Things You'll Need:
- Vat
- Clay
- Electric potter's wheel
- Sponge
- Water
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Step 1
Make sure the vat is on a flat surface and hold it down with one hand. Slam the lump of clay down onto the vat, where it should stick automatically. Try to get it as close to the center as possible when you throw. Place the vat on the wheel. Turn the wheel on.
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Step 2
Wet the clay thoroughly by dipping the sponge into the water and pouring it over the clay. Continue to do this throughout the centering process. Make sure the clay never dries out or your hands will feel a lot of friction. The clay is likely to scoot off the vat without enough lubrication.
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Step 3
Get your hands wet. Plan to push with your dominant hand and support with the other. If you're right-handed, for example, lock your right elbow into your hip or thigh. This is especially important when centering large amounts of clay. Rest your forearm on your thigh and cup your right hand with the thumb tucked down on top.
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Step 4
Bring your left hand perpendicular to the right and lock the thumbs by bringing the left thumb over to grasp the right. This is the proper positioning for the hands. Relax the hands. Put the wheel into high gear. Bring the right hand in and begin to push on the clay to force it into the center of the wheel. Add the left hand when the clay begins to move up. The clay is centered when it stops waddling.
