Potters Wheels & Methods of Throwing

Throwing can be a back breaking experience.
The section on Potters Wheels can help with better posture
and offers suggestions on different styles of wheels.

Throwing Large Pots


Whenever possible, Robert stands when throwing large pots.	Connie Talbot (seated at left) is throwing a freshly added coil. Robert finds standing is good for the back and permits convenient positions for bracing his arms, when throwing these wide diameter forms.	Throwing in a semi standing position is very comfortable. You can balance your body weight between your legs and seat, when the chair is tilted. This keeps your spine aligned and is good for your posture.

Throwing Large Pots

Coils are rolled on a canvas covered table.

Robert has found that coils which are rolled tend be more plastic than extruded coils. With a little practice a six foot coil can be rolled in just a couple of minutes.

Throwing Large Pots


The coil is supported on Robert's shoulder to prevent it's stretching.	A soft coil is easy to work on to the rim of a pot that has been firmed with a torch.	Using as little water as possible, Robert pulls the wall higher and uses ribs to shape the contour.	Once the last section is complete, handles are added and the covered jar is finished. This can all be done in one session using heat to dry the pot, as needed.

Throwing Large Pots


Bryan Mattraw Using a torch to heat the freshly thrown form. Once the clay, stiffens he will add more coils without fear of the walls collapsing. The process is repeated after each coil has been thrown.	Coil & Throw This technique works best when coils are even and soft. The lower section of the pot must be dried sufficiently, to support additional coils.

Throwing Large Pots

Robert throws several thousand pots each winter, which are bisque fired in his gas car kiln and glaze fired in one of the outdoor kilns
during the summer.

The large coil and throw pots are made only in the summer months, when he can utilize the additional space in outdoor sheds.

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05/14/13