In this video I'm going to show you 11 common problems new Potter's run into
when centering. My simple and easy-to-follow solutions to fix each one
plus a bonus tip on centering.
Hi, Marie here from Pottery Crafters giving you tips tools and techniques to
help you create beautiful pottery. One of the most important parts of throwing on
the wheel is getting that clay centered. Some can catch on right away while
others may struggle. This video will help with that, the good news is the more you
do it the better you get at it. If you're new to this channel consider subscribing.
Let's run through all eleven problems right now.
Number 1 selecting the wrong clay. If you're struggling with your clay and it
feels like sandpaper you may be using clay that's better suited for hand
building than throwing. Technically you can use any kind of clay for throwing on
the wheel, but for beginners some clays can be stiffer and harder on your hands
while others can be too soft. Stoneware is a good type of clay to start with. I
found Amoco stoneware buff 46 works the best for me. It's more forgiving on the
wheel and holds up pretty long. It's one of my favorite clays. Number 2 your
clay isn't wedged properly. You'll have a hard time centering if you don't wedge
your clay properly, and believe me I've tried getting away with this.
I found the clay is more difficult to Center because the moisture is not
consistent throughout the ball of clay. Wedging is just as important as getting
your clay centered and I have an in-depth how-to video on the Potters
most popular Rams head wedge in the video up above. Number 3 your elbows
are up in the air.
When I started centering I could hear the instructor
say, Marie, your elbows are up in the air. Well, how'd they get there?
It's funny when you're concentrating on getting this ball of clay perfectly
centered you tend to forget about what the other body parts are doing. Keeping
your arms anchored to your legs or the side of your body will give you more
control over the clay. Also, make sure you're using the heel of your hand at 7
to 8 o'clock position and your wrist is bent and your back is straight. Number 4
not having enough water on your clay. If your clay feels dry against your hands
you're not using enough water. You can scoop some water up and sprinkle it over
your clay or you can take a sponge get it soaked and hold it like this in your
hand in the karate chop position, then slowly squeeze the desired amount of
water on your clay.
As soon as you feel the clay getting dry give it a little squeeze. This technique
is great because you don't have to take your hands off the clay as often. Number
5 your wheel is moving too slow.
When your wheel is going to slow it feels like your clay is moving you
around more than you are moving it. When you speed up the wheel you have better
control over your clay. You want to speed up at least to medium-high
I found highest works best for me.
Number 6 an air pocket is trapped in your clay. Now I'm not
talking about tiny air bubbles. I've run into those many times and they didn't
affect my centering or throwing. If the air bubble is big enough your clay will
never Center because the air is lighter than clay and will continuously throw
your clay off-center. If this happens just take your clay off the wheel and
wedge another piece. To avoid air pockets you can make sure your clay is rounded
and not flat on the bottom when you put it on the wheel. If it's flat the chance
of getting air stuck in between the wheel and your clay goes way up. Also,
make sure you're wedging your clay properly. If you don't you could actually
be folding air pockets into your clay instead of taking them out. Number 7
the mushroom and volcano effect. While centering your clay make sure you're not
creating a mushroom shape. This can create a pocket where slip water and air
can get trapped and throw your clay off-center. If it starts to look like a
mushroom you want to cone up your clay a little bit
then push down with the karate chop position on the side and keep your
anchor hand firm so you don't form the mushroom
like that. If your clay starts to look like a volcano air water and slip can
get trapped on the top. Also use one hand to brace the side and karate chop with
the other hand on the top
until the volcano goes away.
Make sure you don't cover the hole with clay
Number 8 your clay is too hard. Somewhere along the line it got dried
out. It's important to make sure that there are no holes in your bag, also when
preparing your clay balls for throwing make sure you keep them covered with a
damp rag or put them inside a plastic bag until they're ready to be used.
You can try slicing your clay in sections and spraying some water on it and
wedging it really good or just grab another ball of clay and let the hard
clay dry out all the way and recycle it. I have a video on an easy way to recycle
bone dry clay if you're interested. Number 9 the clay is too wet. You may
manage to get it centered but it's not going anywhere. This clay is now too
mushy to make anything. Either the clay started out that way
or you added too much water while trying to get it centered. You can try and wedge
some of the excess moisture out or just grab a new ball of clay. Number 10
pushing too hard on your clay. Instead of applying even pressure I was pushing way
too hard and continuously throwing my clay off-center.
Make sure you apply even pressure and not push too hard.
Keep your anchor hand steady.
Number 11 your clay goes off-center every time you take your
hands off.
Apparently, clay does not like it when you move too fast. The good news is
there's an easy way to prevent this problem.
Slow is the way to go.
As a general rule whenever you're removing your hands from the clay do it slow.
You can also slow your wheel down all the way and take your hands off. Here's
the bonus tip I promised you. This came in real handy when I struggled to get
my clay centered. Use your modeling tool to double-check. Take the pointy end of
your modeling tool place it gently against your clay hold your modeling
tool steady with both hands keep it in one spot then slowly turn the wheel
if you have a line only on one side you know you're off-center and where. Cone up
your clay a little
and
press back down.
Take your modeling tool press it gently against your clay again. When you see a
thin line going all the way around you know you're perfectly centered and you
can proceed to play with your clay.
Before centering becomes second-nature for you there's a lot to think about.
From making sure you're in the correct position to the right clay. There's a
link in the description below for my favorite clay pics including the Amoco
stoneware buff 46 that I've been using throughout this video. If you have any
recommendations or any other tips or ideas for future videos please feel free
to post those in the comment section below. Some of the best tips and feedback
come from you. Also in the comments section are more show notes and pottery
making info. Click here to go to my other video about wedging clay and for my
other pottery-making videos. Remember progress over perfection and keep making
that beautiful pottery.