How to Center Wheel Thrown Pottery Clay

After cutting and molding clay for pottery into a ball, you must adhere the clay to the vat and then center it. Centering clay on an electric-powered wheel is the first step in throwing your pottery. Centering is a routine and simple process that requires water, pressure and steady hands.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vat
• Clay
• Electric potter's wheel
• Sponge
• Water

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove all jewelry from your fingers and wrists.
• Trim and buff your fingernails to avoid making nicks and cuts in the clay.
• Keep in mind how large a base you want. If it's larger, press down more. If it's small, keep using the off hand for guidance.
• Keep the clay wet. Pause and add water whenever it begins to feel dry.

[anarticle]

on 8/12/2009 Actually, I worked on the wheel today and tried your method of throwing as opposed to the tips that I posted in my above comment. Your tips were better than the ones that I posted. -How about that!- With your tips, I was able to throw a very nice pitcher. Thanks for the good information!

[anarticle]

on 8/12/2009 You may want to correct your spelling. YOu spelled the word bat with a "v". Also you can put the bat down onto the wheel head before you slam the clay in place. That may save you a step and keep the bat secure during the force from the "slam." Another tip -I have found that I dont need to apply a sponge of water over the clay to keep it lubricated. If I just wet my hands, that seems to be just enough water to keep things moving. I know when I get too much water on the clay, it tends to dissolve the clay and I end up with a mess. Otherwise, great start to a nice pot!