nancylee Posted May 21, 2017 Report Share Posted May 21, 2017 When extruding or even handbuilding, i often end up with tops or bottoms that are not level. I have tried using the string I use on the wheel to get stuff off, the big string on a handle i have for cutting clay off the block, knives, and nothing gets a clean, level top/bottom. I have tried at all levels of dryness, also. I am looking for details such as: How do you prop the clay, where do you start, pull toward you or away. I am trying to level things that are not put on the banding wheel and spin to cut, like little wall planters, etc. I know, silly question. But thanks for any help anyway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alabama Posted May 21, 2017 Report Share Posted May 21, 2017 Take a wooden ruler or stick and push a brad (small nail) at the height you want, then slide the bottom of the fuller around the bottom and the nail cuts off the top! If you want to make sure the top is level, after its bone dry spread some water on a flat surface and touch the rim to the water for a sec or two... The highest point of the rim will be wet. Alabama Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldlady Posted May 21, 2017 Report Share Posted May 21, 2017 to continue alabama's sentence, then you can rub the top in a small puddle of water on a hard surface like formica. a circular motion will smooth the top Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancylee Posted May 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2017 Take a wooden ruler or stick and push a brad (small nail) at the height you want, then slide the bottom of the fuller around the bottom and the nail cuts off the top! If you want to make sure the top is level, after its bone dry spread some water on a flat surface and touch the rim to the water for a sec or two... The highest point of the rim will be wet. Alabama Hi, do you mean ruler? And thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancylee Posted May 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2017 Thank you, both!! Nancy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted May 21, 2017 Report Share Posted May 21, 2017 Use a cutting bow to cut the work off-its a mud tool-it gives a better cut than any cut off wire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted May 21, 2017 Report Share Posted May 21, 2017 I cut off segments as they come out of the extruder using a cutoff wire. They when it is leather hard, I use a sur-form to shave it. Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted May 21, 2017 Report Share Posted May 21, 2017 I to use the sure form to level some forms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denice Posted May 22, 2017 Report Share Posted May 22, 2017 Make sure the table you set them on is level, I use a small plastic level to check it piece. Denice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted May 22, 2017 Report Share Posted May 22, 2017 I have little bullseye level for clay pieces. They are very handy! Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted May 23, 2017 Report Share Posted May 23, 2017 You can also glue some open 80 grit sandpaper to a flat boat and level the tops by rubbing them at the right moisture content to keep it dust free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugaboo Posted May 23, 2017 Report Share Posted May 23, 2017 Yes to all of the above. I also place extrusions cut to size on a board and use a triangle along the side to make sure it is not leaning, if it does I use a sureform to remove clay from the edge that is too long. Once it's all squared up I flip it upside down and use the methods described above to level the rim. T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denice Posted May 23, 2017 Report Share Posted May 23, 2017 I also use a small square that I stole from my husbands shop that to make sure nothing is leaning also. Denice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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