Prepare to Throw on the Potter's Wheel

Throwing Do-Ahead Preparations
Quite some time before you begin working a lump of clay on the wheel, there are a few things you may want to do in order to prepare.

Before Centering Clay
Before centering clay on the potter's wheel, there are a number of steps that should be taken. These preparatory steps will work toward your overall throwing success.

Three Methods to Wedge Your Clay
One of the most important preparations you will make as you get ready to work with your clay is to make certain that it is homogeneous in stiffness and has no air pockets. This is most often accomplished through wedging.

How to Wedge Clay Using the Cut and Slap Method
Wedging your clay is a very important step. One way of wedging clay is the cut and slap method.

How to Cylinder Wedge Clay
Wedging clay is an important preliminary step to working clay. It homogenizes the clay and removes air pockets.

How to Wedge Clay Using the Cone Method
Cone wedging clay compacts the clay into a spiraled cone shape, which many potters prefer when the clay is to be thrown on the potter's wheel.