Throwing really large pots, and trimming them, is hard work. This is especially true when your pot gets to be several feet tall and you need to keep your arms and hands steady as you stand to finish your pulls. In today’s post, an excerpt from the June/July/August issue of Ceramics Monthly, Jim Wylder shares the tool he invented to lend a helping hand.- Jennifer Harnetty, editor.
PS. To see an adaptation to this tool, which can help with even glaze or slip application, check out the June/July/August 2014 issue of Ceramics Monthly!
Hold steady with this great wheel throwing tool
by Jim Wylder
I like to throw very tall pots and this means I need to steady my hands while finishing the top. So I created an armrest to steady my arms and gain more control at the top of my taller forms.
Tips from your peers!
Ceramic artists are always coming up with innovative, clever ways to solve problems in the studio and Ceramics Monthly shares the best tips in every issue. In addition to the great studio visits, techniques, new work, glaze recipes, and the fascinating stories of ceramic artists living the dream, your next time and money saving tip could be in the next issue.
Now available in an enhanced tablet version too!
The armrest is made from a maple futon frame purchased at a second-hand store. The uprights are drilled with ½-inch holes, 2 inches apart on center (1). Two boards on each side of the wooden crossbar that extends over the wheelhead secure it front to back, and a ½-inch bolt on each end pins it vertically (4).The way the uprights attach to the pottery wheel will be different for each type of wheel (2–3). Crossbar The length of the crossbar will be different for each type of wheel. The crossbar has two holes on each end and uses half-inch bolts and the two holes for the bolts (4). One is in the center of the wood. If these holes are used, the crossbar cannot be moved up or down. The second hole is a half hole on the bottom edge in the shape of a slightly extended, upside down U (5). This hole allows quick adjusting and removal by lifting up. The center hole on the left end can be used as a hinge so that the crossbar can be pivoted up or down in smaller increments. The crossbar will be slanted if this is done. Coat the crossbar ends with Parowax so it will easily slide in the uprights. Set to a specific height, the crossbar can be used to steady your hands as you work on taller forms (6).
This “invention” looks a lot like the one in this article from the 50’s;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CERAMICS-WITHOUT-A-POTTERS-WHEEL-Plans-Instructions/161038981984?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131017132637%26meid%3D7987346778294892282%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D20131017132637%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D161348719741
Hi Frank, That 64 year old tool appears to be a great invention. I was six when that came out. There must be someone besides you and Methuselah who has seen or used it. The picture shows the potter turning the banding wheel with one hand and holding a tool in the other. Thanks for pointing out the similarity. Nothing new under the Sun.
Even having clicked the “view online”, the right section of the article does not display. That section is obscured by the “Forums and Freebies” section. Please correct for the” A Brilliant Homemade Tool That Helps Steady the Hands When Throwing Large Pots”article. An additional “viewonline” click at this article???