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Managing A Peculiar Problem When Pulling Pots


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I'm new to wheel thrown ceramics and am thoroughly enjoying learning the process...I might even become competent some day...

 

I have, however, a combination of genetic hypermobile joints and a bit of the arthritis that goes with it - which means my finger joints will either lock into place and/or pop out unexpectedly while pulling the pots. It doesn't hurt, but it sure is frustrating to get a good thing going and end up with a delightful gouge that I couldn't prevent!

 

I am experimenting with using a (what I would call a tack) sponge to help my outside hand, and that has helped a lot in keeping my fingers working together. I'm finding that some clays either don't like the sponge, or maybe I need to find a different kind of sponge, or use more or less water...but at least with the current IMCO Great White with Grog, I'm finding it wants to pull off slip rather than pull the clay up. I had less trouble with their Stoneware and little with the 8-11 Red/Buff clays in class. I am wondering if the Mudtools finishing sponge would solve some of the problem I'm finding, or if there's another tool or clay or technique to try. I'm pretty open to new ideas - I'm new enough that I have no real habits or opinions formed. IMCO is close to my home, so I do like to buy my clay from them.

 

I will be using cone 6 at home and cone 10 in the classroom.

 

So, imagine unstable fingers and how you would manage the problem.

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I'd check csrious ways people pull clay up.

Dome use sponge and you'll have to play with the amount of pressure and water.

Some pull with a knuckle of index finger

After a couple of pulls could use a rib or a pair ox ribcs

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couple things

 

maybe your throwing with clay too  wet as in added water

 

your clay body is too dry.  making it difficult to pull

 

your not coaxing the the clay with enough authority

 

i will occasionally use tools to pull

 

try not using sponge

try different parts of hand.fingers

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Well, most of the magic in the wheel is keeping your hands steady. Most of my pull comes from just my middle finger tip-- supported by my thumb and index finger. Part of this position involves using the side of the fingertip so all the applied pressure is in the direction the finger cannot naturally bend.

 

A softer, smoother clay may also help you.

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@Tarantara  I used a sponge as a crutch for a long time but ultimately realized that the more contact with the clay that I have, the better the results...so, I would encourage you to try some sponge-less techniques.  Softer clay may be a plus just be extra careful with water use.  When moving a lot of clay at one time, I lean toward using a knuckle or some variation of a claw technique...fingertip work (for me) is reserved for details, rims, etc.  Throwing dry (or dryer) might also work for you in combination with softer clay.  I have seen Robin Hopper's dry technique on video somewhere and that might give you a better idea of how that works.

 

Good luck. And welcome to the CAC Forum!

Peace,

-Paul

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Over the years, I have used a sponge, moved to a knuckle, and now use an index finger tip supported by my thumb. Years ago throwing was not much of a problem-other than lack of experience. Now, because of nodules on my finger tendons, my fingers will snap at inappropriate times causing a gouge. So the tension of pushing the finger tip against the thumb helps to keep from doing that. The knuckle technique works also.  Quite frankly, what you are dealing with is not unusual, especially for potters that now know as "seniors". :unsure: I guess the golden years have some tarnish on them. Go figure.

 

best,

Pres

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Thanks for all the help!

 

Frustrating enough, sometimes, when you're a beginner and know what you want to do and have the theoretical knowledge but not the muscle knowledge yet. There's a small part of me that is glad I'm not the only one with rebellious finger joints. They do pop out in unnatural ways without warning and I've been really struggling with a work-around while learning the ropes at the same time.

 

Pres, since your method works for you and you sound like you face the same kind of challenge I do, could you please post a pic of your hand position for me? I'm sure the knuckle technique is common enough that I can find it - usually, if my fingers are bent all the way, they will behave. Except the tips - those joints are the loosest and are pretty much unreliable.

 

Ah, well...it keeps things interesting. I have fingers and I have a wheel and I have clay...so all is well. Just need more practice!

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I wanted to add that crutch is really not an inappropriate word to use. Hypermobility is a collagen disorder. Not really fixable and it does present interesting challenges in some situations. I have to protect my joints from luxating too often, since the tendons and ligaments stretch and do not really spring back easily. So, I wear hearing aids to help me hear, inserts in my shoes to stabilize my ankles so I can walk without breaking my neck, and I need a little help to enjoy making pretty and useful pots. Totally okay with that.

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I have a knuckle that pops, too. I also find that contact with the adjoining fingers helps it to straighten better. For throwing, I use a 4"-6" square piece of chamois (synthetic, like from the auto parts store, is fine, too ). It can wrap around my fingers, provide a little, but not too much, moisture, and lets me get tactile without abrasion.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Over the years, I have used a sponge, moved to a knuckle, and now use an index finger tip supported by my thumb. Years ago throwing was not much of a problem-other than lack of experience. Now, because of nodules on my finger tendons, my fingers will snap at inappropriate times causing a gouge. So the tension of pushing the finger tip against the thumb helps to keep from doing that. The knuckle technique works also.  Quite frankly, what you are dealing with is not unusual, especially for potters that now know as "seniors". :unsure: I guess the golden years have some tarnish on them. Go figure.

 

best,

Pres

I wanted to thank you for your verbal description of your technique in throwing. I have been experimenting with your hand position and have found it helps quite a bit. I have a couple of (greenware, so far) bowls that I'm pretty chuffed with - I think this will work!

 

 

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