Phyllis Tilton on fri 27 jul 01
Michael: The tool you refer to is called a tombo. I think that Mel gave directions on making the tombo on list or maybe it was at his workshop(?). He uses one. There is a book called 'THE JAPANESE POTTERY HANDBOOK'. It is very comprehensive in not only tools but methods, styles, wonderful sketches on how to, etc. I think I bought this from Steve Branfman's Potters Shop-most of my books have come from there. Steve's email: SBranfpots@aol.com. The book is in English and Japanese--and what a chore that must have been to do! It is a collaboration of three people.
Phyllis Tilton
daisypet1@yahoo.com
daisypet@aol.com
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Michael Sowers on fri 27 jul 01
Thanks to all who have responded both on and off list. I received links to
Mel's article at potterymaking.org and another article at ceramic.about.com
detailing the use of the tombo. For some reason I thought they were
adjustable but couldn't remember what they were called which limited my
ability to do a search for information. I have a device of my own invention
made from two stainless steel rods about 3/8 inch thick and two aluminum
blocks that have been drilled out (one through the horizontal plane and the
other through the horizontal and vertical planes). It is mounted to the
front of my Brent CXC and has set screws. I can adjust it up or down on the
vertical rod and slide the horizontal rod in or out. It pivots in the base
block mounted on the wheel so it can be swung out the way. It works great
when throwing off the wheel head or bats, I set it at the desired height and
width, open and pull, swing the rod to point at the center of the wheel head
and throw to the point. It will not work at all when throwing off the hump
however.
The links were: (courtesy of Setsuko)
http://www.potterymaking.org/issues/fall2000/feature3.asp
http://ceramics.about.com/library/weekly/aa032800b.htm?once=true&
Classic Lines Pottery
Michael Sowers
Tel: 208-331-0803
Fax: 208-331-0487
Email: mike@classiclinespottery.com
Web: www.classiclinespottery.com/
Dave Finkelnburg on wed 1 aug 01
Michael,
I wonder if you don't get into a classic East versus West difference
here. I must say in advance I am not commenting that either method is
correct or better, just different.
The pointer you use is common for production throwing in the "Western"
world where pre-weighed lumps of clay thrown on bats are used and trimming
is frequently limited, and the outside dimension is the goal.
The Japanese approach of hump throwing, identical internal dimensions,
trimmed pot all lend themselves to the use of the tombo and inside throwing
rib.
Good potting!
Dave Finkelnburg firing on a warm day in Idaho
Michael Sowers wrote: I have a device of my own invention
>made from two stainless steel rods about 3/8 inch thick and two aluminum
>blocks that have been drilled out (one through the horizontal plane and the
>other through the horizontal and vertical planes). It is mounted to the
>front of my Brent CXC and has set screws. I can adjust it up or down on the
>vertical rod and slide the horizontal rod in or out. It pivots in the base
>block mounted on the wheel so it can be swung out the way. It works great
>when throwing off the wheel head or bats, I set it at the desired height
and
>width, open and pull, swing the rod to point at the center of the wheel
head
>and throw to the point. It will not work at all when throwing off the hump
>however.
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