Wheel throwing is one of the most well-known techniques in ceramics, allowing potters to create symmetrical and functional pieces such as bowls, cups, plates, and vases. Mastering the pottery wheel requires practice, but with the right approach, even beginners can achieve impressive results.
What is Wheel Throwing?
Wheel throwing is the process of shaping clay on a spinning pottery wheel. By using a combination of hand pressure, water, and specialized tools, potters can form smooth and symmetrical ceramic pieces. Unlike handbuilding techniques, wheel throwing requires precision and control over the centrifugal force exerted by the spinning wheel.
Choosing the Right Clay for Wheel Throwing
The type of clay you choose significantly affects your throwing experience and final product. Consider the following factors:
1. Plasticity and Workability
- Highly plastic clays are easier to shape but may be prone to collapsing.
- Less plastic clays hold form well but require more skill to work with.
2. Common Clay Types Used for Throwing
They can be split in the following categories:
- Earthenware (Low-fire, < 1100°C / 2012°F): Soft and easy to throw but remains porous, so less suited for cups, plates, etc. A selection of these clays can be found online.
- Stoneware (Mid to high-fire, 1100°C-1300°C / 2012°F-2372°F): Excellent for functional ware due to durability. Available online in different colors.
- Porcelain (High-fire, 1200°C-1400°C / 2192°F-2552°F): Smooth and refined but more challenging to throw. In general also a bit more expensive than stoneware. Just like the other types, easily available online.
- Grog-Containing Clays: Adding grog improves strength and reduces shrinkage but may be rougher on the hands. You can find them ready-made or can add it yourself.
- Speckled Clays: Contain small inclusions, often iron or differently colored grog, creating a speckled effect after firing. There are tons of different variations available!
Essential Tools for Wheel Throwing
To ensure a smooth throwing process, you should have the following tools:
- Throwing wheel: obviously 😉 These are available in budget or mini versions, as well as professional machines.
- Bat: A removable surface for easy transport of wet clay, although you can also throw directly on the aluminium plate and cut the pieces off by using your wire cutter. They come in a variety of systems, shapes, and materials.
- Sponge: For keeping the clay hydrated.
- Needle Tool: Helps measure thickness and trim excess clay. I suggest to buy them by the pack, since they get misplaced quite easily.
- Wooden, silicone or metal Ribs: Used for shaping and smoothing. A plethora of choices, so it depends on your preference. I suggest to try out each material to find what works for you.
- Wire Cutter: For cutting clay from the wheel. You can’t really work without it, so thankfully they are really cheap.
- Trimming Tools: For refining pieces after drying to leather-hard stage. Like the ribs, these come in all shapes and materials. I prefer to use the Mudtools Do All.
- Bucket of Water: Keeps hands and tools wet during throwing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Wheel Throwing
1. Preparing the Clay
- Wedging: Knead the clay to remove air bubbles and ensure consistency.
- Centering on the Wheel: Secure the clay onto the wheel and apply steady pressure with both hands to center it. This is crucial for a balanced final piece.
2. Opening the Clay
- Once centered, press your thumb or fingers into the middle while keeping the outer walls intact.
- Widen the opening gradually, ensuring an even bottom thickness of about 1 cm (0.4 inches).
3. Pulling Up the Walls
- Apply gentle, consistent pressure with both hands to lift and thin the walls.
- Use a sponge or rib to refine the shape and maintain even thickness.
4. Shaping the Form
- Control the shape by adjusting finger pressure and wheel speed.
- Use ribs to smooth and define the outer surface.
- Consider using a template for consistency in size and shape.
5. Trimming and Refining
- Once the piece reaches the leather-hard stage, trim excess clay using loop tools.
- Refine the foot of the piece for a polished look.
6. Drying and Firing
- Slow Drying: Prevents cracks by covering the piece with plastic and allowing gradual moisture loss.
- Bisque Firing: An initial firing to strengthen the clay before glazing.
- Glaze and Final Firing: Apply glazes for decoration and waterproofing, then fire at the appropriate temperature for the chosen clay.
Common Wheel Throwing Issues and How to Fix Them
1. Off-Center Clay
- Cause: Insufficient pressure or uneven centering.
- Solution: Apply steady, firm pressure while centering before proceeding.
2. Collapsing Walls
- Cause: Overly wet clay or thin walls.
- Solution: Use less water and slow down when pulling up walls.
3. Uneven Thickness
- Cause: Inconsistent finger pressure.
- Solution: Maintain steady, even pressure with both hands.
4. Cracking
- Cause: Uneven drying or lack of compression in the base.
- Solution: Compress the clay at the bottom and dry pieces slowly.
5. Warping in the Kiln
- Cause: Uneven thickness or improper drying.
- Solution: Ensure even wall thickness and let pieces dry thoroughly before firing.
Advanced Wheel Throwing Techniques
1. Altering Thrown Pieces
- Cut and reassemble thrown pieces for unique forms.
- Add textured elements or carved designs after reaching leather-hard stage.
2. Throwing in Sections
- For large forms, throw multiple sections and join them at the leather-hard stage.
- Use slip and scoring to ensure strong joints.
3. Creating Double-Walled Vessels
- Throw two cylinders—one inside the other—to create insulating or sculptural forms.
- Carefully attach both sections using slip and compression techniques.
4. Throwing with Colored Clay
- Mix different clay bodies or incorporate stains for unique visual effects.
- Use techniques like marbling or layered clay for decorative surfaces.
Final Thoughts on Wheel Throwing
Mastering wheel throwing takes patience, practice, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Whether you’re a beginner experimenting with basic forms or an experienced potter pushing creative boundaries, refining your skills on the wheel is an ongoing journey.
While Ceramic Resource provides free, self-paced learning, many ceramists benefit from structured, interactive instruction. The Ceramic School offers online pottery courses with community feedback and guided projects. It’s perfect if you want more hands-on guidance alongside your independent learning.
By understanding the fundamentals and troubleshooting common issues, you can develop the precision and confidence needed to create stunning ceramic pieces. Happy throwing!