In Baltimore, Maryland, at the National Council on Education for Ceramic Arts, potters and vendors recently gathered to share their expertise and enthusiasm for working with clay. Jim Bailey, of Bailey Pottery Equipment, was a vendor at the show and offers the following tips when choosing one the most basic tools of the trade, the potter's wheel.
- The first thing to consider is the type of pots that will be made on the wheel (figure A). The type and size of pot determines the amount of clay that will be needed; this in turn determines the kind of motor needed.
- Motors are generally available in two sizes: one that can throw as much as 50 pounds of clay without slowing down, and one that can handle the weight of as much as 100 pounds of clay. The latter motor is usually used for very large forms and is used by professionals who have the skill level need to work with such large shapes (figure B).
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Another point to consider when working with clay is posture. While you're working on a wheel, your body has to be in a comfortable position; when working for extended periods of time, it's easy to slip into a hunched-over position, putting stress on the spine. The wheel has to fit the size of the individual, which means starting with the frame. Frames can start out low and adjust upward to fit the height of the potter. Potters with back concerns often work standing up; some frames have adjusting points and are cross-braced, giving integrity to the base of the wheel and counteracting the force created by the potter leaning into the frame while throwing (figure C).The next consideration is the type of splash pan. Unibody styles offer the most stability, becoming an extension of the potter as he works (figure D). This style also offers a very large work area that is easily cleaned. A wheel with a removable splash pan is also available. It provides easy clean-up but doesn't have the work space or stability of the one-piece styles (figure E).
Wheel pedals should be able to be adjusted to change the rotation and speed of the wheel. Some pedals have angles that are rather steep, requiring more motion to go from the lowest to the highest point (figure F).Finally, a potter must consider how the work area should be laid out for ease of throwing. There are a variety of counter systems that lock into wheel frames with extension wings for ease of accessibility (figure G).Prices vary, depending on the equipment required for each potter's studio. Wheel prices, which depend on the size of the motor, start at approximately $700. A large motor with a shelving system and other accessories can cost as much as $1,200.
Whether you are buying your first wheel or upgrading to keep pace with your advancing skills, one thing is sure: the time you spend on your wheel is reflected in the quality of the pots you produce.
RESOURCES :
Kilns
L & L Kilns
Website: www.hotkilns.com
Clay
Highwater Clays
Website: www.highwaterclays.com
Extruders
American Art Clay Co. Inc. (AMACO)
Website: www.amaco.com
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