iandol on sun 1 jul 01
Dear Jimmy G.,
I would imagine this is a puzzle for may people. When you handle a lot =
of clay on a regular basis it becomes second nature to gauge the =
thickness by familiar touch. But while learning you need to be able to =
measure the thickness.
One very good way is to use a needle tool with its point stuck through a =
cork. The amount of needle tip which protrudes should be equal measure =
to the base thickness you intend achieving and the depth of the foot you =
are creating plus a fraction for unseen eventualities. For a beginner I =
would suggest about 20 mm or five eighths of an inch. When you have =
made a bottom, stick the pin tool into the clay. If it leaves an =
impression of the cork it is still overly thick. If no impression you =
have gone too far down.
You can also use your fingers to estimate by placing your hands facing =
each other, one inside and one outside of the opened cone or cylinder. =
If the wall is not overly high, interlink your thumbs to secure a grip, =
pull your hands away and look at the difference between the tips of the =
fingers which touched the base inside and the wheel head outside.
From time to time, take a pot from the wheel and section it to see what =
your thicknesses are like. This will give you experience to bolster your =
confidence.
Best regards,
Ivor Lewis. Redhill, South Australia.
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