How to Pull Pottery Wheel: Mastering the Art

How to Pull Pottery Wheel

To pull pottery on a wheel, you will need a 25lb bag of stoneware clay, such as Standard clay 205G.

Start by weighing and wedging the clay to remove air bubbles.

Then, shape the clay into a ball or cone and place it on a bat attached to the wheel head.

It is crucial to center the clay on the wheel by wetting both the clay and your hands.

After achieving centering, push and shape the clay until it is perfectly centered.

Next, pull the clay to raise the sides and determine the height and shape of the pot.

Trim the foot ring and air dry the pot until it becomes bone dry.

Load the bone dry pots into a kiln and bisque fire them at cone 04 for 9-10 hours, followed by a cooling period.

Bisque the pots before glazing to strengthen them.

Prepare the pots for glazing by placing them on newspaper and wax the foot ring to prevent glaze from sticking.

Dip the pots in a bucket of glaze for an even coating.

Then, glaze fire at temperatures over 2200F, reaching cone 6 for 10 hours.

Control the cooling process for an additional 4 hours before finally cooling the kiln for 10-12 hours and opening it to reveal finished pots.

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Free Tutorial Videos On Youtube

If you’ve ever been curious about the art of pottery, there’s no better place to start than with free tutorial videos on YouTube. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience with pottery, these videos provide step-by-step instructions on how to pull pottery on a wheel.

With just a few clicks, you can have access to a wealth of knowledge and insights from experienced potters. These tutorial videos cover a range of topics, from basic techniques to more advanced pottery skills. You’ll find demonstrations on everything from centering the clay on the wheel to shaping and trimming the pots.

These videos are a fantastic resource for visual learners, as they allow you to see the techniques in action and follow along at your own pace. So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of pottery, grab your laptop or smartphone and start exploring the wealth of free tutorial videos available on YouTube.

• Free tutorial videos on YouTube provide step-by-step instructions on pottery techniques.
• Suitable for beginners and those with some experience in pottery.
• Covers basic and advanced pottery skills.
• Demonstrations on centering clay on the wheel, shaping, and trimming pots.
• Great resource for visual learners.
• Accessible on laptops or smartphones.

Teaching Resources On Author’s Online Store

If you’re looking for more comprehensive and detailed guidance on pulling pottery on a wheel, check out the teaching resources available on the author’s online store. These resources are designed to take your pottery skills to the next level and provide you with the knowledge and techniques necessary to create beautiful and functional pieces.

One of the standout features of these teaching resources is their comprehensive nature. They cover everything from the basics of pottery to more advanced techniques, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the craft. Whether you’re interested in throwing bowls, vases, or plates, you’ll find step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the process.

In addition to the detailed instructional content, the author’s online store also offers downloadable templates and worksheets that can be used as reference materials or practice resources. These resources are invaluable for honing your skills and mastering the art of pulling pottery on a wheel.

• Comprehensive teaching resources
• Step-by-step instructions for various pottery projects
• Downloadable templates and worksheets as reference materials or practice resources.

Steps To Throw A Bowl On The Wheel

Now that you have a good grasp of the available tutorial videos and teaching resources, let’s dive into the steps involved in pulling pottery on a wheel.

The first step is to gather your materials, including a 25lb bag of stoneware clay. For this tutorial, we’ll be using the specific clay brand Standard Clay 205G, known for its excellent workability and durability.

After weighing and wedging the clay to remove any air bubbles, it’s time to create a ball or cone shape with the clay. This initial form will serve as the foundation for your bowl.

Next, you’ll place the clay on a bat attached to the wheel head, ensuring it is centered properly. Centering is a crucial step in pottery, as it allows for more control and stability while shaping the clay.

To ensure better centering, it’s important to wet both the clay and your hands. This added moisture helps reduce friction and allows for smoother movements.

Once centered, you can start pushing and shaping the clay using your hands and tools. This process is called pulling and involves raising the sides of the clay to determine the height and shape of the pot.

Specifically for creating a bowl form, controlled pulls are crucial. This technique allows for a gradual and controlled shaping of the clay, ensuring a well-proportioned and symmetrical bowl.

Once you are satisfied with the shape, it’s time to trim the foot ring and let the pot air dry until it becomes bone dry.

• Gather your materials, including a 25lb bag of stoneware clay (specifically Standard Clay 205G).
• Create a ball or cone shape with the clay as the foundation for the bowl.
• Center the clay properly on a bat attached to the wheel head.
• Wet both the clay and your hands to reduce friction and allow for smoother movements.
• Push and shape the clay using your hands and tools, known as pulling.
• Use controlled pulls to shape the clay gradually and ensure a symmetrical bowl.
• Trim the foot ring and let the pot air dry until it becomes bone dry.

“Centering is a crucial step in pottery, as it allows for more control and stability while shaping the clay.”

Use Of A 25Lb Bag Of Stoneware Clay

When it comes to pottery, the choice of clay plays a vital role in the outcome of your pieces. In this tutorial, we will be using a 25lb bag of stoneware clay. Stoneware clay is known for its durability and versatility, making it a popular choice among potters of all levels.

The specific clay brand we will be using is Standard Clay 205G. This particular clay has gained recognition for its workability and consistency, making it a reliable choice for throwing pottery on a wheel. Its smooth texture and ability to hold shape well make it ideal for producing both functional and decorative pieces.

As with any clay, it is important to weigh and wedge the 25lb bag to remove any air bubbles and ensure an even consistency. This step is crucial in ensuring the overall quality and strength of your pottery. By taking the time to properly prepare your clay, you are setting the foundation for successful pottery pulling on the wheel.

Specific Clay Brand: Standard Clay, 205G

While there are various clay brands available in the market, we have chosen to work with Standard Clay 205G for this tutorial. This specific clay brand has proven to be a favorite among potters due to its consistent and reliable quality.

Standard Clay is well-known for its commitment to producing high-quality products that meet the needs of both beginners and experienced potters. Their 205G clay offers excellent workability, making it easy to shape and manipulate on the pottery wheel. Its smooth texture allows for intricate detailing and provides a sturdy base for functional pottery.

Choosing the right clay brand is crucial in achieving the desired results in your pottery. By opting for a trusted and reputable brand like Standard Clay 205G, you can have confidence in the quality and performance of your clay, allowing you to focus on honing your skills and creating beautiful pieces.

Weighing And Wedging Clay To Remove Air Bubbles

Before starting any project with clay, it is essential to weigh and wedge the clay to remove any air bubbles. Weighing the clay ensures that you have the correct amount for your project, while wedging helps to eliminate air pockets that can cause issues during the pottery-making process.

To weigh the clay, you’ll need a scale. Start by placing a container on the scale and resetting it to zero. Then, add a sufficient amount of clay from the 25lb bag until the scale reads the desired weight. This step is important for consistent results and allows you to control the amount of clay you use for each piece.

After weighing the clay, it’s time to wedge it. Wedging involves a process of kneading and compressing the clay to remove any trapped air bubbles. To wedge the clay, start by cutting it in half and slamming the two halves together repeatedly. This process helps to realign the clay particles and remove any air bubbles.

Once you have slammed the clay several times, you can begin wedging it by rotating and compressing it with your hands. This motion helps to further remove any air pockets and ensures a homogeneous consistency.

By properly weighing and wedging your clay, you can eliminate potential issues like cracking or exploding pots during the firing process. It also enhances the overall workability of the clay, allowing you to create smooth and well-shaped pottery.

• Weigh the clay using a scale
• Wedge the clay by cutting it in half and slamming the halves together repeatedly
• Rotate and compress the clay with your hands to remove air pockets

Proper weighing and wedging of clay are essential steps that ensure successful and high-quality pottery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pulling in pottery?

Pulling in pottery refers to the technique used to shape the sides of a clay vessel. By inserting your left hand into the opening and supporting the outside with your right hand, you can apply gentle pressure and pinch the clay. Through this controlled motion, the clay is gradually pulled upwards, allowing for the formation of the desired shape. This method allows potters to create beautiful and functional vessels with smooth, raised sides that are visually appealing and structurally sound.

Is wheel pottery easy?

Wheel pottery may require some dedication and perseverance to become proficient, but it is certainly not an insurmountable challenge. Although it may take time and effort to develop the necessary skills, beginners can gradually improve through practice and a willingness to learn. With determination and patience, wheel pottery can become an accessible and rewarding art form for those willing to put in the effort.

Is using a pottery wheel hard?

Using a pottery wheel can indeed be challenging. The process of shaping clay on a spinning wheel requires skill and precision. Maintaining balance and control is crucial, as the potter needs to guide the clay to achieve the desired shapes. The potter must also focus on staying grounded and motionless while the wheel is in motion, adding another layer of difficulty to the task. While it may be challenging, with practice and patience, one can master the art of using a pottery wheel and create beautiful, intricate pottery.

1. What are some tips for successfully pulling pottery on a pottery wheel?

To successfully pull pottery on a pottery wheel, it is crucial to start with properly prepared clay. Ensuring the clay is properly wedged and has the right consistency can make a significant difference in the pulling process. Additionally, maintaining a steady and centered hand is vital. This involves using both hands to control the clay’s movement and gently applying pressure to shape and form the piece. Keeping the pottery wheel well lubricated with water or slip also helps to prevent the clay from sticking and provides a smoother pulling experience. Regular practice and patience are essential for mastering the art of pulling on a pottery wheel.

Another tip for successful pottery pulling is to maintain consistent speed and pressure. Gradually increasing the wheel’s speed while simultaneously pressing down on the clay will result in smoother and more even walls. It is important to be mindful of the amount of pressure applied so that the clay doesn’t collapse or become too thin. Additionally, using tools like ribs or chamois can help refine the shape and remove excess moisture. Taking breaks to check symmetry and thickness throughout the pulling process will ensure a balanced and well-crafted piece. Overall, practice, attention to detail, and a steady hand will greatly contribute to successful pottery pulling on a pottery wheel.