Leland G. Hall on sun 2 nov 03
Earl in Washington asked about others experience with fingers gouging out
clay near the bottoms of cylinders while pulling up. His post is copied
below, after my reply.
Yes, I have that problem too. Since I am working without the benifit of
any proffesional insrtuction whatsoever, I have no idea wheather or not
this is due to bad technique or "just the way it is".
I throw with slip, which lessens this gouging. It really does not occur
hardly at all with smaller forms. But my best money is from taller
vessels, 12 inches and up. And I really like very narrow bases. Tall
tapered forms. With these pots, I have the most trouble getting the clay
thinned down near the wheel head. Which of course leaves me with more
trimming. I understand the physics of course. A narrow foot is less clay
to support that which it must support.
One solution, for me, has been to throw two piece pots if I am going to
work with much more than 12 lbs. of clay.
I like the vinniger idea, and will try it soon. Did someone say sugar?
Ok. Might try that too.
Regards,
Leland Hall
Before The Wheel Enterprises
La Pine, OR
Where, UGG, it's snowing! Winter is here. Wish you all in California
could get some of this wetness on your fires. As a disabled/retired
wildland firefighter, my heart goes out to all involved. Best of luck to
all of you.
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I find that on my first pull, and sometimes the second, my outside
finger tends to gouge out clay rather than just move it. This is
especially true on the lower half of the pot where the applied
pressure is greatest. If I back off on the pressure then I don't get
the height I want in the desirable 3-4 pulls.
I use the tips of my middle fingers for pulling having never been able
to get the knack of the knuckle approach. On a mug sized pot I would
guess that I end up with maybe a tablespoon or two of stiff clay stuck
on the side of my finger at the end of the first pull.
I'm curious. Is this just bad technique on my part or does this happen
to everybody?
Thanks.
Earl...
Bothell, WA, USA
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