Preventing Ceramic S Cracks : Preventing Pottery S Cracks

S cracks in pottery can be prevented with proper clay throwing techniques. Learn about preventing S cracks with tips from a master potter in this free ceramics video.

Expert: Jeff Zamek
Contact: www.fixpots.com
Bio: Jeff Zamek is a master potter of 36 years who has taught ceramics at three different colleges and is a published author of "What Every Potter Should Know" and "Safety in the Ceramics Studio."
Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• pottery
• ceramics
• clay
• hand crafts
• pottery wheel
• pottery techniques
• cracks
• pottery cracks

[jimmycaljr]

As the underside of a piece is not exposed to air drying and the topside of the bottom is, an imbalance in shrinking occurs and sometimes results in an "S" crack forming, coming out in the green or bisque stage. DO NOT wedge your clay to correct this problem. If wedging helps, it is still not worth the eventual carpal-tunnel syndrome that comes with it.

[jimmycaljr]

As the underside of a piece is not exposed to air drying and the topside of the bottom is, an imbalance in shrinking occurs and sometimes results in an "S" crack forming, coming out in the green or bisque stage. DO NOT wedge your clay to correct this problem. Cut your piece off of the bat, place it on wood, cover it and you'll find a much higher rate of success in avoiding these irritating cracks. If wedging helps, it is still not worth the eventual carpal-tunnel syndrome that comes with it.

[jimmycaljr]

@pensandcalls, he does say how to correct them, by wedging. I respectfully disagree with this potter. "S" cracks are a result of a stress phenomenon in the drying process resulting from the top of the bottom drying faster than the bottom of the bottom.

[pensandcalls]

You don't say 'how to correct them', just what causes them.  I've looked as close as I can but I can't see those platelets.... :o)

[OperationDanceDance]

Awesome vids dude

[OperationDanceDance]

Cool