John H. Rodgers on mon 21 jul 97
-- [ From: John H. Rodgers * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --
I have been following the thread on throwing while standing and wheel leg
extensions.
Two years ago I visited Millers Pottery near Centerville, Alabama. The
Miller family boasts 5 generations of potters and they were gracious enough
to give me the grand tour of their facility. We had a lengthy discussion
about the wheels they were using and a demonstration was given on one. I was
impressed with the wheel because I had never seen one like it and it was
designed to be used while standing.I asked about building one and they said
anybody can build one of those. So here is a description.
The wheel was shop built, and was basically a box on legs of a height to be
comfortable while standing. The box was built of oak, 2 x 8 for the sides,
plywood bottom. A steel disc about 18 inches in diameter was welded to a
shaft coupling and attached to the end of a steel shaft that stuck up
through the floor of the box. A cross piece under the box had a pillow block
bearing mounted to it and the steel shaft passed through it. At the bottom
end of the shaft was another brace with pillow bearing. These held the
wheel shaft. A standard sheave was mounted on the shaft with a belt to a
motor mounted on a support on one of the legs. A foot control was connected
to the motor. It could vary the motor speed. Notable was a 24" long brace
built out from the box on the right side. This provides support for the
right hip when centering large masses of clay on the wheel. This was the
complete wheel.
The front board in the box provides bracing for the elbows when centering
large masses. CAUTION! With arms braced, you could break your hand or finger
in the clay if you are not careful.
I saw 50 lbs of clay centered on the wheel in seconds, and then pulled up
into a 24 inch tall vase in a few more seconds. I was impressed. And
believe me I think that hip brace is necessary.
I have not see any discussion of this type of wheel and since it is designed
for throwing standing up I thought I would mention it.
John Rodgers
Alaska Sourdough in the Southern Heat
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