Pottery 101: Wheel Throwing

1. Use the wire tool to remove the finished pot from the wheel.

True

False

Using the the wire toll will allow you to cut the finished pot off the wheel head cleanly and efficiently.

Explanation

Using the the wire toll will allow you to cut the finished pot off the wheel head cleanly and efficiently.

2. What is the reason for wedging?

To make it look pretty

To prepare the clay for throwing

No reason

To warm up your arms for throwing

Wedging is the first step in throwing. Wedge to reduce inconsistencies and prepare the clay for throwing.

Explanation

Wedging is the first step in throwing. Wedge to reduce inconsistencies and prepare the clay for throwing.

3. What tool do you use to check the depth of you base?

Gut feeling

Ruler

Needle tool

None of the above

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.

Explanation

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.

4. You turn on the wheel before slamming clay on the wheel head.

True

False

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.

Explanation

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.

5. Wheel throwing can be learned quickly and easily.

True

False

This art form is learned over time and must be practiced to gain skills.

Explanation

This art form is learned over time and must be practiced to gain skills.

6. When using the wooden knife, you wan to hold the tool as if it was a ___________.

Holding the wooden knife like a pencil is the most natural way to keep control of the tool.

Explanation

Holding the wooden knife like a pencil is the most natural way to keep control of the tool.

Submit

7. You want to use as much water as possible while throwing to soften the clay.

True

False

Water is needed for wheel throwing, yet too much water can cause more damage then not enough water.

Explanation

Water is needed for wheel throwing, yet too much water can cause more damage then not enough water.

8. You ________ the lip rim to make it stronger.

Compressing the lip rim will increase stability through the throwing process.

Explanation

Compressing the lip rim will increase stability through the throwing process.

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9. While throwing, where should your elbows be?

In the air

Anchored to your core

Anchored to your knees

None of the above

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".

Explanation

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".

10. What are the two styles of wedging?

Bull's Head and Spiral

Spiral and Ox round

Oxhead and Spiral

None of the above

Oxhead and Spiral are the two styles. Wedging forces the clay to become uniform in quality and removes air pockets in that clay.

Explanation

Oxhead and Spiral are the two styles. Wedging forces the clay to become uniform in quality and removes air pockets in that clay.