ok, so tap centering should only be done upside down right? I tried doing it right side up on my first coffee mug today, and it was horrid, never got it right. even if I did the rim was slightly un even and would have been really disaterous, maybe I should have trimmed the rim first, when I was throwing it, then today I could have tap centered it up side down. any thoughts on this simon?
ok, so tap centering should only be done upside down right? I tried doing it right side up on my first coffee mug today, and it was horrid, never got it right. even if I did the rim was slightly un even and would have been really disaterous, maybe I should have trimmed the rim first, when I was throwing it, then today I could have tap centered it up side down. any thoughts on this simon?
Yes more tricky , you really need a chuck to put it in , which you can throw & bisq fire, to the appropriate size of your piece so that it holds the pot. Stick chuck to wheelhead with clay after centering it up .< SL
I've just discovered your videos. You are so generous to share your skills with us. I learned to tap into center from your father many years ago when he gave a workshop at the Hatchers' Pine Mills Pottery in East Texas. The newbies in my community studio are always impressed. Best regards.
oh man i never started learning it cause i thought there was some unmentioned trick of timing the taps or seeing the point where it stick out and having to hit that part of something but yess thank you so much for this video its soo sweet totally gonna be done with the giffin grip and start tapping pots center thanks
I've been trying to tap center for the last week or so on pieces that have wide mouth or cylinder-like tops. I get into a good rhythm only to have the piece pull out of center even with my holding pressure on the bottom of the piece. It is as if the tool is catching on something and it pulls it out of center causing me to recenter again and hope the tool didn't gouge the piece.
When I am centering and I try using the method without the lumps of clay as you show here, I have a problem when I start to "turn" as you call it, the pot goes out of center and sometimes may almost fly off the wheel!! haha what would you suggest to stop this? the finger on the top? should i push harder wit that to keep it on the wheel?
hi- dampen the wheel head & the rim of the pot (not sloppy) .When centered apply a little pressure from above to help it adhere to the wheel head. Trim /turn with finger on the top 'just in case'. SL
LOL - you have described my labor intensive centering/trimming ritual to a tee. I shall practice with your's - it looks much more efficient and much less frustrating! Thank you.
the way I center tap is to use my boom! click! method. You use your left index finger and point directly at the center directly infront of you. Start the wheel moving and when the pot is closest to your finger tap with the right hand.
the Jar lid is a good tip too. The whole key is wheel head speed and the speed of the boom/click. boom/click, do not pay any attention to the right hand, just the distance between you and the out of center pot. When it is closest to you, click!
It took me a while to get the tap centering. I started with the wheel going very slowly and just taped over and over. Sometimes it still doesn't work for me but all in all I am getting the hang of it and it and it is saving time and helps me keep my flow going.
Sometime I would like to see a tour of your workshop if you get the feeling you wont to show it.
Hi Simon, I just love you and our videos. I can FINALLY center in that manner but I have yet to be able to trim without holding it with clay. What do you think about the Piepenberg Trimming Disk? It has like a grip that sits on the wheel and a smaller grip on the top of the pottery to hold it in place without using the clay balls/snakes to hold it.
That disc could easily be made if you have a couple of jar-tops, something to glue a ball-bearing to one of them and a couple of things to keep it straight.
Found a good article about trimming aids at ceramicartsdaily dot org. Google "Piepenburg disc" to find it.
And the Griffin grip is actually the Giffin grip! Learn something new every day!
love your videos, thanks you these have taught me so much.
bulldogvm 4 months ago
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ok, so tap centering should only be done upside down right? I tried doing it right side up on my first coffee mug today, and it was horrid, never got it right. even if I did the rim was slightly un even and would have been really disaterous, maybe I should have trimmed the rim first, when I was throwing it, then today I could have tap centered it up side down. any thoughts on this simon?
BowskinArchery 1 year ago
ok, so tap centering should only be done upside down right? I tried doing it right side up on my first coffee mug today, and it was horrid, never got it right. even if I did the rim was slightly un even and would have been really disaterous, maybe I should have trimmed the rim first, when I was throwing it, then today I could have tap centered it up side down. any thoughts on this simon?
BowskinArchery 1 year ago
I love pottery, therefore I am jealous of all your videos, because I'm stuck in my house without a thing the do or make.
fuzzlefluff 1 year ago
simon te felicito!!! algo te entiendo,y queria agradecerte por lo que nos enseñas,eres un grande y un gran artista,,,,gooooooddddd
patrycastillo1 1 year ago
it took me about 2 weeks to get this...it's pretty easy now
BenCMusician 1 year ago
been struggling with this for days! thanks SO much.
your video made it very clear.
cheers!
feybythesea 2 years ago
Inspirational as always Simon
I am actually beginning to tap centre.
It's cost a bit in pots but hey.
great stuff
Thank you
You drive down the cone with your left hand rather than your right. Is there a reason for this?
Thanks again
Phil
crataegus17 2 years ago
how would you suggest trimming and centering pots with a narrow neck
Kliss114 3 years ago
Yes more tricky , you really need a chuck to put it in , which you can throw & bisq fire, to the appropriate size of your piece so that it holds the pot. Stick chuck to wheelhead with clay after centering it up .< SL
sleachpots 3 years ago
Wow, this looks like a great technique! I'm trying this tomorrow.
davidjr7899 3 years ago
I reckon you've got a big magnet hidden there somewhere...I can only manage to knock them further out of whack.
credenza1 3 years ago
I've just discovered your videos. You are so generous to share your skills with us. I learned to tap into center from your father many years ago when he gave a workshop at the Hatchers' Pine Mills Pottery in East Texas. The newbies in my community studio are always impressed. Best regards.
Wetherby10 3 years ago 2
oh man i never started learning it cause i thought there was some unmentioned trick of timing the taps or seeing the point where it stick out and having to hit that part of something but yess thank you so much for this video its soo sweet totally gonna be done with the giffin grip and start tapping pots center thanks
dudesweetpro 3 years ago
I've been trying to tap center for the last week or so on pieces that have wide mouth or cylinder-like tops. I get into a good rhythm only to have the piece pull out of center even with my holding pressure on the bottom of the piece. It is as if the tool is catching on something and it pulls it out of center causing me to recenter again and hope the tool didn't gouge the piece.
PaisleyPlace 4 years ago
Simon,
When I am centering and I try using the method without the lumps of clay as you show here, I have a problem when I start to "turn" as you call it, the pot goes out of center and sometimes may almost fly off the wheel!! haha what would you suggest to stop this? the finger on the top? should i push harder wit that to keep it on the wheel?
koalajumper32 4 years ago
hi- dampen the wheel head & the rim of the pot (not sloppy) .When centered apply a little pressure from above to help it adhere to the wheel head. Trim /turn with finger on the top 'just in case'. SL
sleachpots 4 years ago
LOL - you have described my labor intensive centering/trimming ritual to a tee. I shall practice with your's - it looks much more efficient and much less frustrating! Thank you.
mudpuppy61 4 years ago 2
the way I center tap is to use my boom! click! method. You use your left index finger and point directly at the center directly infront of you. Start the wheel moving and when the pot is closest to your finger tap with the right hand.
the Jar lid is a good tip too. The whole key is wheel head speed and the speed of the boom/click. boom/click, do not pay any attention to the right hand, just the distance between you and the out of center pot. When it is closest to you, click!
warpigx808 4 years ago
Outstanding tip, sure makes alot of sense. I'll have to try that tomorrow!!!
Regard from Florida, USA
claymoma 4 years ago
It looks to me like you always manage to tap the "side" that sticks out. I guess it is another case of "practice makes perfect".
Exactly - messy turning is why I convinced hubby I wanted a Griffin grip! I'll be making a video to you soon showing that and something else :-)
Thanks for all your encouragement, Simon!
Marihani 4 years ago
Another top clip. I found myself doing this automatically after having watched you do it. Enjoy your Saturday off!
credenza1 4 years ago
It took me a while to get the tap centering. I started with the wheel going very slowly and just taped over and over. Sometimes it still doesn't work for me but all in all I am getting the hang of it and it and it is saving time and helps me keep my flow going.
Sometime I would like to see a tour of your workshop if you get the feeling you wont to show it.
Thanks again for the videos Simon!
89qtvj5 4 years ago
Hi Simon, I just love you and our videos. I can FINALLY center in that manner but I have yet to be able to trim without holding it with clay. What do you think about the Piepenberg Trimming Disk? It has like a grip that sits on the wheel and a smaller grip on the top of the pottery to hold it in place without using the clay balls/snakes to hold it.
PaisleyPlace 4 years ago
That disc could easily be made if you have a couple of jar-tops, something to glue a ball-bearing to one of them and a couple of things to keep it straight.
Found a good article about trimming aids at ceramicartsdaily dot org. Google "Piepenburg disc" to find it.
And the Griffin grip is actually the Giffin grip! Learn something new every day!
Marihani 4 years ago
If I have a wide base and don't want to push in the center with my finger, I'll put a baby food jar lid on it to distribute the pressure better.
pensandcalls 4 years ago
thank you both for your assistance. I'll certainly be giving this a try.
PaisleyPlace 4 years ago
i have so much trouble centering, even with tapping, thanks so much, i am going to try that again!
wirehunter86 4 years ago
Hi Simon,
I use this method of centering my pots and you are quite right. It is much quicker and cleaner! I love your videos and look forward to the next.
bottlewasher37 4 years ago