To effectively attach clay to a pottery wheel, you typically use one of two primary methods: slamming the clay onto the wheel head or using slip as an adhesive. Both methods aim to create a secure connection that prevents the clay from moving during the throwing process.
Methods for Attaching Clay to the Wheel Head
Getting the clay securely attached is the crucial first step before you can begin centering and shaping your piece. A loose connection will cause frustration and instability while throwing.
1. The Slamming Method
This is one of the most common and straightforward ways to attach a lump of clay.
- Preparation: Ensure your wheel head is clean and damp.
- Technique: Hold the lump of clay firmly with both hands and forcefully throw or slam it directly onto the center of the wheel head. Aim for the exact center to make centering easier.
- How it Works: The impact pushes air out from beneath the clay and the slight moisture on the wheel head helps create a vacuum and surface tension, securing the clay in place.
2. Using Slip (Liquid Clay)
Applying slip can provide extra adhesion, especially for larger pieces or if you are having trouble getting the clay to stick using the slamming method alone.
- Preparation: Ensure your wheel head is clean. Have a small amount of prepared slip (clay mixed with water to a creamy consistency) ready.
- Technique:
- Apply a thin, even layer of slip to the clean wheel head where the clay will sit.
- Place the lump of clay onto the slip-covered area, aiming for the center.
- Press down firmly and wiggle the clay slightly to ensure good contact and spread the slip evenly beneath it.
- How it Works: The slip acts like a glue, creating a strong bond between the clay mass and the wheel head as you press down.
The reference mentions the importance of using slip or water "The entire time" while working with clay on the wheel. This highlights how vital maintaining lubrication is throughout the process, starting from getting the clay attached and through centering and shaping. Just as slip helps attach the clay initially, maintaining moisture with slip or water on your hands prevents them from sticking to the clay lump as you work, avoiding friction. If you feel your hands beginning to stick or feel any friction, adding more slip or water is necessary.
Practical Considerations
- Cleanliness: Always start with a clean wheel head. Clay debris can prevent proper adhesion.
- Centering: Attaching the clay as close to the center as possible is key. This reduces the amount of effort needed during the centering process.
- Moisture: A slightly damp wheel head is beneficial for the slamming method. Using slip provides the necessary moisture and adhesive for the second method.
| Attachment Method | Key Material(s) | Action | Principle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slamming | Water | Forceful impact | Vacuum & Surface Tension |
| Using Slip | Slip (Clay+Water) | Pressing down | Adhesion |
Once the clay is securely attached, you can then begin the process of centering the clay, using slip or water as needed to maintain smooth movement and prevent sticking, as suggested by the reference. This continuous use of lubricant is essential for successfully manipulating the clay on the spinning wheel.
