Michael Wendt on mon 6 jul 09
David Hendly aptly pointed out the problems with some
trimming schemes.
I tend to agree and built a trimming chuck in the early 70s
before Giffen Grips that I still use.
http://www.wendtpottery.com/clayart.htm
Anyone who welds can make this and it always works without
chance of failure. Moreover, since the sinks I make are
often 25 LBS or more, I simple center them in seconds using
the method my teacher taught which I call the nearpoint
centering method.
As the wheel rotates, both the left and right hands are
moved just close enough to lightly touch the runout a couple
times and then that runout is brought to center between the
hands and the bat is stopped. I push the pot away slightly
and repeat. Much like centering clay when throwing, this
method also requires practice, but I can center pots too
heavy to easily tap center in a second or two with little
trouble.
Once centered, the adjustable arms are moved inward until
the foam rubber coverings are compressed and then the cams
are moved into contact with the metal arms.
If several pieces the same size like lids are to be trimmed,
the chuck allows fast insertion and removal since the cams
are mainly needed for heavy cuts and need not be adjusted
tightly for lighter cuts.
Regards,
Michael Wendt
mwendt at wendtpottery dot com
David Hendly wrote:
"I use clay lugs when trimming some pots not because I am
defiant but because it is the best procedure for efficiently
trimming the piece.
Go ahead and tap a teacup on center and let a film of water
or your fingertip hold it in place.
Go ahead and throw a trimming chuck for small bowls.
Go ahead and use jar lids and a foam bat.
Go ahead and use a Giffen Grip.
Now, tell me a better way than using clay lugs to trim a 18"
diameter bowl designed to have a deep and generous footring.
David Hendley
david@farmpots.com
http://www.farmpots.com
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