How to Remove the Pot From the Wheel

After you've finished shaping your pot, you need to get it off the wheel so that you can bake it, glaze it, and eventually use it. It takes a bit of practice to remove the pot from the wheel without destroying its shape or making the base too thin. The good news is that the actual procedure is relatively easy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• String or thin wire
• Potter's wheel
• Clay

1. Pour a little water on the wheel head. Keep the pottery wheel spinning slowly and steadily.
2. Wrap the string or fine wire firmly around the thumbs of each hand. Pull it tight to create a taunt line.
3. Place the string or wire at the base of your pot at the side furthest from you. Keep the string or wire flat against the surface of the wheel. Pull it towards you slowly while keeping your thumbs down and the wire or string tight. As you pull, you'll start to cut your finished product off of the wheel, and most likely some clay will be still on the base.
4. Push the pot off the pottery wheel and onto a waiting board. The pot should move off easily because it's separated from the wheel by a thin film of water. Do not put too much pressure on the pot as you remove it; you'll create finger indentations that you can't remove unless you start all over again.
5. Clean off the string or wire once you're finished so that it's ready for the next use.

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