JRodgers on wed 22 aug 12
tting
I have had back problems, really bad sciatica to the point I couldn't
sit at the wheel, then again couldn't stand at a high wheel, hand
problems - all part of getting older i guess. I do a fair amount of mold
work, but even so - I work at the wheel quite a bit. Mine is a mixed
bag. I went through a period when it was near impossible to center, so I
built a centering device. This was available in one form through Axner,
but by the time I was having my problems, I couldn't find it any more.
So - I simply made my own. Essentially, it's a wooden lever mounted
horizontally with a paddle blade on it. The clay is placed on the
wheelhead, then as it turns, the lever is pulled into the clay so the
paddle pushes it towards the center of the wheel. I mounted a second
lever with a vertical pin and when lowered into the center of the clay
the lever can be pushed outward to open the clay. These two levers made
it possible for me to continue work during a particularly bad period.
These multiplied force of these levers take a lot of pressure off the
arms, back and legs. Well worth the investment in my book. If anyone
wants a picture, just let me know and I will e-mail it. But re-check
with Axner to see if these are available again.
John
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