Tips for throwing in series
I love throwing in series. Creating and repeating the same shapes until they are ingrained in your muscle memory is wonderful. It’s amazing when they come effortlessly on the wheel. Want to learn how to do it too? Check out my 10 golden tips for series throwing and become a pro!
Not in the middle of things
Take your time to start production throwing. At least 2-3 hours is necessary. If you have little time or you feel rushed, better not start. Choose a quieter moment where you will not be disturbed.
Weighing each clay ball precisely is very important! Record all weights per shape in a notebook. Also, write down all dimensions and include a drawing or photo. This will be useful for later.
One is none!
If you need 4 identical mugs, don't prepare just 4 but at least 8 balls of clay. You might lose a piece during throwing, trimming, or glazing. If you’re not very experienced, it’s wise to have a few extra balls ready. If you stop to wedge more clay it can disrupt your focus.
By making extra pieces, you can choose the ones that best match. Fire a few extra as back-up and recycle the rest.
Measuring is knowing.
Measure frequently during the throwing process and make sure to record those measurements. Use a measuring gauge, preferably one with an adjustable point (for example one from Julius handmade). For shapes of the hump, you can create a cross using two sticks or slats to estimate the height and diameter. A standard ruler is particularly useful for low-rimmed plates.
Don't just measure the final shape; also keep track of intermediate steps, like the centered ball of clay. This practice will help you replicate each action more accurately when making the same shape over and over again.
Potter, stick to your shape.
Focus on one shape and throw multiple pieces of it. Only this way will the shape become ingrained in your muscle memory. Work on the same shape for a while, ideally across different throwing sessions. Do not switch shapes during a single throwing session.
Keep the rims even
Pay a little attention to the rim of the pot. By keeping it even, the pots will look more uniform. Watch for thickness and shape (round, flat, etc.).
From snail to leopard
If you really want to excel at production throwing, avoid unnecessary movements and work quickly. Production throwing goes better when you only perform the essential actions. Consistently repeat those actions without extra, unnecessary steps. Keep it to a minimum. This way, you’ll throw faster and more efficiently.
Small to large
Before you start trimming, take a look at the shape and height of all your pots. Arrange them from smallest to largest. Measure the height of the smallest and the largest pot, and compare the height difference between them.
Start with the smallest piece and use that as your standard size. Quickly compare the height of the next pot by placing it next to the finished one. This way, you can easily estimate how much you need to trim from the bottom to achieve the same height.
Correct small height differences during trimming.
You can't adjust the diameter of a pot anymore, but you can still change the height by trimming. Remove a bit more or less from the bottom of the pot to accommodate small height differences. For larger height differences, you might need to trim the top edge of the pot. Make sure to secure the pot well before doing this and preferably do it before finishing the bottom!
Equal bases, foot rings, glaze edges, and curves
The series looks much more uniform if you make the bases and foot rings the same width. Just make sure to measure carefully before you start, and creating a groove in the clay really helps with this. Also, try to keep the thickness of the base or foot ring as even as possible.
Pay attention to the glaze edge as well. You’ll need it to glaze easily and to get some shadow under your pot. Make sure it's also uniform in width, length, and consistent in angle and shape.
You can also adjust the curves slightly while trimming to achieve more even shapes. There's not much room for adjustment: the inner shape determines the outer shape, but you can always tweak it a bit.
Persistence pays off!
Wheel throwing is all about practice - ideally, as much as possible. By repeatedly making the same shape, you build muscle memory. Your hands make the movements automatically, without you having to think about them. Persistence is key. Want some extra guidance? I offer workshops specifically focused on production throwing. Check the link below for all the details and to sign up.