throwing standing up

updated sun 16 oct 11

Robbie Hunsinger on fri 28 feb 97

-------------------
I am interested in setting up my Shimpo RK-2 so I can throw standing up. =
I'm
mechanically challenged, and when I imagine resting my back against the wall=
for
leverage and support, I see my theoretical standing wheel go flying off its
cement blocks every time I attempt to center. Any suggestions would be much
appreciated.

Marvin S. Flowerman on sat 1 mar 97

I've been dthrowing standing up or sitting on a very high tri-pod seat for
several years in order to minimize back strain.

I simply built a very sturdy 14" high wooden stand, set my Shimpo wheel on
it so that the feet of the wheel were at least an inch or more in from the
edge of the stand. Of course, the stand must be perfectly level, and the
wheel must be leveled.

I find that the wiehgt of the wheel is quite enough to keep the wheel from
falling off, but I do check often, just to be sure.

Hope this gives you some reassurance.

Good luck!


Marvin Flowerman (marvpots@aol.com)l

Marcia Selsor on sat 1 mar 97

In our shop, we set up an old RK-2 on cinderblocks for a student with a
back back. It didn't fly off the blocks. I don't think she did any
really large pieces though (10-15 lbs max).
Marci in Montana

Robbie Hunsinger wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> -------------------
> I am interested in setting up my Shimpo RK-2 so I can throw standing up. I'm
> mechanically challenged, and when I imagine resting my back against the wall f
> leverage and support, I see my theoretical standing wheel go flying off its
> cement blocks every time I attempt to center. Any suggestions would be much
> appreciated.

--
Marcia Selsor
http://www.imt.net/~mjbmls/
mjbmls@imt.net

Fiona Beaumont on sat 1 mar 97

Hi

I'm also mechanically challenged, but I think I know what you mean
about flying wheels!

I prefer throwing standing up, and I must admit I don't lean on any
walls - it would be a bit difficult to reach the wheel if I did in our
studio!

What I do do, is brace my forearms on the pan rim, forming a sort of
triangle with my hands on the clay as the pointy bit. This means that
your weight is pushing "downwards" on the wheel, so no flying wheels!

I don't know if this is a common method or completely bizarre, but I
know it works for me!

Good luck,

Fiona
Still rushing up and down that M1, between Nottingham and
Dunstable!(UK)


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Throwing standing up
Author: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU%smtp at ccx400uk
Date: 27/02/97 22:48


----------------------------Original message----------------------------
-------------------
I am interested in setting up my Shimpo RK-2 so I can throw standing up. I'm
mechanically challenged, and when I imagine resting my back against the wall for

leverage and support, I see my theoretical standing wheel go flying off its
cement blocks every time I attempt to center. Any suggestions would be much
appreciated.

Sandra Dwiggins on sat 1 mar 97

Robbie, there is an excellent article in an old CM--probably 2-3 years
ago--by John Glick about how he put together a stand-up throughing rig
after his back problems prevented him from doing any throwing sitting
down. It has plans, etc. Don't remember what his wheel was, but this
will give you some ideas....There have been several people on this list
who have also done this typeof modification for themselves---look in the
archives---about two months ago I think.
Sandy

Tom Gray on sat 1 mar 97

The majority of potters in Seagrove throw standing up, and probably have
for a couple of hundred years. One of the latest tools discovered that
works great is a Rubbermaid watering trough. They make 2 sizes that I know
of, 100 gallon, and 150 gallon. Most wheels will fit in the 100 gallon
(sells for approx. $70.00), Brent, old CI's, and similar wheels. The new
CI's, Shimpo's (because of stick shift type of throttle), and larger stance
wheels require the larger trough. The 150 gallon is approx. $95.00. Just
raise the trough up on blocks until its a comfortable height to lean
against while throwing, and raise the wheel up inside of trough to a
comfortable height (but not so high that wheelhead is higher than rim of
trough). Throwing standing up is much better for your back, and all of the
mess stays in the trough. We have had some pretty sloppy potters working
for us, and their mess is contained as a result of the troughs. This idea
began with John Mellage of Cady Clay Works (Seagrove), and has been widely
copied by most of the pottery community here. If you live in a rural area,
finding one will be a breeze. Urban potters may have a tough time. Maybe
Rubbermaid Agricultural Products has their own web site!
Later-Tom

At 06:58 AM 2/28/97 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>-------------------
>I am interested in setting up my Shimpo RK-2 so I can throw standing up. I'm
>mechanically challenged, and when I imagine resting my back against the
wall for
>leverage and support, I see my theoretical standing wheel go flying off its
>cement blocks every time I attempt to center. Any suggestions would be much
>appreciated.
>
>
*****************************************************************
Tom Gray
Tom Gray Pottery
Seagrove, NC
http://ns.atomic.net/~tgraypots
Carolina Clay, The ultimate websource for North Carolina pottery!
http://www.cclay.com
*****************************************************************

George C. Fenstermacher on sat 1 mar 97

>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>-------------------
>I am interested in setting up my Shimpo RK-2 so I can throw standing up. =
>I'm
>mechanically challenged, and when I imagine resting my back against the wall=
> for
>leverage and support, I see my theoretical standing wheel go flying off its
>cement blocks every time I attempt to center. Any suggestions would be much
>appreciated.

Dear "standing"

I stand at a Brent C and push against the wall..have a tall barstool for an
alternative position. A friend cut some machined tubing (fancy pipe) to
fit outside the existing legs and to an appropriate length (based on the
height I wanted at the wheel head). The fit was tight enough that the
extensions needed some force to slide in to position. The legs and
extensions were then drilled and bolts inserted. Absolutely no wabble and
the extensions can be removed (along with the help of a gorilla) if
desired. The machined tubing can be ordered to a specific i.d. creating the
tight fit.

It took little effort to adapt to the standing position...just need to
brace your elbows against ribs in place of thighs...atleast that works for
me.


Good luck ,

George in St. George, Utah

____________________________________________________________________

---------------------------------------------------------------------------



. X-X-X .
.X X.
.X {-------------------T_______{+_+}
.X {---------------------------{+_+}
.X X.
.X-X-X. GEORGE C. FENSTERMACHER
Southern Utah University
St. George Center
225 S. 700 E.
St George, Utah 84770

Phone 801-652-7841
FAX 801-652-7843

---------------------------------------------------------------------------



____________________________________________________________________

Sylvia See on sat 1 mar 97

Hi Robbie;
I don't have any suggestions for your shimpo wheel, but after watching
Stephen Jepson standing with his Shimpo wheel I decided to try standing at
the wheel. I have a Pacifica wheel and ordered the leg extensions with seat
and love it. I have had cronic back pain for years and this certainly helps
the problem. I bought a second wheel, Shimpo so that I could do large forms
and keep two wheels going while they setup before adding pieces together,
and didn't like going back to the crouch at all. Immediately had back
problems again, but more importantly missed seeing my work at eyelevel
height while throwing. I really l like the height for decorating, trimming
and throwing. You are looking at your pieces under construction from a
different perspective than when your bent over your work. I have my seat
raised to the height of the table. I had an extension pipe welded to the
existing pipe on the seat,and I don't really sit on the seat while
throwing, I rest my butt against it while centering and throwing. It helps
keep your balance and body and arms steady.
It took a very short time to get used to and I sold my new shimpo in a very
short time and bought another Pacifica. I find that the standing height
with the seat, really helps with the neck strain when centering large
pieces of clay, and I just love the large stuff. Sorry I can't help with
the Shimpo wheel, but thought you might like to consider the seat system at
the same time as you solve the height problem. It works like a charm for me
and my almost 60 year ol body thanks me alot.
Sylvia See
sylviac@telusplanet.net

----------
From: Robbie Hunsinger
To: Multiple recipients of list CLAYART
Subject: Throwing standing up
Date: Friday, February 28, 1997 4:58 AM


----------------------------Original message----------------------------
-------------------
I am interested in setting up my Shimpo RK-2 so I can throw standing up.
I'm
mechanically challenged, and when I imagine resting my back against the
wall for
leverage and support, I see my theoretical standing wheel go flying off
its
cement blocks every time I attempt to center. Any suggestions would be
much
appreciated.
----------

Hertz Pottery on sat 1 mar 97

I Built a stand that looks like a tall pyramid with out the top. Framed with
2x4's and sheathed in plywood, the top is plywood too... I use no supports
to lean against but have seeen them. I throw larger pieces ,more than 4 lbs
sitting at my Estrin. but my shimpo up on that stand is great for smaller
pieces and much easier on the back...
Be careful to check for wobble after you move it the stand must be stable or
your work will wobble too. unless of course thats what your looking for..

Erik >----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>-------------------
>I am interested in setting up my Shimpo RK-2 so I can throw standing up. I'm
>mechanically challenged, and when I imagine resting my back against the
wall for
>leverage and support, I see my theoretical standing wheel go flying off its
>cement blocks every time I attempt to center. Any suggestions would be much
>appreciated.
>
>
erik hertz

Marget and Peter Lippincott on mon 3 mar 97

Robbie Hunsinger wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> -------------------
> I am interested in setting up my Shimpo RK-2 so I can throw standing up. I'm
> mechanically challenged, and when I imagine resting my back against the wall f
> leverage and support, I see my theoretical standing wheel go flying off its
> cement blocks every time I attempt to center. Any suggestions would be much
> appreciated.

Robbie:
Try it! I bet it wont go flying. If it does seem to be teetering
percariously back it with another piece of studio furniture or put in
against a wall (preferably in front of a window for interest when you
look up) It works for me.
{Peter

Paula Offutt on mon 3 mar 97

Robbie, I use a Brent wheel that I have up on blocks (2 under each leg)
and it rarely moves during centering. It moves more when I am pushing on
the splash pan! When centering, there is equal pressure pushing down than
across so the wheel stays put. I have a high stool with a back rest that
I use to "rest" between pots. I am 5'4" and the 2 block (on their sides,
not standing up!!) under each leg seems to be the height good for me.
Another potter I know has his on the same thing and he is taller but has
no problems. You may find putting the wheel that close to the wall may be
too awkward, I dunno. Creative Industries has an adjustable (hydraulic)
stand for their wheels. And I think Brent sells a stand as well, altho it
seems rather more expensive than the block! Put each leg (of the wheel)
in the center of each block. I have all 3 facing the same direction
(narrow ends toward me). Do Shimpos have legs or are they on a big
base??? Anyhow, hope this helps. I have been standing to throw for so
long that when I used someone else's wheel to demonstrate something once,
sitting all hunched over felt so awkward!! I was glad to get back to my
own!!

Paula Offutt, BrambleToast Pottery
Alexander, NC unseasonably warm, flood warnings still out tho.


From: Robbie Hunsinger
>I am interested in setting up my Shimpo RK-2 so I can throw standing up.
>I'm mechanically challenged, and when I imagine resting my back against
>the wall for leverage and support, I see my theoretical standing wheel
>go flying off its cement blocks every time I attempt to center. Any
>suggestions would be much appreciated.

Jonathan Kaplan on mon 3 mar 97

I learned to thrown standing up in the mid 1980's after 15 years of back
and foot pain. Throwing standing up changed both my attitude about working
as well as my health.

We use the Brent extensions (although many other arrangements suffice) on
many of our Brent wheels here in the plant. Our plaster wheel is of course
used standing up, as are our trimming wheels, my throwing wheel, and a few
in the classroom to give students the exposure.


Having been a ski boot fitter in another life, I might add that custom
orthodics for your feet are the next crutial addition to throwing standing
up. While these can run in the neighborhood of $100-200, your body will
appreciate them and thank you for this kindness. Custom orthodics, (not
cheapo Dr. Scholes) can be obtained from sports medicine docs, orthopedic
docs, podiatrists, etc.

Jonathan


Jonathan Kaplan
http://www.craftweb.com/org/jkaplan/cdg.shtml


http://digitalfire.com/magic/articles/kaplan1.htm
(aka "Scooter)
jonathan@csn.net
Ceramic Design Group Ltd./Production Services Voice:
970-879-9139 POB 775112
FAXmodem: same
Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80477, USA CALL before faxing



"Arrive on time, tell the truth, be a good listener, and don't
be too attatched to the results. Above all, maintain a sense of
humor!"

Nils Lou on tue 4 mar 97

I stand throwing up, sometimes even sitting I might throw up; but usually
I am lying down when I throw up--and that defies gravity so maybe it is
easier to throw down from above--course the wheel needs to turn clockwise...
March madness strikes even old guys. As Whitman said once or maybe it was
Yogi Berra.

Michael Kline on thu 6 mar 97

>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>-------------------
>I am interested in setting up my Shimpo RK-2 so I can throw standing up. I'm
>mechanically challenged, and when I imagine resting my back against the
>wall for
>leverage and support, I see my theoretical standing wheel go flying off its
>cement blocks every time I attempt to center. Any suggestions would be much
>appreciated.

Hi Robbie,

Don't worry about that wheel flying off the blocks. I've
been standing and throwing on a Shimpo for about 7 years and haven't had
that happen to me yet.

I use very soft clay which is a pleasure to use. Not only
is it easy to wedge but it also very easy form pots . For larger pieces I
use a slightly harder clay but it is still softer than a 'packaged' clay
normally is. For even larger pieces I coil and throw and stand on a small
stool about 8" high that gives me just the lift I need to get above the rim
of the pot to turn.

My experience with standing has been very good. I enjoy the
advantages it offers my posture. Standing is a more 'active' posture in
that you can step back from your work and size it up from a distance and
move ware boards easily when they fill.

I don't stand against a support against the wall. My studio
partner has this setup and it is very effective with no reported wheel
fly-a-way. Again, I think soft clay is the answer to many problems of the
back and the wrists. I would encourge you to explore this possibility if
you haven't already. Hope this is encoraging to your back.

()()()()()()()()()()()()(()()()()()()()(()()()()(()()()(
Michael Kline okra@crocker.com
Okra Pottery 413 238 0321
P O Box 614
Worthington
Ma 01098
()()()(()()())()(()()()()(()()()()()())()()()()()(()()(

Dick Traill on tue 22 jul 97

I previously posted this message concerning variable height wheel adjustments.

I don't know what manufactured leg extensions cost ,but here is what I did.
I went to a steel salvage company that sells steel pipe . I gave them the
outside diameter of my wheel legs and asked for steelppipe that would fit
over my legs. I estimated the height that I wanted my wheel head. I was told
by a potter with experience throwing while standing that the wheel head
should be about 4-6 inches below your beltline. Take the steel pilpes to a
welder and have him weld one or two bolts near the top of each pipe. Also
have them cut a hole in thepipe prior to welding on the nut. Insert a bolt
with similar thread size and tighten the pipe to your legs. ( be sure to
measure the lengths of each of your legs as my Brent has braces which
required one of the pipes to be shorter then the other two). Although not
necessary, I also had steel strips welded to the bottoms of each leg and
had rubber pads with threaded bolts welded to the leg bottoms. These
threaded leg extensions provided fine adjustments for leveling the wheel
head. It works great and is much better on my back.If your eliminate the
threaded extensions you can simply stand on one or more pieces of plywood to
adjust your throwing height. Throwing standing up allows the weight of your
upper body do much of the work.

Richard Traill
Phoenix, Arizona
HTTP;//www.primenet.com/~danat/

Jonathan Kaplan on thu 7 oct 99

In the late 70's I started to thrown standing up. Bought a Brent extension
kit and never turned back.

They are expensive, very adjustable, and of course, soundly built using big
diameter pipe and Hollander type fitings, some welding, set screws etc. An
enterprising potter can build one as good, cheaper.

I extended the electrical cord to the foot pedal. I also drilled and tapped
a hole in the foot pedal and installed a 3 foot or so rod with a handle on
the end, sort of like a stick shift on a car. Can use foot or hand to
control speed.

All the wheels in our plant( all Brents) are not set up on Brent stands for
trimming, banding, some throwing, and my staff finds it easy to adapt to
from working sitting up.

There have been, in my pottery career, some important "ah ha" moments.
Included in this catagory are throwing standing up, a Ratcliffe jigger,
getting fit for custom orthodics for my feet, anti fatique mats for the
floor, cordierite kiln furniture from Acme Marls, using an oxyprobe, a
Giffin Grip, the grabber pad, and of course my RAM press.

I would concur with John Glick that perhaps the most imprtant thing you can
do for yourself in our line of work is to protect your back. Throwing
standing up protects mine, after 30 plss years of making pots.

Jonathan

Jonathan Kaplan, president
Ceramic Design Group LTd/Production Services
PO Box 775112
Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
(970) 879-9139 voice and fax
http://www.sni.net/ceramicdesign

UPS: 1280 13th St. Unit13
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Roger Korn on sun 10 oct 99

Over here, we call it, "Talking to Ralph O'Roarke on the porcelain
telephone".

Roger

Ditmar wrote:
I don't recommend it, unless you're on a sailboat with the wind at your
back.
I endorse the old head in the bowl method.

>From Alohaland, very tongue in cheek, Ditmar.

John Jensen on mon 20 dec 99

------------------
I've been throwing standing up for about three years now and have had no
prolems with my back. I have had to take the stress on my feet into =
account. I
run a little and play tennis a couple of times a week and stay on my feet =
all
day long when working. I went to a podiatrist and he said my feet were =
fine=3B
but I still have some pain and strain. I realized finally that I was =
spending
too much time leaning on my left foot so I have learned to alternate the =
weight
from foot to foot. I like to keep my foot on the foot pedal when I throw, =
and
I've learned to adjust the speed even when I'm carrying all my weight on my
right foot.
I stand at my wheel from nine am till 7 pm every Saturday throwing the 246 =
bowls
which make up my main production. Since I began making the effort to give my
left foot periodic relief the pains have gone away.

John Jensen in Annapolis, Mudbug Pottery. www.Toadhouse.com

John Rodgers on wed 22 dec 99

Something you might want to try out for relief is custom orthodics. I recently g
some made and they are a lifesaver ( footsaver?). Well worth the money spent. Wi
had had them months ago.

John Rodgers
Birmingham, AL

John Jensen wrote:

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> ------------------
> I've been throwing standing up for about three years now and have had no
> prolems with my back. I have had to take the stress on my feet into account.
> run a little and play tennis a couple of times a week and stay on my feet all
> day long when working. I went to a podiatrist and he said my feet were fine;
> but I still have some pain and strain. I realized finally that I was spending
> too much time leaning on my left foot so I have learned to alternate the weigh
> from foot to foot. I like to keep my foot on the foot pedal when I throw, and
> I've learned to adjust the speed even when I'm carrying all my weight on my
> right foot.
> I stand at my wheel from nine am till 7 pm every Saturday throwing the 246 bow
> which make up my main production. Since I began making the effort to give my
> left foot periodic relief the pains have gone away.
>
> John Jensen in Annapolis, Mudbug Pottery. www.Toadhouse.com

Grace Sheese on tue 27 nov 01

I'm looking to extend my wheel so that I can throw standing up. Brent's =
leg extensions costs $320! Any simple suggestions for a cheaper way of =
doing this? It needs to be simple since I'm not good at building =
things. Also, what should be the appropriate height?

Thanks,
Grace

David Hendley on wed 28 nov 01

Leg extensions are nothing more than pipes.
I would, of course, shop at the junk yard to make some. It's not too
much more $ to go to the hardware store. Ask them for 3 24" pieces
of "1 1/2" black pipe, unthreaded" This will be 5 or 10 dollars.

The best way to find out what height you want your wheel is to
make the leg extensions adjustable.
Most people like "waist-to-belly button" height.
To do this, drill holes about 2" up from the bottom of each leg of
your wheel. Tap the holes so you can screw 3/8" bolts into them.
Put the holes on the "inside" of the legs, so the bolts will not be
sticking out to scrape against.
If you don't know what this means, just tell the hardware
store guy that you need to drill and tap for a 3/8" bolt. He will
sell you the proper size of drill bit and tap. Also buy the 3 bolts,
3/4" long.
I assume you have a drill. If not, you will need to borrow one.
Also, go to a "real" hardware store, where there are knowledgeable
salespeople.

To install your leg extensions, remove the plastic caps from the
bottoms of the legs and insert the extensions. The legs are 2"
pipe, and the 1 1/2" pipe extensions will fit inside them. Measure
so they are all sticking out the same amount, and tighten them
in place with the 3 bolts.
Do this with the wheel turned on its side.
If you want plastic caps for the bottoms of your new legs, ask
at the store for the plastic caps that are used to protect the ends
of pipes during shipping. These are usually thrown away, and
they will probably give you three.

This set-up is sturdier and more professional looking than
setting a wheel up on blocks, as well as being adjustable.


David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas
hendley@tyler.net
http://www.farmpots.com







----- Original Message -----
From: "Grace Sheese"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 7:19 PM
Subject: throwing standing up


I'm looking to extend my wheel so that I can throw standing up. Brent's leg
extensions costs $320! Any simple suggestions for a cheaper way of doing
this? It needs to be simple since I'm not good at building things. Also,
what should be the appropriate height?

Thanks,
Grace

CINDI ANDERSON on thu 29 nov 01

Hmmm... just trying to figure this out, since my belly button IS at my waist IS...
Maybe not everyone's is???
Cindi

David Hendley wrote:

> Most people like "waist-to-belly button" height.

Donald G. Goldsobel on tue 6 may 03

I have decided to convert my wheel for stand up throwing ( disc problem)
Does anyone have info on how to attach a hand lever to control speed on a
Brent CCan anyone toss around the pros and cons of using a reostat (sp?) as
opposed to converting the foot pedal?

thanks a heap

Donald

Jim Larkin on wed 7 may 03

Don,
I "temporarily" C-clamped a 3.5 foot piece of aluminum angle iron onto my =
brent foot pedal for a handle about 15 years ago, and it works fine. Just h=
ave to reach out slightly and tap it up or back to control the speed.
Jim

Jim Larkin
Fox Pass Pottery
Hot Springs, Arkansas


Does anyone have info on how to attach a hand lever to control speed on a
Brent>=20

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