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

Part six of in my 'Beginner's Guide' series is focused on trimming. I discuss the differences between turning tools, how to hold them, different ways of attaching pots down to turn them and various other tips, tricks and methodologies.
HOW TO TAP CENTRE: • How to Tap Center Pots...
If you'd like to watch the other parts of this series, which demonstrate how to make a pot, you can find them here:
Part 1: How to centre the clay: • How to Center Clay - A...
Part 2: How to open up and form the base: • How to Open Up Centred...
Part 3: How to pull up the walls: • How to Pull Up The Wal...
Part 4: How to lift pots off the wheel: • How to Lift Pots Off t...
Part 5: How to throw a bowl: • How to Throw a Pottery...
My how to wedge clay video: • How to Spiral Wedge Clay
The spinner I use is made by Richard Carter: / richardcarter6952 , if you DM him he'll sell you one! (I'm not sponsored in anyway to advertise his tools, you guys just ask so much it's worth putting it here).
Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction
0:22 - Which trimming tool is best?
2:20 - How to hold trimming tools!
3:53 - Attaching the pot to the wheel, (1st way)
4:29 - Attaching the pot to the wheel, (2nd way)
5:25 - Attaching the pot to the wheel, (3rd way)
7:55 - Fixing a wobbly rim
10:05 - Trimming the base of a pot, (1st way)
11:23 - Discussing the bevelled edge around the base
11:54 - Trimming the base of a pot, (2nd way)
12:53 - Cross sections of trimmed pots
14:11 - What happens if you trim too thin?
14:42 - What happens if you trim too soft?
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Find out much more via the link below!
linktr.ee/flor...
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Get in touch here: www.floriangad...
Sign up to my newsletter here: www.floriangad...

[@j10001]

One thing that makes you an excellent teacher is that you show how to do it wrong and how to diagnose the troublesome results we might see. I love it!

[@jasonb6570]

I must say, this is one of my favorite channels that the algorithm has ever suggested to me. I'm a diesel mechanic by trade and have never really had an interest in throwing ceramics, but after watching all your videos for the last several months I'm feeling the desire more and more to take a class and give it a shot. These beginner videos give a noob like me the motivation to give something totally out of my wheelhouse a shot. I think it would be deeply gratifying to have a bunch of pieces in my kitchen that I would use every day, knowing they were made by my own hand. Thank you for what you do, Florian.

[@floriangadsby]

Comments like this are what drive me to make more videos - thank you, Jason, for taking the time to watch, even if this isn't your craft, the fact they're still interesting makes me as a content creator feel so honoured. I hope you give pottery a try, it's really so much fun, and being able to drink from, and eat off, the objects you make is very special.

[@robhall8285]

Thank you

[@davezad]

Jason, do it. *Take the pottery class.* I was contemplating the same back in 2019. Now I've got my own studio, selling pots at our local farmer's market. It's every bit as enjoyable and rewarding as you think from watching Florian. Don't ignore that voice in your ear saying you should try. It's right.

[@hannnix4913]

Oh my god, once I took a pottery workshop in Japan, I was IN LOVE. Like since the I have been itching to throw some more clay, and it’s never really went away. I don’t know why but it’s just so much fun for me, like more fun than anything else. It’s so easy to just get into the flow, and it’s calming and satisfying. If you have the opportunity to, I definitely recommend

[@asons13]

@jasonb6570 did you take the class?

[@genesisanimations8877]

As someone who is starting pottery I thank you for the videos you make

[@floriangadsby]

I’m lucky to have you as a viewer! Thanks for watching.

[@evanmorrison3232]

Good luck on your journey 🫡

[@gmailtyger]

Seriously. I miss a lot of things in class, so having these videos is a lifesaver.

[@danflurry]

Yesterday I had the pleasure of scraping off the thin layer of leather-hard clay left on the bats from some plates I trimmed, and I thought back to your plate videos from a while back. So satisfying.

[@kamilslusarczyk1148]

Thanks for another great tutorial, mate. You single handedly hold the title of the best pottery educator on YT. Consistency, composure and level of video craft is second to none in your field. Cheers

[@canete_h]

I have to say, not only are your videos informative and visually very pleasing, but your content and voiceover is also soothing and comforting. Thank you !

[@CookbooksonRepeat]

The best pottery teacher on the internet. Thanks again!

[@floriangadsby]

You're too kind! Thanks for taking your time to watch :)

[@user-jv3vd3wv4x]

Thank you! These videos really reinforce what I am learning in class. As a beginner, I can't seem to get enough of your videos. Repetition for me is essential at this stage.

[@marydeacon8236]

Definitely Florian Gatsby is the best wheel throwing instructor that I have run into!!! I have had instructors that were very good, but the clarity, whole and detailed way of Florian's guidance is impecable!!!! Thank you so much.

[@kathleenfreeman1696]

I am forever in your debt. This has been one of the most informative explanations and demonstrations that I’ve ever seen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your expertise and time.

[@TheDaisyBee]

This is the most perfectly timed video! Thanks so much!

[@floriangadsby]

Glad it to hear so and I hope it’s helpful!

[@ruthcook4231]

Thank you for these great videos. I have only been learning pottery for a couple of months and my teacher gave me a list of names of people to follow to learn different styles to help me find my own style. Your videos just clicked with me. I appreciate how you explain the “why” and then show multiple ways to perform a task. Extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@hankkingsley9183]

I just started and because of your vids people in the studio keeping asking "are you sure you've never done this before?" Fun.

[@laurylannedubin7003]

Fun, but hard. Thank you, Florian.

[@Zeynep-t5m]

i don't know how it can be possible but today i was going to buy these tools and then i decided to watch some videos about it, and you uploaded this video 💫

[@goodaligood]

I've never posted before on a youtube video, but I just had to let you know how fab I am finding your videos. This trimming vid was timely as we hit trimming today for the first time in my pottery classes. It's like you read my mind! I adore the crafting of the videos as much as I do the craft of watching you make the pottery itself.

[@alphonsinelepitre1992]

Thank you for sharing. Trimming is also one of my favorite part

[@CL-un4ci]

I don’t know anything about pottery. I still love this channel.

[@southbridgefarm8795]

This is by far the best pottery channel ive found. Your videos and tips are so well done. Ive learned more from you than when i learned at the college. Thank you so much for sharing. I can only imagine how much work goes into making these videos. Its so appreciated. Blessings from Canada 👩🏻‍🌾🍁

[@pandaroy7915]

I watch your videos as an Asmr cause they are very soothing and helps me to relax my mind and sleep well, i love pottery but due to lack of resources i couldn't do it so your videos are motivation for me love you content the way you explain your voice is really calming keep growing 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@tarotfortheheathens9556]

Your videos have been vital for me to develop sound throwing techniques. My pottery teacher isn’t even close to as detailed as you are. I am excited to trim next class! Thank you!

[@Praxaeus]

Florian, I hope you see this. The chatter marks from the carbide might be a "feeds and speeds" issue. If you remove the tool from the pot and increase the wheel speed, then *gently* but we'll supported, let the tool trim the last bit, your chatters might disappear

[@Templou]

Honestly really appreciate these videos. As a newbie to pottery I’m enjoying watching these to have a head start before class. Also really enjoying the book, half way through reading and a great addition to the coffee table

[@loug8186]

Brilliant! Thank you

[@inkbotkowalski]

Thank you so much for these videos. I really appreciate the time and effort you're putting into them.

[@dentonkrietz7690]

I love your videos and have learned so much from watching them! I trimmed a wobbly rim the other night in my pottery class exactly as you showed, attaching the piece to the wheel using a bit of slip and it all worked perfectly! I was honestly shocked at how well a little slip can hold the piece down. We are all incredibly lucky that you are so thoughtful and generous with your time and knowledge. Thanks!!

[@sharonpeek7728]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks

[@juliebird723]

Your videos are the absolute best. I tried some of your suggestions today and had so much more success. 😊

[@gregtran5502]

Beautiful instruction and attention to detail. Editing video well is an art too which you excel at. Thank you.

[@MyMazyCat]

I have become so much BETTER on the wheel just by watching your FANTASTIC and so helpful videos!!❤

[@dianewilson2236]

I am enjoying your videos, today I trimmed my pitcher. I have a great instructor, Jake and he uses a lot of the same techniques that you use.

[@denisesarazin6753]

Fantastic demo of the tools.

[@chelanoto6104]

I started my first pottery class last night. Your "centering" tutorial gave me so much more information than I gleaned in the class. I am looking forward to trimming my first squatty little efforts in my next class! I imagine that many little pots will be sacrificed in this effort. The one take away you gave me is that I was not using enough water in my centering process. Thank you.

[@mikepetersen7319]

Very good explained and demonstrated as always. Your'e a good Teacher 👍

[@jsud5559]

Lordy! I was near to a scream when you cut those lovely vessels in half!🤣 Wonderful video as always. Thanks for such wonderful tips.

[@felicianiethamer7328]

Thanks you Florian, I already have experience but I learned on my own and your videos are a wonderful recourse for new ideas and reflections on how to better my technique. I love the way you clearly explain in great detail. Thank you!

[@boybutch]

i found ur channel because ig the algorithm found out i was starting to get super into wheel throwing (watched a review for a cheap wheel) and blessed me with ur shorts. i learned how to successfully throw in my cermaics call this past semester (i’m a studio arts major) after only doing hand building for YEARS haha. anyway, you’re helping me improve my craft with the things i’ve had trouble with and you’ve been so helpful! thank u

[@swetlanaarendt5109]

Thank you very much! As a beginner I really appreciate your work.

[@RedHotBagel]

Thanks for making these great videos! I'm starting a pottery course in February - and I feel like your material will be a really great supplement. I feel like I usually learn better if I've seen multiple people do or explain something - so it's greatly appreciated!

[@juliapatterson1117]

Thank you for this video. As a beginner I have been trying to understand the pros and cons of different style tools.

[@hannavandale7046]

Would love a video on how you take care of your tools!

[@biffoswilly]

What a lovely and clearly informative speaking voice you have

[@Broons3619]

Thank you 🙏 so many great hints and tips. You explained everything really well. Very helpful video.

[@sarahhutchinson8659]

Your videos are immensely helpful. I have been learning so many techniques and fixing some bad habits. Thanks for putting in the time to teach us!

[@DaryaRyanPhotography]

Great series. Thank You so much for making it. Would love a video about how to recycle clay and get it back to throwing condition. When you have time :)

[@Alex_0Z]

always so helpful! keep up the great content!

[@constanzacanessa6666]

Thank you so much for this and all your videos! It’s so much details not only in the pottery thing but also in the video it self!! (Editing and different angles). I’m officially you fun here from 🇨🇱 Chile.

[@pamdemonia]

Love the cross sections!

[@Luke-vv4ms]

Beautifully humble

[@doctorortner2531]

So clear your indications. A great máster is like that. To Make and explain in a simple understandable way, even the difficult issues. That happens also to me , when I have to teach , how to inject a face , to make it younger and harmonic. Thank you so much allways , from here, Buenos Aires , Argentina. I probably go to Uk on September / October , so if it’s possible , I would like to know you personally. It will be a great gift to me. Enjoy vacations!

[@amyfooter]

Hi Florian, ive been watching your videos for several months now, they really are very informative thank you. If you do do another video on trimming I wonder if you could cover the different effects that are possible with differently shaped trimming tools?

[@janewhitten1780]

Im new to throwing and new to your videos. Soooo helpful! thank you.

[@briabee_m]

Wow. Just wow! Thank you so much! This is so in depth and helpful!

[@kjmurray27]

One thing I've been struggling with in trimming lately is that when I'm trimming the base of the pot I'm somehow creating undulations radiating out from the centre of the pot that I can't seem to level off again. I bought a new trimming tool thinking that perhaps mine was blunt but that didn't help. I never used to have this problem so I can't for the life of me figure out what I've started doing differently! Hopefully what I've explained makes sense and is something that you might be able to talk through in an advanced video some day. Your videos are always the first I turn to when I'm having trouble with something :)

[@floriangadsby]

It sounds like one of three things… either your tools are blunt and you’re having to use too much pressure to push down on the base and trim. Your bases could be thrown too thin/or you’re trimming too thin. Or you’re trimming the clay when it’s too soft, so it simply bows inward as you work instead of holding flat. Levelling off is tricky - I recommend using a very tiny turning tool and just removing the clay bit by bit from the high point that spins around. Eventually it’ll level out but you’ve got to hold the tool very firmly and not follow the undulating base. Rather you need to trim through the undulation till it’s flat.

[@potterywithme]

Very nice and perfect video🔥🔥🌹😉

[@monikaanderssonkapeller7240]

Thank you so much for sharing! I particularly like this video. I’m only a beginner an liked the explanation about what tools to use for trimming. There are so many tho choose. Maybe you have som more tips for what tools to use in your potter profession 🤩.

[@user-ij2um2oj7g]

Thank you!!🙂

[@MartaCrowe]

Thanks!

[@floriangadsby]

Thanks so much Marta!

[@ivy7976]

I tend to use the rounded/dull sculpting tools to almost burnish my pieces while trimming. After I get it to the shape I want I like to then create a smooth polished surface using the sculpting tools. It makes a really nice surface to add slip or underglaze, I even leave them bare sometimes to let the burnishing shine.

[@abdekentaoui2822]

Hi bro, I like what you do My father does this career too.

[@CalculyticCuber]

I really wish I would have watched this stuff while I was learning pottery. At least now I know.

[@gise5956]

Excelente!!

[@Myfortunatelife]

I have two questions if I may! Firstly, what speed do you spin the wheel when trimming? Second what is best way to angle your trimming tool? I find trimming the hardest part of the process, so happy too for your timely advice. Thanks so much!

[@rachael3263]

Started my ceramic journey last march in my dads garage. Your videos have helped me tremendously! So thank you so so so much! Hoping to move out of my dads spider garage in to a bigger space but I'm finding it difficult. Any tips on looking for a studio space?

[@MissMeeWee100]

Florian - awesome videos! Wondering if you could do a video just on the different kinds of clay.

[@lucasfragomeni]

Very detailed tutorial. Thanks. Btw, what's with the mirror?

[@_miguelixer]

This is so invaluable as a beginner to know. Thanks Florian!!! You’re worth your weight in gold….or porcelain?

[@ellenfondell]

Wonderful video, thank you! Could you tell me who makes your large metal rib/scraper tool? I haven't used one that large before, and it looks very handy.

[@Handmadebygas]

Love your videos and all the information your provide- thank you so much! Tho, I do want to ask….. I can NEVER fer my top level when trimming 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️. I try and try but their is always lines when’re yours is smooth once you pass. Any tips, thanks in advance!

[@jcjungman]

Hi Florian, thanks for the video! I was struggling in studio today with trimming and came here for help. What kind of clay do you use?

[@evanmorrison3232]

Only thing i can say to beginner potters. Connect your hands fam. Stabilize.

[@ruthnoronha8206]

How do you know how thick the bottom is as you pull the clay up and make it taller. Is this a feel you get over time?

[@floriangadsby]

Once the lump of clay has been centred and opened up, and the internal base formed, I never press down any further on the base section of the pot, making it thinner. The only excess that's drawn up is in the walls of the pot.

[@rajeshjanakiraman5213]

How do you check to see if you've correctly trimmed the walls? Do you check similar to the base by pushing them in?

[@yvonneclarke9062]

Thanks for your brilliant videos! Am I allowed to ask the brand of wheel you are using, as it looks like it’s a large single piece splash pan, which I think I need as a messy potter. However everyone tells me I’ll get less messy (at least with water) as I get more experienced.

[@les1000]

He uses a Rohde.

[@sarahwestestes]

Hi Florian. I'm curious as to where you get your tools, specifically the three you show in the above video at 0:07. I am very much interested in finding the tool shown on the far right in this image; what is this tool called? Thank you. Very helpful videos for someone getting back into pottery. Cheers.

[@lottaearth]

What brand of trimming tools are your tungsten steel tools?

[@tarotfortheheathens9556]

I would love to know where you got the tool that has a 90 degree angle. I believe it’s the one you use to cut in the base at the throwing stage. Also, where to find your twisted cut off wire?

[@natalycediel573]

How does the tap works ? Like how u know when is centered based on taps ?

[@floriangadsby]

The number of taps is irrelevant - really what I’m watching is a particular point on the vessel, be it the rim or the walls or the base, or all three. I tap the pot until those points rotate without any undulation in their spin. If the thrown pot has wobbles in it, like beginners pots commonly do, then seeing this centred state is much harder as no matter how centred you get it the pot still moves unevenly. But once pots are thrown to a sufficient level, or evenness, tap centring becomes easier, which is annoying in some way as it makes it harder for beginners to practice.

[@robhall8285]

Florian, how would you trim the bottom of a pot with a long thin neck? E.g a bottle or vase

[@floriangadsby]

I’d make a clay chuck that the upturned vase could be placed into. Or find a bucket, or other object that might serve a similar process. You can secure it on place on the wheel with clay and a cloth, although that can be quite precarious. It’s tricky!

[@mohsnh8939]

The videos you provided made me want to make pottery, but when looking for a pottery kiln that does not exist, or at a very high price, is it possible to benefit from pottery without burning?

[@floriangadsby]

You can create air dried clay pieces - but really that’s an entirely different thing from normal pottery. You need a kiln to change clay to ceramic, otherwise it’ll never be strong enough to use.

[@mohsnh8939]

@@floriangadsby Thank you. In fact, I wanted to learn pottery in order to make plant pots and antiques. I will try to air dry them or with a burning wood but when I get the chance I will buy an oven and learn to make mugs and plates and a lot of things 💗.

[@jennawhitecloud5680]

Ok question: when you go to do the foot, after the guide is put in and you start to trim from the middle, I see you are using the right side of the tool to move outward rather than using the left side to pull outward. Somehow, my dyslexic brain doesn’t understand moving from the middle outward without my tool snagging

[@falongreen350]

Can you fire the chucks and just have varying sizes?

[@jenniferblack7635]

How do you choose which trimming tool to use when?

[@marleneytbe]

Can I ask you what clay are you using in all of your videos? Thank you

[@b.vandergeest2168]

Is it ok to leather hard dry pieces in one day/night?

[@floriangadsby]

As long as they dry evenly, then yes, absolutely fine. Ideally, you don’t want one side of a pot to dry out faster than the other, as this can cause them to lean to one side.

[@b.vandergeest2168]

@floriangadsby normally I leave them under plastic and completely cut of air. This takes a day or 4 to dry. My bowls of yesterday dried all day without plastic (about 6 hours) and then the night with plastic. This morning I turned them around (is this even English?) Like upside down, and let them dry for 3 hours. Hope they don't crack.

[@hydrophiliak]

It really tickles me that you add your maker's mark to your videos too :P

[@Boxy_Music_]

Anything that can be done if a pot becomes too dry before trimming?

[@floriangadsby]

You can try soaking it in water and then leaving it out for a while to dry up, then repeat, time and time again. Or you can put it in a very damp bucket/damp cupboard for a week and hopefully it might rehydrate a bit, otherwise... the easiest thing is to probably just throw another of the same pot and try again.

[@maybeafreethinker]

Marvelous teaching video! Thankyou!

[@VyGee3311]

Guys, I am 9 minutes in and I still have not learned how to trim. How should the blade touch the pot. The whole blade? One point on the blade? Hold it flat on the piece or angle up?

[@floriangadsby]

Look at how I hold it and imitate that. You can use the whole blade or part of the blade, depending on what/where you’re trimming. Some trimming blades can be held flat and others might need to be used at a slight angle, 20-30 degrees. How many times have you tried trimming??

[@BlizzBobm]

Fo you ever just make a few potter's and put em all into a bucket and when you need to stress relief destroy it?

[@astartai_art]

Dude I don't know why but I'm SO BAD AT TRIMMING I've had my teacher show me multiple times, I'm in year 2 of ceramics, I can throw on the wheel just fine even to the point where I've found a way to save most wobly pieces and But TRIMMING???? I SOMEHOW MANAGE TO DESTROY EVERY PIECE BRO 💀💀 LITERALLY. LIKE IDEK. the other members got like 8 pots done but I destroyed them all by unstable un-even trimming 💀💀 gonna try the tips in this video wish me luck plz

[@floriangadsby]

It happens! Trimming is hard at the start, you're learning a new set of skills and it's very different from trimming, but good luck! You'll nail it!

[@astartai_art]

i managed to trim my first piece! (didn't look great but didn't destroy it) I think its because I'm left handed but I'm using my right hand because our wheel only moves in direction where you'd use your right hand to see what you're doing and stuff, so everytime I trim I feel like I'm trying to "write with my right hand" super unstable feeling 😵‍💫😵‍💫@@floriangadsby

[@sv-ziska]

Thanks!

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you! What a generous gift - means so much. Glad you found the video helpful!

[@Handmadebygas]

Love your videos and all the information your provide- thank you so much! Tho, I do want to ask….. I can NEVER fer my top level when trimming 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️. I try and try but their is always lines when’re yours is smooth once you pass. Any tips, thanks in advance!