DIY Network

Throwing a Cylindrical Vase From "DIY Pottery" episode DPOT-105

	These two vases are cylindrical shapes.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Most of the pottery forms made on the potter’s wheel begin as a cylindrical shape. The forming steps of the cylinder will need to be mastered before we can shape a bottle or vase, pitcher, a lidded jar -- even a simple cup.

Each step will take practice – and some patience! Don’t get discouraged! Find a public pottery studio where you can get instruction. Look for books about pottery making. Visit your local potters, ask questions and watch a practiced hand at work!

Here, master potter Bill van Gilder shares the basic steps in creating a cylinder on a potter’s wheel.

1. Thoroughly knead your clay to remove all air (figure A). Knead each piece of clay 30 to 60 seconds.

2. Speed the potter's wheel to medium and center your clay (figure B). Be sure to use lots of water.

3. Open the ball of clay (figure C). Form a flat "floor" of 1/4" thickness. Test the thickness with the tip of a needle tool. Again, use lots of water.

4. Cut a groove with your thumb tip at the outside base of the opened clay (figure D).

5. Pull the wall of the pot slowly upward (figure E). Decrease the wheel speed. Use enough water, inside and out, to keep the clay very slippery. It may take 4 or 5 slow pulls to raise the walls of your cylinder. Cut a groove at the base of your cylinder before each pull. Your outside fingertips will begin their pull starting in this groove.

6. While pulling the wall of the cylinder upwards, the fingertips of the inside hand are opposite and slightly above the outside fingertips. It is important to keep you two hands connected as much as possible during these early steps. As each pull is completed and your fingertips near the rim, remove them slowly and gently.

7. Level the rim after each pull upward (figure F). Keeping the rim level and uniform will make the pulling more manageable.

8. Cut your cylinder from the wheel head using a thin taut wire. Stretch the wire between your thumbs or fingertips and pull it towards you. Press the wire firmly to the wheel head as it passes below the floor of the pot.

RESOURCES :
Clay Times column by Bill van Gilder "Teaching Techniques" column features: Nov/Dec 2002 - Introduction to Clay Jan/Feb 2003 - Different Ways to Center Mar/Apr 2003 - Opening Up: The Possibilities May/June 2003 - How to Get Even: Pulling Up Consistent Walls Website: www.claytimes.com