THE THROWING PROCESS, cont.

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Wedging

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The first step in throwing is to prepare the clay. The clay is first "wedged" by kneading it in a manner somewhat like bread dough. This aligns the clay molecules and helps expel any trapped air. The wedged clay is placed on the wheelhead, and by spinning the wheel and manipulating the rotating clay with both hands, the potter "throws" a pot, as described on the following pages.

 

Centering

 

The wedged clay is first placed firmly near the center of the wheelhead. With the wheel spinning, the potter uses both hands to ensure that the clay adheres to the wheelhead (or to a thin disk, called a "bat", made of plaster, plastic, wood, or other materials that is attached to the wheelhead).

 

The potter then makes sure that the clay is exactly in the center of the wheel by pushing and guiding it with both hands, wetted so that the clay glides smoothly between them.

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The centering process is critical to a successful piece. If the piece is not centered, it will wobble as it spins on the wheel, and the walls will be of uneven thickness. If it's too far off-center, it will collapse. Creating a large pot is virtually impossible unless the clay is well-centered.​