How to CENTER - LARGE pieces of clay!

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[@rz1974]

Most helpful tip that wasn't covered: slap center! Jon attempts doing it when his ball was planted uncentered, but if he did it for a minute longer it could have saved clay, time, and his wrists. Just look at how different Asian potters have centered their humps for centuries on low momentum kick wheels. Also, make sure your ball isn't wider on the bottom like Jon's is. It will only spread out more and be more difficult to center, even with slapping. Sometimes putting the narrower side down can help, since it will smush and even out. Also, sometimes starting with more of a oval instead of circular ball can help, since you'll have less clay to move up when coning.

[@triciac1019]

I have been so amazed at how effective slap centering is. It makes such sense.

[@barbka4009]

Really helpful! I definitely like the teaching videos because there is so much to learn in pottery. Keep ‘em coming!

[@kathywetherington3766]

Its good seeing you back on the wheel and describing what's going on, thanks and have a great day!!!

[@kimbain4368]

Great tutorial. Very helpful. Loved your little guy marching along behind you going down the dock, too. So cute!

[@sherrimacdonald2157]

I was just looking for something like this. Perfect timing.

[@benpatterson4452]

If your block of clay has been sitting a while, the water can migrate towards the center of the block. So slam it on the floor a couple times, which "wakes up" the clay and redistributes the water. I usually slam it on each side of the block, though it loses that block shape, by the time I'm done.

[@bayareaartist999]

Water does not migrate to the center of the clay. Water migrates through the plastic and the outside inch of clay is stiffer than the inside. Slamming the clay does not "wake it up" it creates a thixotropic reaction in the clay and the material become slightly fluid.

[@IsinMoon]

I’ve been throwing for about a year and a half, and just started throwing larger amounts of clay (8-12lbs). I’ve personally found that it’s much easier to center in pieces rather than all at once. I divide my clay into several 3-4 lbs balls, and center them one at a time, stacking them on top of each other as I go. I don’t really have the strength to do it all in one go unfortunately, but centering in sections has worked great for me!

[@catherineyoung3889]

Just started a pottery class this time last year and got 3 lessons before the COVID shutdown started, but I was able to get an old Shimpo wheel really inexpensively ($150) from an elderly relative who, because of health problems, wasn't throwing pots any more. He also gave me about 200 pounds of partially dried clay to play with which I've been re-hydrating as I go. I'm guessing its a B mix with grog, but no guarantees. The challenge is knowing just what the right level of moisture in the clay should be--and this greatly affects my centering efforts. Sometimes I have walls collapse because it was too moist to start with and adding the water as I threw pushed it over a workable threshold, and other times I've strained my shoulder because it was so dry and I had a fight on my hands. (Oh the FUN of learning via KZbin! No one to show me how wet things need to be!!) The clay you use here seems like a finer grained clay body than what I've used. Can you comment on how centering and throwing are affected by differing clay bodies and moisture level? Maybe you can make a vid about THAT. For those of us who have to learn at home...

[@triciac1019]

If your clay seems a bit too wet, you can wedge it on a plaster board or even a wooden board. It will help pull out some moisture. Some people will make an arch out of clay to give more surface area to dry out. Spreading it out and poking holes in it will also do the same.

[@TheItGirl113]

Very helpful! I spent awhile in my class in the spring trying to make a large planter, I always struggled getting the interior clay centered. Hopefully this will help!

[@grammiegilliam4889]

THAT explains why I had so much trouble yesterday centering. Have been really consistent centering until yesterday, but I was using 3+ pounds [rather than 1-2] and had all sorts of trouble. Plus, my clay was really stiff. Has been stored in a really warm building [rather than my usual air conditioned studio] so I guess it dried out a bit faster in storage.

[@triciac1019]

You can drop your bag on the ground a number of times and it reactivated the flexibility properties in it. I forget the proper term.

[@MrsBrown-jt5bu]

Thank you. I need more videos on throwing large pieces. How about large jars (bell shaped, etc) with lids. Thank you for talking more about why wedging for extended time is important and how to center large clay balls.

[@nancyltate2943]

Thanks as have been out of class for a few months and have a kiln and wheel coming soon to work at home these will help me get back to it

[@SetGozo]

Hello again jtp wow! solar pane! book! I m impressed!

[@jackiemorrison6024]

Great video!!

[@joallen1124]

pretty excited about the book....

[@gretchenarnot4311]

Thank you John,very helpful..regards from south Africa 🇿🇦

[@anseco4000]

Love what you do, very well done, kindly make a plant pot/ planter, one that carries 5-10 litters, please!

[@frostychris89]

Been missing the vids, good to see they are back, can't wait for the next one!

[@triciac1019]

Centering and throwing this amount of clay for anyone would take building up the muscles for it. It is doable. Some will center half that amount then add the second amount on top and center that.

[@juliekrajewski8807]

How do you trim when the rim is wider than your mat??

[@niharikasingh555]

Just the video I was looking for at this stage of learning pottery! Thanks Jon! Also congratulations on the book! Looking forward to buying it! And totally appreciate the eco-friendly endeavour!

[@julies4106]

Congratulations on your book!! I just pre-ordered it! I can't wait until it's released!

[@natashacloutier3285]

This was a very helpful video. Thank you so much. I’m such a newbie. but we can only get better right?

[@pie419]

I know u have a kiln but can you make a video about firing a pot in a fire pit? And natural glazes? Please :)?

[@szyszynka1189]

how to trim it if the top is bigger than a bat? 🤔

[@zephramartin6632]

Bigger bat

[@TinyChickPottery]

I love throwing big bowls. They don’t fit in my kiln and the community kiln can’t fire ancient copper right. So frustrating!

[@gurleensahney1502]

On what surface were you wedging the clay? Was it wood? Can I work with clay on wood. I have asked this question everywhere so many times with no answer in return. I just want to know the perfect surfaces for working with clay. I have two huge wooden boards and am hoping I could use those.

[@andrewdrong6578]

As always you inspire me to push myself

[@alphonsinelepitre1992]

so, practice !... Thank you !

[@happypotter1138]

Very many thanks Jon. What clay do you use?

[@narunaceramic6396]

i love this video

[@ellabottimore8314]

thank you for this.

[@HeangDrawingEasy]

Hi dear You know I like this so much.

[@elisadinakaran2579]

It was very useful ,thanks bro

[@willytheorca1094]

Where do you sell the things?

[@nancyvankeulen5632]

Hi! Nice big bowl! How do you trim the bottom when the top is larger than your wheel head? So you can’t turn it upside down

[@julies4106]

Jon, do you find the white stoneware/porcelain clay easier to through large pieces than B-mix?

[@kimcardace1453]

Video is helpful. I have only been able to center 4 lbs. Can you video trimming this bowl? Top looks much bigger than you bat.

[@amalnutritionhello]

👍👍👍👍 well done. I love your videos

[@lamnsar3633]

Hello .. i'm lamo .. excuse me i would like to contact with you .. i newly owned a clay wheel .. it is a gift .. and i havn't any experience yet about pottery .. i will be so glad and so thankfull .. if you replayed to my comment .. thank you very much and have a good day ..by the way you are very skillful and i'm so happy for following you ..

[@ryansam6906]

Jonthepotter I like the stuff you make

[@kylelspen]

After you shape your bowl do you take off the slip from the surface?

[@GolfHappens]

Very helpful!

[@ninnush]

thanks

[@meitallawrence5639]

What wheel do you use? And can you explain the difference in throwing while you stand to sitting? Would also love to see your set up and tips on starting a set up for a studio Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@kurillapottery3470]

Köszönöm 🤗 Thanks

[@Godsbrightness18]

Not sure if you make plant pots, but if you did I would buy them!

[@georgecuyler7563]

Can you make a cooking pot with a lid? I saw another guy do it but he didn't explain what he was doing.

[@questionablecooking7019]

YUGE inspiration. Ever consider throwing bonsai pots?

[@zephramartin6632]

I have more of a problem consistantly raising the walls rather than centering haha I always want to go to fast XD cant go faster than the clay is willing to move

[@PandaChannel08]

Hello, Sir Jon. Is it possible to bake the pots in the oven instead of firing it in a kiln? Thank you😊

[@bayareaartist999]

Ok, Let's break down centering commercially made clay. #1 clay from a claymaker is in the bag and it is just too hard. The clay stiffness is done the way it is to make the clay in the bags in their boxes stackable, so they can ship it one pallet stacked on another. Also the bags that the companies use are permeable and water escapes through the plastic. The outside of a bag of clay 1" of it will be a little more harder than the inside. So you have to wedge it up. If the clay is too difficult to spiral wedge then it is too hard to center and throw. I know that The potter Steven Hill throws very hard clay but hard clay used will damage your wrists and bring on carpel tunnel syndrome. Jon the potter in this video seems to not understand that he is teaching bad form to people who do not have the same upper body strength. Centering is NOT about strength. It is about leverage. And it is a mental state. Also most people throw sitting down not standing up cantilevered out like Jon is. He has to use more upper arm strength to get the clay to move. When if you are sitting and you sit close to the wheel and have your center of gravity over the center of the clay your body mass comes into play moving the clay and you will use less muscle and be less tired. It is all about form. The clay needs to be the right stiffness, the clay then needs to be wedged correctly. If you spiral the clay and then pound it into a ball and lose the spiral and then put it on the wheel to center then you are fighting the spiral you worked so hard to put into the clay. If you take the time to prepare the clay, wedge the clay properly, then use proper form to center then the clay will seem to center itself. But if you use too hard of clay, wedge improperly, use improper form you will develop tennis elbow at a minimum and carpel tunnel syndrome at the worst. Just because this way of working the clay works for Jon does not mean it will not fuck you up.

[@debistrauch5669]

What are your favorite bats to use?

[@jills7232]

Cool, so how do you trim a bowl that big? Is your wheel wide enough?

[@everprishkulnik7886]

Do you have any videos talking about wheel speed relative to types/sizes of pots?

[@ceramicartistoflight-lee6375]

감상 잘 했습니다 수고하셨습니다

[@momadhis]

Jon, Do you think that glazing this big pot on the wheel using the splash that catches the clay, to catch the over flow of clay ?? Perhaps covering it with a plastic to catch it ?

[@pearly872]

25 pounds of clay on wheel after wedging..., Center ..Open...thee (3) fast pulls, you'll be at 28-29 inches high, 18 inches wide..separate bottom with wire.. set aside , throw next pot.. go for 20 to 30 pots per day, meanwhile decorate leather hard pots from earlier throwing...When bone dry load shuttle or envelope kiln...fire to your artistic demands...Maybe have a beer or smoke... Another day..do it again..:) Perfect life of a Potter.

[@creepy_girl7351]

Hey I have some questions about pottery/ceramics 1. What's the easiest way to get the clay back into the center of the wheel 2. Do you know how I could avoid making a piece too thin when i throw it on the wheel. I was so close to breaking my pride when I almost destroyed my pot and I don't want it to happen again. 3. When you do coning what does it mean to ease off the clay when you get to the top. I never understood what my teacher meant by that

[@fashashley3364]

1 - Practice 2 - Less pressure between your hands when lifting. Also use more clay. 3 - don't take your hands away quickly as the suction from your hands can pull it off centre

[@janas6753]

I have a hard time throwing large as too much water gets into the clay while im trying to centre and pull the walls, and the clas gets too weak. Any tips?

[@mirapucarevic4468]

Great video. Which type of clay you use for throwing ?

[@samanthaweber2195]

So I have very small hands… If anyone has tips for throwing large with small hands, that would be much appreciated.

[@KiwiTaisho]

Wouldn't it be easier in a sitting position? When I throw large amounts of clay I really need my elbows pushed down on my thighs for stability. I feel like your way seems more difficult than the way I've been taught.

[@wadewhite9315]

Thanks John! However, I have a question about porcelain! I was watching a YTer throw and fire porcelain pieces--and porcelain has characteristic ring when you ping it--but, when they was throwing her fired pieces around they gave off a dense thud, instead of a beautiful ring!

[@bayareaartist999]

Porcelain has a ring when the clay and glaze fit together correctly. The thud comes after the glaze has crazed.

[@Risa846]

Peter Mckinnon here.

[@zephramartin6632]

So sad you dont offer a hardback version of your book, I like the heft and security of a hardback book better and would have been willing to pay the increased price. I undertand though, most of the modern and more recent books on pottery only come in paperback

[@jennieannm]

How will you trim as rim is wider then wheel head?

[@user-ow7bi3se2b]

"We're going eco-friendly" Me - oh so like using paper instead of plastic, okay, cool... GOES HARDDD!! Hahahah you're not fucking around I see hahaha awesome

[@jasonkohlmeier6707]

Not sure why he does it this way, just makes one work harder. Can I center 10 pounds of clay or more at once yeah, do I, no. Because it’s exhausting, and wears your wrists out. Much easier to take that 8 pound ball, and cut it into 2 pieces. Center the four pound ball first and remove the slip. Take the second and round the bottom and throw it on top, the bottom is already centered. If you round the edges of each ball the air will be forced out when you throw it down. Then cone it up and down and it goes right to center and you don’t need to work hard or be super strong etc. most of all you won’t be exhausted. Making really tall pieces or large pieces is fun, but you can also do it in sections, throw the bottom then middle then top etc (not talking about coiling). There are a lot of other more important tips that he left out that would definitely help a newer person. Not sure why he did, but a person can always literally slap center it into place where it’s pretty much centered. Didn’t mention to use the water and slip, wheel speed, plus opening a larger amount of clay is different then a small one. This video also teaches to just waste clay, I don’t suggest that.

[@saracruz995]

How do you trim big pieces?

[@805CentralCoastMiki]

My parents owned a pottery shop years ago. My dad could center 20 pounds.

[@sandybachmann8673]

Where can I buy your pieces?

[@kaylachaney3110]

I got tired just thinking of wedging, slapping, and centering that much clay 😅

[@d.jensen5153]

If I get busy and come late to a restock party - even by 12 hours - all that is left are the dregs. Given such impressive demand, I'm surprised you only have one per month! The impression I get after watching you and Simon Leach is is that throwing is boring as hell...one does it only out of sheer necessity. Maybe all art is like this - fun to do for fun but miserable to make and sell.

[@carolkamaile1967]

I'm a potter and watch Simon and Jon, THEY'RE NOT bored, throwing is the most creative and satisfying part of this journey. You are making a one of a kind eternal piece out of dirt that one day will Grace your table or hold beautiful flowers. Heart braking part is opening the kiln and what you thought your glaze will do, doesn't. Enjoy the process, an old saying says "It takes 25 years to make a potter". I'm on year 7 and the kiln loader, will be 80 yrs young in December. Every time I look at a piece, I think I made that, wow.😎😎😎

[@d.jensen5153]

​@@carolkamaile1967 No question that throwing can be creative and satisfying. It's just when the camera is off and you have 50 identical mugs to throw, trim, provide handles, glaze, etc, for your Etsy store, it apparently doesn't feel so magic. My own daughter is an artist and loves to create. But the good pieces she wants to keep, and the bad pieces she's chagrined to sell. So she never sells anything unless she's desperate for money. And then art suddenly becomes a chore.

[@carolkamaile1967]

@@d.jensen5153 I see where you are coming from I wouldn't want to throw 50 of anything. Though I have hand built that many soap dishes which are the easiest to do rolling them out, cut to shape and push up and shape the sides. The part I don't care for I'd waxing bottoms. Good to hear your daughter loves pottery. Tell her what she thinks isn't good, others will luv. "Keep practicing" SL

[@janesmith1398]

When do you cut larger pieces off? Before or after they dry?

[@davezad]

😮 Definitely wire them once when you finish throwing. Then a 2nd time at leather hard stage to help release the bat.

[@dhanushkasampath1142]

hello. I need you help

[@elizabetherowley99]

Why can’t I get runny glazed? Tell me how to get them to run

[@KatAtkinson]

Dip the rim in addition to your normal glazing?

[@johndespard3477]

I wouldn't necessarily call that at "large" piece of clay.

[@lane32]

Hey

[@Seagoatsunday]

Could watch you wedge all day😏

[@valeriarueda3962]

*Slap slap slap slap *

[@meand3786]

👍🏻

[@diskablast5737]

😍😍😍😍

[@elifdemir4760]

Heeeeyo

[@cehill2960]

lol on fail

[@MattWakim]

First (maybe)

[@henrydavid5886]

If this is true, then I am very impressed! (Maybe?)

[@shazalafraaz6348]

Would love to see you work shirtless one day.

[@adriancoles2695]

All wrong lol get some lessons

[@KatAtkinson]

Very helpful!!