problems.
good luck
Kim
--
D. Kim Lindaberry
Johnson County Community College
12345 College Blvd.
ATB 115
Overland Park, KS 66210-1299
USA
to visit my web site go to: http://www.johnco.cc.ks.us/~klinda
to send e-mail to me use: mailto:klinda@johnco.cc.ks.us
Tara and Michael on fri 18 jul 97
I've been throwing pots inthe standing position for quite a few years.
Haven't had a back problem since. I like it because I can use my whole
body. Tired feet is the downside. I made a three legged platform and put
my wheel up on it. I have it up against the wall to keep it steady.
Michael Redwine
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>have been having back and knee problems and saw clay times this month that
>suggested elevating wheel to standing position. Also heard recommendation
>for raising wheel on blocks....the brent leg extension kit seems awful
>expensive for my brent model b. would like to get feedback from anyone who
>has any info on this.
>Is it an adjustament to throw standing up ...pros and cons
>thanks
>lunacran@aol.com
Kenneth D Westfall on fri 18 jul 97
Linda,
We have a Brent CXC and my husband, Ken (who is the potter; I'm the hardy
lass/salesperson/ what else did you need done?), had a disc in his lower
back rupture three years ago. After the physical healing, we modified
**lots** of things in the studio to make his work less stressfull on his
lower back. We _did not_ buy the Brent kit, but basically made it
ourselves. We bought some 2-1/2"diam. (or whatever size the legs are)
black steel pipe( like is used for natural gas lines), cut into 20"long
or so pieces (according to how high you want the wheel-head) and
threaded couplings. We had the pipe threaded on one end and took the
legs off the Brent and threaded the ends (not the ends that attach to the
wheel) and used the threaded couplings to attach the new pieces to the
original wheel legs and ...viola... the wheel was taller! It took some
adjustment for Ken to throw standing up, and his upper arms and shoulders
had to strengthen some, since he was applying pressure from a little
different angle, but not too hard to adjust. The worst of it was winter
time when the cement block wall, which he now braced himself against
while throwing, got **brrrr** cold****! So, we took an old closed-cell
foam pad (a back-packing sleeping pad) and duct-taped it to the wall.
Nice and toasty! He makes 20-30" high vase forms that require the use
of a stool or old milk crate to stand on while throwing the cylinder, and
that was an interesting change 8-) Also, no more bending to the floor
to pick up 80 lbs bags of clay...we got some old benches and store the
wet clay about 12" off the floor, and lightened the bags to 50 lbs or
less. Next, we changed the layout of the throwing area to prevent him
from doing the same task for and hour or more... moved the shelves that
house the 'just thrown' pots further from reach of the wheel, so he can
only make 8-10 of something before he has to leave the wheel and
re-arrange the wet pots. He built a pug mill and that has been a great
savior for his wrist strain. He now gets me to help him move things
around ( like 20"daim platters and tall vases) instead of grunting and
doing it alone. Our older potter friends warned of such problems, but it
took an injury to send the message home. Now, we heed these messages
more quickly. Twelve years of potting can take more than twelve years of
toll if one doesn't work safely. While young and strong, we heal
quickly, but that changes over the years. Take care of yourself so you
can make pots for years to come. I wish Ken had not learned the hard
way. Luckily, his disc was only a partial rupture, so they saved part,
and he has little pain...mostly stiffness.
Good luck, and you can contact me directly if you need more details or
sketches.
Tracey Westfall
Kenneth D. Westfall
Pine Hill Pottery
potter-ken@juno.com
Don't get stuck in the mud pies K&T
Tamsin A. Whitehead on fri 18 jul 97
Hi Linda! I have a lower back problem and so when I bought my wheel (a
Pacifica), I also bought the leg extensions with the thought in mind of
throwing standing up. This is now what I do, and it has made an enormous
difference for me. I was finding throwing sitting down really painful, but
now I can throw for quite long periods without much pressure on my back. I
also use a mirror in front of the wheel so I can see the form of my pot
without doing that awful bending over to the side thing! It does take a
little adjustment in one's technique but I haven't found it to be too
hard. If you want to throw tall pots, you may want to keep a little step
stool or something by your wheel. Someone else also suggested having the
pedal by your hand instead of on the floor - this may be good for you if
you are having knee problems. If you are going to be standing for LONG
periods of time, someone else suggested good orthopaedic shoes. I would
also suggest that if you are throwing standing, you have something solid
close behind you, like a wall, fixed shelves or whatever, that you can
lean back against if you wish. I also make sure that I don't get locked
into position for too long...I only prepare small amounts of clay at a
time, and I only keep a couple of bats, or boards by the wheel at any on
time. This ensures that I keep moving around. Its a little more time
consuming, but better for you! Hope this helps!
Tamsin
Nottingham, NH
USA
On Thu, 17 Jul 1997, Linda Randall wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> have been having back and knee problems and saw clay times this month that
> suggested elevating wheel to standing position. Also heard recommendation
> for raising wheel on blocks....the brent leg extension kit seems awful
> expensive for my brent model b. would like to get feedback from anyone who
> has any info on this.
> Is it an adjustament to throw standing up ...pros and cons
> thanks
> lunacran@aol.com
>
Howard on fri 18 jul 97
Dear Linda... per your inquiry on leg extension kits for pottery wheels...
The various kits that are made by the various wheel manufacturers are very
nice but some brands may be pricy. Even though I am in the business of
selling pottery supplies and equipment (and sell extention legs for most
brands), I will tell you that when I was making pottery, I simply place my
wheel on top of a stack of contrete blocks. Making the transition to
throwing standing up was very easy for me and it helped my back enormously.
It is also important to stand on a surface that has some cushioning. I
built a wooden stand and placed a rubber pad on top of it. Since the
concrete blocks only come in one size, I was able to adjust my height to
the wheel by adjusting the stand on which I stood. Finally, in avoiding
stress to the body, it is also helpful to keep your knees slightly bent
when throwing standing up.
Corinne P. Null on sat 19 jul 97
Awhile back there were alot of recommendations for throwing standing up. I
put my Brent C up on two cinderblocks and found it to be a good height for
throwing and it didn't take much time to adjust technique. What I found,
however, was that I sort of rushed through my pots. I didn't take that
luxury time to sit and look at it and sort of play with it. I got tired
standing. And it was a bit ackward with the foot pedal. I've now removed
one set of cinderblocks, and am at a perched position. It feels good.
Only now the stool sort of cuts at the back of my legs, even with a pillow.
Soooo, I've ordered the new funny looking stool that's adjustable and sort
of looks like a saddle. I'll let you know how I like it after it arrives.
Corinne
At 11:02 AM 7/17/97 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>have been having back and knee problems and saw clay times this month that
>suggested elevating wheel to standing position. Also heard recommendation
>for raising wheel on blocks....the brent leg extension kit seems awful
>expensive for my brent model b. would like to get feedback from anyone who
>has any info on this.
>Is it an adjustament to throw standing up ...pros and cons
>thanks
>lunacran@aol.com
>
>
Corinne Null
Bedford, NH
cnull@mv.mv.com
Barbara Lewis on sun 20 jul 97
I used the same position at the wheel. However, I used to bang my ankles on
the cinder blocks. And you're right, the stool pressed on the backs of my
thighs, cutting off circulation. John Glick has some great plans for a
platform for the wheel, which he sent prior to his workshop at George
Washington University in May. The last time I spoke with the studio
coordination, she didn't know where the sheet was, but I'll check again. It
would be excellent as a model for building something that would be flexible
in terms of functions. It has a contraption to use when trimming, a brace
for his arm, in order to steady the hand so that your body is not so tense
and doing all the work. He is a very strong proponent on standing to throw.
He stands with his back to the wall, with a pad attached to the wall that
fits in the curve of the small of his back. He rests his back against that
piece of foam. I'll be in touch with the group as to whether I can get a
copy of the plans. But if someone else has an "in" with John Glick and can
get the plans, please inform and proceed. Barbara
At 09:19 AM 7/19/97 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Awhile back there were alot of recommendations for throwing standing up. I
>put my Brent C up on two cinderblocks and found it to be a good height for
>throwing and it didn't take much time to adjust technique. What I found,
>however, was that I sort of rushed through my pots. I didn't take that
>luxury time to sit and look at it and sort of play with it. I got tired
>standing. And it was a bit ackward with the foot pedal. I've now removed
>one set of cinderblocks, and am at a perched position. It feels good.
>Only now the stool sort of cuts at the back of my legs, even with a pillow.
> Soooo, I've ordered the new funny looking stool that's adjustable and sort
>of looks like a saddle. I'll let you know how I like it after it arrives.
>
>Corinne
>
> At 11:02 AM 7/17/97 EDT, you wrote:
>>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>>have been having back and knee problems and saw clay times this month that
>>suggested elevating wheel to standing position. Also heard recommendation
>>for raising wheel on blocks....the brent leg extension kit seems awful
>>expensive for my brent model b. would like to get feedback from anyone who
>>has any info on this.
>>Is it an adjustament to throw standing up ...pros and cons
>>thanks
>>lunacran@aol.com
>>
>>
>Corinne Null
>Bedford, NH
>
>cnull@mv.mv.com
>
Maggie & David on mon 21 jul 97
Dear Corrinne- I had my father (a former metal shop teacher) weld up some
leg extensions for my Brent wheel using some threaded pipe in a design
similar to the Brent leg extension kits. He put some bolts in them so they
are adjustable, although I've never had cause to adjust the height from
what I initially set it at. I throw with my back resting against my
wedging table. This has completely eliminated any back pain associated
with throwing. I do get some fatigue in my left leg as most of my weight
rests there with my right leg working the foot pedal but I don't do 8-10 hr
marathon throwing sessions anymore and I don't keep my right foot on the
pedal all the time. I was surprised at how little adjustment it took to get
used to throwing standing up- none of my forms are more that 12-14" in
height and I'm sure I could throw higher by standing on something if I
wanted to. I highly recommend throwing standing up if you have any back
problems at all.
Maggie Shepard
FireWorks Pottery
Mt. Shasta, Calif.
Joanna Ellis-Monaghan on tue 22 jul 97
Has anyone tried mounting the foot pedal on the legs of the standing
wheel to be operated with the thigh or knee? Does it work, or is it
even a bigger nuisance there? I'm setting up a standing
wheel this summer, and am curious about making the speed control work.
Jo.
On Fri, 18 Jul 1997, Tamsin A. Whitehead wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Hi Linda! I have a lower back problem and so when I bought my wheel (a
> Pacifica), I also bought the leg extensions with the thought in mind of
> throwing standing up. This is now what I do, and it has made an enormous
> difference for me. I was finding throwing sitting down really painful, but
> now I can throw for quite long periods without much pressure on my back. I
> also use a mirror in front of the wheel so I can see the form of my pot
> without doing that awful bending over to the side thing! It does take a
> little adjustment in one's technique but I haven't found it to be too
> hard. If you want to throw tall pots, you may want to keep a little step
> stool or something by your wheel. Someone else also suggested having the
> pedal by your hand instead of on the floor - this may be good for you if
> you are having knee problems. If you are going to be standing for LONG
> periods of time, someone else suggested good orthopaedic shoes. I would
> also suggest that if you are throwing standing, you have something solid
> close behind you, like a wall, fixed shelves or whatever, that you can
> lean back against if you wish. I also make sure that I don't get locked
> into position for too long...I only prepare small amounts of clay at a
> time, and I only keep a couple of bats, or boards by the wheel at any on
> time. This ensures that I keep moving around. Its a little more time
> consuming, but better for you! Hope this helps!
>
> Tamsin
> Nottingham, NH
> USA
>
> On Thu, 17 Jul 1997, Linda Randall wrote:
>
> > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > have been having back and knee problems and saw clay times this month that
> > suggested elevating wheel to standing position. Also heard recommendation
> > for raising wheel on blocks....the brent leg extension kit seems awful
> > expensive for my brent model b. would like to get feedback from anyone who
> > has any info on this.
> > Is it an adjustament to throw standing up ...pros and cons
> > thanks
> > lunacran@aol.com
> >
>
Dave Ruminski on wed 23 jul 97
I have a Creative Ind. wheel that I raised up to standing height on
concrete blocks. That works well and the concrete blocks are stable.
The foot pedal was a concern. I epoxied a 12 inch piece of quarter inch
all thread to the side of the pedal near the pivot point. On the other end
of the threaded rod I placed a golf ball for a handle. The pedal is then
placed on the work table portion of the CI wheel. This has worked fine.
You may want to adjust the foot pedal friction to make it feel right for
you. Standing up and throwing took a little bit of getting used to but now I
like standing up and throwing. By the way my back feels a lot better
now. The cost of all of this was nil. All it took was a little time.
>>> Joanna Ellis-Monaghan 07/22/97
08:54am >>>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Has anyone tried mounting the foot pedal on the legs of the standing
wheel to be operated with the thigh or knee? Does it work, or is it
even a bigger nuisance there? I'm setting up a standing
wheel this summer, and am curious about making the speed control
work.
Jo.
On Fri, 18 Jul 1997, Tamsin A. Whitehead wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Hi Linda! I have a lower back problem and so when I bought my wheel
(a
> Pacifica), I also bought the leg extensions with the thought in mind of
> throwing standing up. This is now what I do, and it has made an
enormous
> difference for me. I was finding throwing sitting down really painful,
but
> now I can throw for quite long periods without much pressure on my
back. I
> also use a mirror in front of the wheel so I can see the form of my pot
> without doing that awful bending over to the side thing! It does take a
> little adjustment in one's technique but I haven't found it to be too
> hard. If you want to throw tall pots, you may want to keep a little step
> stool or something by your wheel. Someone else also suggested
having the
> pedal by your hand instead of on the floor - this may be good for you if
> you are having knee problems. If you are going to be standing for
LONG
> periods of time, someone else suggested good orthopaedic shoes. I
would
> also suggest that if you are throwing standing, you have something
solid
> close behind you, like a wall, fixed shelves or whatever, that you can
> lean back against if you wish. I also make sure that I don't get locked
> into position for too long...I only prepare small amounts of clay at a
> time, and I only keep a couple of bats, or boards by the wheel at any
on
> time. This ensures that I keep moving around. Its a little more time
> consuming, but better for you! Hope this helps!
>
> Tamsin
> Nottingham, NH
> USA
>
> On Thu, 17 Jul 1997, Linda Randall wrote:
>
> > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > have been having back and knee problems and saw clay times this
month that
> > suggested elevating wheel to standing position. Also heard
recommendation
> > for raising wheel on blocks....the brent leg extension kit seems awful
> > expensive for my brent model b. would like to get feedback from
anyone who
> > has any info on this.
> > Is it an adjustament to throw standing up ...pros and cons
> > thanks
> > lunacran@aol.com
> >
>
sporter on wed 23 jul 97
My husband has back problems and has used leg extensions for years on one
of our Brents. He finds that standing and placing the foot pedal up on a
concrete block helps alot with lower back pain. Because the block can be
moved he changes the postion whenever he feels he needs a change.
S Porter
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