How to Trim Pots — Tips and Tricks — A Beginner's Guide

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide to pottery trimming, covering essential techniques and tools. It introduces tungsten carbide tools, which are sharp but brittle, and Loop tools, more affordable options for beginners. The video demonstrates various methods to secure pots on the wheel, emphasizing the importance of proper clay condition and tool handling. It also discusses different ways to trim pot bases, rims, and interiors, highlighting the significance of achieving a balanced and visually appealing finish. The host shares tips for recognizing issues and fixing them, ensuring a high standard of craftsmanship in pottery making.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Trimming tools used in pottery are typically made from tungsten carbide, which is very sharp and durable but brittle.
• 💡 Beginners are advised to start with cheaper, less sharp tools to avoid damaging expensive tungsten carbide tools.
• ⚖️ The condition of the clay, referred to as 'leather hard', is crucial for successful trimming and should be firm enough to hold its shape.
• 🤲 The way you hold the trimming tool is important for control; hold it close to the blade and use body weight for stability.
• 👐 The left hand should provide support to the pot, checking for balance and catching it if it comes loose during trimming.
• 🔗 Securing the pot to the wheel can be done with soft clay lumps, slip, or a chuck, depending on the pot's size and complexity.
• ✂️ Trimming involves removing excess clay to refine the shape, and different tools are used for different stages of the process.
• 🍶 When trimming drinking vessels, the rim should be beveled for comfort and to avoid wobbling.
• 🔄 If the pot's rim is wobbly, focus on trimming the high points to level it out before working on the sides.
• 🗑️ Excess clay can be a sign of improper throwing technique or over-trimming; it's important to maintain an even wall thickness.

Q & A

What are the recommended trimming tools for beginners in pottery?

For beginners, it is recommended to use trimming tools with sharp loop blades made from less expensive materials rather than tungsten carbide, as they are cheaper and teach the necessary skills before moving on to more expensive tools.

Why are tungsten carbide tools not recommended for beginners?

Tungsten carbide tools are not recommended for beginners because they are expensive, brittle, and require more skill to handle. The analogy given is that one would not learn to drive in a sports car, similarly, one should not learn pottery with such specialized tools.

How can you sharpen the loop blades on trimming tools?

The loop blades can be sharpened using a file and a bench grinder. However, due to their low cost, it is sometimes easier to replace them after a year or two of use.

What is the significance of the clay's condition being 'leather hard' in pottery?

Leather hard is a state where the clay has firmed up enough to hold its shape but is not yet fully dried. It is an ideal state for trimming as the clay should feel like slightly cold, damp leather and not easily deform when squeezed.

How should you hold a turning tool while trimming pottery?

You should hold the turning tool close to the blade, lean your forearm on the wheel tray, and lean your upper body weight onto that arm to ensure stability and control over the tool.

What are the different methods to secure a pot on the wheel for trimming?

There are three main methods: using three lumps of soft clay equally spaced around the pot, brushing slip on the base and tapping it onto the wheel, or using a chuck which is a solid piece of clay with a tapering shape to fit various pot shapes.

Why is it important to check the clay's condition before trimming?

Checking the clay's condition ensures it is at the right firmness for trimming. If it's too soft, it will be difficult to trim and may deform, while if it's too dry, it might crumble or crack.

How can you tell if a pot is properly centered on the wheel?

A pot is properly centered when the top of the piece is level and spinning true. This can be checked by tapping into the pot and observing if it spins evenly without wobbling.

What is the purpose of beveling the bottom of a pot?

Beveling the bottom of a pot makes the edge less likely to chip, creates a band of shadow that visually makes the pot appear lighter, and can enhance the overall aesthetic by making it look as if it's floating slightly.

How can you tell if the walls of a pot are too thin during trimming?

If the walls of a pot can be indented with just a small amount of pressure from a fingertip, they are too thin. This could lead to instability and the pot may not be salvageable.

What should you do if your trimmings are sticking back to the pot?

If trimmings are sticking back to the pot, it indicates that the pot is still too soft and needs more time to dry before it can be properly trimmed.