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Throwing Large Pots

 

Throwing can be a back breaking experience.
The section on Potters Wheels can help with better posture
and offers suggestions on different styles of wheels.
 

Throwing Large Pots

Whenever possible Robert stands when throwing  large pots.
 		 Connie Talbot (seated at left) is throwing a
freshly added coil.

Robert finds standing is good for the back
and permits convenient positions for bracing his arms when throwing these wide diameter forms.

 Throwing in a semi standing position is very comfortable.
You can balance your bodies weight between your legs and seat, when the chair is tilted. 
This keeps your spine aligned and is good for your posture.

Throwing Large Pots

Coils are rolled on a canvas covered table.

 Robert has found that coils which are rolled tend be more plastic than extruded coils. With a little practice a six foot coil can be rolled in just a couple of minuets.

Throwing Large Pots

The coil is supported on Robert's shoulder to prevent it's stretching. A soft coil is easy to work onto the rim of a pot that has been firmed with a torch. Using as little water as possible, Robert pulls the wall higher and uses ribs to shape the contour. Once the last section is complete, handles are added and the covered jar is finished.
This can all be done in one session using heat to dry the pot as needed.

Throwing Large Pots

Bryan Mattraw
 Using a torch to heat the freshly thrown form.  Once the clay stiffens he will add more coils without fear of the walls collapsing.

The process is repeated after each coil has been thrown.

 Coil & Throw

This technique works best when coils are even and soft.
 The lower section of the pot must dried sufficiently to support additional coils.

Throwing Large Pots

Robert throws several thousand pots each winter, which are bisque fired in his gas car kiln and glaze fired in one of the outdoor kilns in the summer.

The large coil and throw pots are made only in the summer months, when he can utilize the additional space in outdoor sheds.

 

Robert Compton Pottery
2662 North 116 Road, Bristol, Vermont 05443, U.S.A.
Phone: 802-453-3778
E-mail Robert & Christine

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