Pottery 101: Wheel Throwing
If you’re like most people, your level of knowledge with regards to wheel throwing stretches no further than that one scene from the movie “Ghost”, but are you one of the select few who know more? Let’s find out!
- 1.
What are the two styles of wedging?
- A.
Bull's Head and Spiral
- B.
Spiral and Ox round
- C.
Oxhead and Spiral
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Oxhead and SpiralExplanation
Oxhead and Spiral are the two styles. Wedging forces the clay to become uniform in quality and removes air pockets in that clay.Rate this question:
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- 2.
While throwing, where should your elbows be?
- A.
In the air
- B.
Anchored to your core
- C.
Anchored to your knees
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Anchored to your coreExplanation
Ideally, elbows should be locked into your core to increase stability and strength while throwing. If your body is not strong, the clay will have a tendency to go off "center".Rate this question:
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- 3.
You want to use as much water as possible while throwing to soften the clay.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Water is needed for wheel throwing, yet too much water can cause more damage then not enough water.Rate this question:
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- 4.
You turn on the wheel before slamming clay on the wheel head.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
You want the wheel to be completely still while slamming clay on it. If the wheel is moving you have the ability to hurt yourself and possibly cause the clay to go flying across a room.Rate this question:
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- 5.
When using the wooden knife, you wan to hold the tool as if it was a ___________.
Correct Answer
PencilExplanation
Holding the wooden knife like a pencil is the most natural way to keep control of the tool.Rate this question:
- 6.
What tool do you use to check the depth of you base?
- A.
Gut feeling
- B.
Ruler
- C.
Needle tool
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Needle toolExplanation
You would use the needle tool by inserting the tool vertically into the base. Sliding your finger down the tool until you touch the clay, remove the tool and finger. The area from the tip of your finger to the tip of the tool represents the depth of the base.Rate this question:
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- 7.
You ________ the lip rim to make it stronger.
Correct Answer
CompressExplanation
Compressing the lip rim will increase stability through the throwing process.Rate this question:
- 8.
Use the wire tool to remove the finished pot from the wheel.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Using the the wire toll will allow you to cut the finished pot off the wheel head cleanly and efficiently.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What is the reason for wedging?
- A.
To make it look pretty
- B.
To prepare the clay for throwing
- C.
No reason
- D.
To warm up your arms for throwing
Correct Answer
B. To prepare the clay for throwingExplanation
Wedging is the first step in throwing. Wedge to reduce inconsistencies and prepare the clay for throwing.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Wheel throwing can be learned quickly and easily.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
This art form is learned over time and must be practiced to gain skills.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jun 04, 2012Quiz Created by
Edmohowski
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