Pete Horridge on sat 23 jul 11
This may sound silly but after spending time on shimpo wheels at college =
=3D
I had=3D20
perfected a way of centering and throwing pots that I was quite pleased w=
=3D
ith.
I have now bought my own wheel, a 'Discus professional' designed and made=
=3D
=3D20
locally in Derby, UK.
The problem, and hence this post asking for advice, is that I sit higher =
=3D
on my=3D20
new wheel, with my legs tucked in underneath the base whereas on the=3D20
shimpo's I sat on a stool higher than the wheel head. The build of the Di=
=3D
scus=3D20
does not allow me to adopt the same position as that on the shimpo.
The result is that I am having problem centreing the clay on the Discus a=
=3D
nd it=3D20
almost feels like I am having to learn the technique all over again. I im=
=3D
agine it=3D20
is because I am using different muscles and body position.
Has anyone had this problem when they have changed wheels and can anyone=3D=
20=3D
suggest anything that will help me once again feel comfortable throwing a=
=3D
nd=3D20
centering.=3D20
It is not at the point where I have wasted any clay as a result of not be=
=3D
ing=3D20
able to get exactly in the centre but It just feels wrong at the moment.
Help!
Thanks
Pete (with his lost Mojo)
William & Susan Schran User on sat 23 jul 11
On 7/23/11 3:08 AM, "Pete Horridge" wrote:
> I have now bought my own wheel, a 'Discus professional' designed and made
> locally in Derby, UK.
> The problem, and hence this post asking for advice, is that I sit higher =
on my
> new wheel, with my legs tucked in underneath the base whereas on the
> shimpo's I sat on a stool higher than the wheel head. The build of the Di=
scus
> does not allow me to adopt the same position as that on the shimpo.
> The result is that I am having problem centreing the clay on the Discus a=
nd it
> almost feels like I am having to learn the technique all over again. I im=
agine
> it is because I am using different muscles and body position.
Pete,
Without being there with you it will be difficult to determine to specific
reason for your issues, but I did go online and looked at the Discus wheel
and a couple things come to mind.
You do want to sit a bit higher than the wheel head to get best leverage.
You also want to be able to use the strength of your legs to stabilize and
steady your body and arms. If your legs are now tucked under the the wheel,
then you probably want to use blocks of wood or bricks set on the floor tha=
t
your feet set on raising your thighs up to or above the splash pan.
Another issue night be the distance between the edge of the splash pan and
center of the wheel head may be greater now. If this is the case, not sure
how that might be overcome except with time getting used to this. One thing
I try with beginning students is to have them not sit directly centered at
the wheel, but move the stool a bit to the right off center (for right
handed throwers). We called this sitting side saddle in class. This helps t=
o
get their arm braced better to their inner thigh and get better leverage.
Hope these ideas might help, let us know.
Bill
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
Pete Horridge on sun 24 jul 11
Thanks for the reply Bill,
I raised my seat and also locked my legs between the motor and the front =
=3D
legs=3D20
which gave me a more solid base. I also noted that the bats I am using we=
=3D
re=3D20
not as accurate as the wheel head itself and gave the impression of being=
=3D
off=3D20
centre.
Another reply suggested closing my eyes, which I tried and then realised =
=3D
that=3D20
the clay was pretty close to central but when opening my eyes the slightl=
=3D
y off=3D20
centre bats gave me the impression that the clay was off centre.
I then went on to throw several pots mainly to consolidate my new techniq=
=3D
ue=3D20
and throw just with my feel and not so much with my eyes.
Thanks for all replies direct and via the list.
The 'closing eyes' tip reminded me of the line in one of the star wars fi=
=3D
lms:
'USE THE FORCE....'
I feel like a Jedi potter now!
Good night
Pete (Jedi) Horridge
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