October 19, 2001, Newsletter Issue #60: User`s Questions #3

Tip of the Week

Question:
When was the potter`s wheel made?

Answer:
I apologise for the lengthy delay in answering your question, I was on holidays and had no access to reference material. Egypt is credited with being the place of origin of the potter´s wheel. It was there that the turntable shaft was lengthened in about 3000BC and a flywheel added. The flywheel was kicked, and later was moved by pulling the edge with the left hand, whilst forming the clay with the right. This led to the anti-clockwise motion for the potter´s wheel which is almost universal. Only in parts of Japan, and in parts of India, was a clockwise motion used. The clockwise wheel evolved from the use of a flywheel as wheel-head which was motivated by a hand-held stick located in notches near the edge. Holding the stick at its top end in the left hand, and locating the other end in a notch the right hand, is used to pull the stick towards one. When the wheel is turning sufficiently, one can begin throwing. The wheel has to be given periodic impetus during the throwing of a pot. Most potters learn to throw anti-clockwise, and if a power wheel is used, it is unlikely to be reversible. However, some experience with throwing clockwise is beneficial because it makes one analyse one´s actions thoroughly. Also some clays, notably those containing only a small amount of naturally plastic clay, e.g., special bodies like porcelain, sometimes tire of being turned one way only. Some tear if the leatherhard trimming (turning) is done with the same wheel direction as the throwing. In such cases, throwing is done anti-clockwise and turning is done clockwise. Also after throwing, many potters reverse the wheel direction and burnish the leatherhard clay surface.

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Question:
Killn: I would like to build a kiln in my garden. Can you give me some tips how to do that? Thanks!

Answer:
Please go to http://www.ceramics-tips.com - on the bottom of the page is a section called ´My Resource Centre.´ There you will find ´My Full Length Articles,´ including "Do-It-Yourself Fast Firing Kiln," (´DIY Fast Firing Kiln´), complete instructions are included. Hope it helps! Please feel free to contact me with any further inquiries. *Happy Firing*

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Question:
I am having difficulty in exacting the look of folds of cloth with clay. I am also having difficulty in keeping the legs to a baseball pitcher from cracking at the ankles. I am using an aluminum wire for my armature. Any suggestions? I`ve tried `gouging` the look of folds in cloth, but it just doesn`t look good. Can I just `lay` a pattern of clothes on the player and let the clay be raised (with air) to create the look of cloth folding? Thanks, Pal Ingold

Answer:
To replicate the look of cloth, I would suggest using a very light cloth, and dipping it in a slip made of your body clay and water, make to a thick paste. The cloth will burn off in the kiln. To support your figure, try making a stand for it out of clay, remembering the clay will shrink when fired, stand the figure in this while working on the upper sections. This will also be handy for firing as it will decrease the risk of stress cracking to the piece. I hope this helps!

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