Using pottery wheel

Learning how to use a pottery wheel takes lots of clay, patience and practice. Initially, you may create some rather interesting and off-balance pieces, but once you get the hang of it, you can create truly beautiful pottery!

Things You'll Need:

• Pottery clay
• Water
• Chair
• Apron or industrial use overcoat
• Pottery wheel

Instructions

Prepare the Pottery Wheel for Use

Step 1

Buy clay. You can purchase raw clay that has been dug up or commercial clay, preferred for its consistency.

Step 2

Know what type of pottery you'd like to make. Different clays are available for different types of pottery such as porcelain, earthenware and stoneware.

Step 3

Find a flat work surface. You will need to throw the clay and knead it to remove all air pockets, which are detrimental when clay is heated.

Step 4

Use a damp sponge and wipe the wheel. This helps clay to adhere.
Use the Pottery Wheel

Step 1

Have a seat in front of the pottery wheel. Use an old or inexpensive chair that can get messy and position yourself directly in front of the wheel at a comfortable height.

Step 2

Center the clay on the wheel by placing it directly in the middle. Uncentered clay is very difficult to work with as it throws off the balance of the wheel upon rotation.

Step 3

Toss the clay down onto the wheel. You need to toss it so that the force helps to adhere the clay sufficiently to the wheel, creating a sticky grip.

Step 4

Start the wheel at a slow speed. Use your hands to keep the clay centered.

Step 5

Begin to pat the clay into the shape of a cone. Continue to use your whole body as you force the cone into the center of the wheel.

Step 6

Raise the speed of the wheel to moderate or even fast. Wet your hands and begin to work the clay, once again using your whole body for leverage.

Step 7

Use both hands. Let one hand be the guide as the other hand pushes the clay down into a flatter shape.

Step 8

Move the clay upwards. You can do this by using both hands at the base of the mound to draw the clay upwards by pressing into the clay with both hands. From here, you can begin to open the center up, if you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your pottery wheel in a garage, storage shed or basement, if possible. Clay often flies off of the wheel and can be difficult to clean up once dry.
• You can actually dig up your own clay for use. The preparation process is more tedious but it's fun to find your own material!
• Consider wearing goggles in the beginning, until you are used to the speed of the pottery wheel.