What Makes A Mug Handle Comfortable?

www.oldforgecr...
A quick overview of handles generally, then a deeper look into why certain handle designs are comfortable and others aren’t (at least, in my opinion).
Pete Pinnell Video: • Pete Pinnell: Thoughts...
0:00 Intro
0:45 Basics - Techniques
1:58 Basics - Handle Shapes
3:05 Basics - Sizes
3:52 Basics - Combining Aspects
5:48 Basics - Attaching Handles
8:08 Basics - Drying / Handles Cracking
11:27 Deep Dive
13:35 Deep Dive - Centre of Gravity
14:50 Deep Dive - Torque
15:10 Deep Dive - Points of Contact
16:00 Deep Dive - Leverage
18:00 Deep Dive - Balanced Force
19:00 Deep Dive - Tipping To Drink
20:10 Deep Dive - Cross Section
21:40 Deep Dive - Compression
23:50 Deep Dive - Sliding / Friction
26:20 Deep Dive - Hand Sizes
28:00 Deep Dive - All Coming Together in a Handle
31:45 Deep Dive - Inclusive Handles
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[@lynneyoung800]

Being a potter with arthritic hands this has been a really interesting video. I already make my handles bigger than average as personally I need to put more fingers through the handle of a mug to hold it comfortably and safely - the safety aspect you discuss so well relating to your D shaped handles - and have many comments about the comfort of my handles, due to the increase in size, from people with and without hand problems. It was really interesting to see your new handle shape as this is likely to be a good solution for people with grip problems. Thank you for all your hard work on this video.

[@OldForgeCreations]

Thank you, that's really helpful feedback! Especially given how little I was able to find from people with lived experience of those issues who were also designing and testing handles.

[@chrispya1]

I have arthritis and neuropathy. My favorite large mug has a round-profile D-shape handle big enough for three fingers. I'm going to try to replicate it in my own work.

[@aprilsollazzo2434]

Lol the little Florian in the cup with the pulled handle

[@PennyRitz]

That made me giggle ;)

[@leavemeakiss]

I saw “excessively complicated” and clicked immediately. Thank you for putting this together, I see all kinds of wacky handles that seem uncomfortable at the studio but I was never able to explain why I gravitated toward plain d shaped flat handles. Now I know!

[@micah8793]

I always find to think about my ceramics as art, but thinking about handles and functional pieces not by their sheer usability but by how their usability compliments what people are using them for is really nice. Like making a mug the most comfortable possible thing isn't the only goal and neither is making super decorative handles, there is a middle ground. Thanks, I might start making mugs much more often.

[@rachelleoltean3290]

This is an amazing explanation of why some mugs are much more comfortable than others! Thanks so much for the in-depth tutorial!

[@cristyanspach]

Outstanding. So very thorough. I 100% agree with Pinnell’s (and others) thoughts that some discomfort or other type (vestibular?) stimulation can create a more engaging experience. Also 100% appreciate your dive into what comfort actually means, and how it might relate to those among us who are less strong, or more sensitive. Mindfully including that population into those we make for is something we all might consider. The word ergonomic gets tossed around, but is seldom truly explored. When you brought out the illustrations of cross sections of meat and one bone on the fingers, I knew you’d laid in bed at night thinking about this. Thank you for doing this work.

[@marilynhiggins2785]

What a wealth of information. Thank you!

[@projectgirl56]

That said, I so appreciate what you’ve done here. I saw your post on Instagram yesterday and went on KZbin to do a deeper dive and see what ceramicists have come up with. Your video came up! I was so happy to see the infographics in video form. Very helpful.

[@monkeypoo8511]

Great video 👍 just a casual mug lover here. But loved all the talks in this. Made me see things differently👍👍

[@nosanm8694]

You just did your work in completely finished of all part ! It worth to did it right. I'm thankful to you. Nice ideas.

[@MOLLIMEDIA]

This is a beautiful demonstration explaining the concept of “form follows function”. I love your logical approach to the art of ceramics.🤓

[@emmamohlenkamp2252]

Thank you for your in depth, well thought out videos, I could never have thought of all those different aspects myself! As a complete beginner on the wheel it's awesome to be able to have an explanation of your thought processes and techniques, as I find your craftsmanship quite aspirational :) Also, it's awesome that you offer different handles for people with disabilities etc in your shop, that's really kind

[@Prairiebirdpottery]

Interesting that the thumb pad didn’t come into play. As someone with grip issues, it’s critical for reducing the amount of force needed to keep the mug from slipping downwards and lessons my need to grip. TY for the visuals, they really help.

[@OldForgeCreations]

I didn't really mention it, because I can't see how that would be the case outside of the handles without defined finger positions. The top finger in a D-Shaped handle should support the weight without sliding, and pushing downwards with your thumb would increase the force the fingers had to apply upwards. I agree that it's necessary for handles like a C-Shape, but that's part of why I think they're not a good solution.

[@embee7434]

I always appreciate how thoughtful and infirmities you are about everything without straying into... pretentiousness. Such a great video. Thank you! Edit: I wonder if grip strength limitations could be minimized by a having/adding an extra 'bar' inside the handle. I'm picturing a D-handle where the contour of the handle is semi-repeated inside the handle again to 'sandwich' the inserted fingers. I'm thinking the bottom ones could all be pushing inward (without touching the hot mug) to keep the mug vertical without actually needing the ability for the fingers to close tightly or even reliably... Doesn't address the wrist strength though. 🤔

[@OldForgeCreations]

Thanks Em! That's a really interesting idea. I'm not sure it would work reliably as a fixed form, in that I don't think you'd both be able to pinch the middle of a finger segment but also allow the larger joints through comfortably. But some way to lock the fingers in place is something I hadn't considered at all!

[@concernedcitizen8968]

This was such a thoughtful review of this topic! Thank you so much for posting this video!

[@SherriLyle80s]

I love mugs with those handles!

[@karinfransson3129]

Oh sweetness! I love this so much!

[@DomtheWise314]

The way you put the stick figure Florian Gadsby in the mug had me dying 🤣

[@GeraldBlack1]

We always used little wedges of clay to attach handles smooth it out seamless!

[@anymoose6685]

I’m making handles bigger these days for comfort… I wonder if I should be leaving them unglazed to increase the friction, it might be nice with sore hands. Sometimes it seems like smooth handles leave me aching from the extra force required, especially first thing in the morning.I might play around with that.

[@moea3413]

Can you please tell me what kind of camera and lighting you use at your studio ? Thank you 😊

[@carpNcoffee]

Clicked on this in seconds. I love good mug ergonomics. Check out Notneutral lino cups n mugs. The nicest feeling mug I've found so far. Until I can afford one of yours of course!

[@projectgirl56]

Is it possible to make a handle without having a PhD in Psychics?

[@henryminh8597]

Nice! Your videos should be seen by more watchers. May I repost your channel without changing anything on the clean platform named Ganjing World? Thank you!

[@OldForgeCreations]

No, of course not

[@BasilWallace]

This handle doesn't work for mug huggers

[@BasilWallace]

(I'm just being rude of course. Fantastic video, great effort!)