elaine clapper Posted January 17, 2015 Report Share Posted January 17, 2015 i am looking for a resource with info to help make my teapots more functional. Aesthetically I am happy with the way they look but do not like the way they pour. I am sure there are some guidelines about a good spout that I am missing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJR Posted January 17, 2015 Report Share Posted January 17, 2015 Can you show a picture of your teapot? Then we could see if there is anything that needs changing. TJR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted January 17, 2015 Report Share Posted January 17, 2015 Teapots are tough, and the functional potters test. I hope this image I created for students will help you out. It should also open conversation with others about what makes a workable teapot. This is the basics, with no attempt at design. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Woodin Posted January 17, 2015 Report Share Posted January 17, 2015 Thanks for sharing this handout. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted January 17, 2015 Report Share Posted January 17, 2015 Welcome, I used to teach HS, but occasionally I can still teach, or even raise questions and prompt discussion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted January 17, 2015 Report Share Posted January 17, 2015 When making the spout, make sure that once it tapers it does not widen out again, otherwise it will glug as it pours. If you put strainer holes where the spout attaches, the total area of the holes must be greater (preferably a lot) than the narrowest diameter of the spout, otherwise the spout will not fill properly. Functionally, this is why the base of the spout is flared. I agree with everything above on Pres's diagram. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted January 17, 2015 Report Share Posted January 17, 2015 Taper of the spout with large base area for liquid causes pressure in the neck of the spout making the tea pour in an arc away from the pot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Beller Diesel Posted January 18, 2015 Report Share Posted January 18, 2015 Nice diagram, Pres! I ran out of likes earlier... Clary Illian's book "A Potter's Workbook" covers a lot of functional and aesthetic considerations for a number of forms. I believe if you throw functional pottery, you should own this book, or at least have read it. Spouts should have a sharp rim, to minimize dripping. Also, the spout will untwist as it's fired, so if you're making one that has an angled cut or something else like that, you have to offset it by about 30 degrees when you first attach it so it unwinds into the right position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted January 18, 2015 Report Share Posted January 18, 2015 (Spouts should have a sharp rim, to minimize dripping. Also, the spout will untwist as it's fired, so if you're making one that has an angled cut or something else like that, you have to offset it by about 30 degrees when you first attach it so it unwinds into the right position. ) I cut my spouts and they do twist so as noted you attach with the offset in mind. A sharp edge means less drip. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted January 18, 2015 Report Share Posted January 18, 2015 Remember that even a good spout will not pour well if the lid fits tight and does not have a vacuum hole. I like to put them where fingers won't get burnt from steam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elaine clapper Posted January 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 I could not put a picture of my teapot on the forum post but hopefully this links up to my website http://elaineclapperceramics.com/images/teapot-blue-series-2014-008 My teapots seem to sputter rather than pour smoothly. I was not sure if it is the end of the spout or too few straining holes. I have been cutting the straining holes with a needle pushed thru. It not a clean cut on the inside maybe that is my problem. I just ordered a hole cutter tool. That my help. I am going to use more holes in I was only using three. thank everyone's ideas....Elaine . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elaine clapper Posted January 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 maybe you can attach a photo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted January 23, 2015 Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 Your holes are to few and to small I think. A hole cutter is the way to go and larger than you think-I use a 3/8th hole and put as many holes as I can fit under spout. heres how to post photos http://community.ceramicartsdaily.org/topic/5843-our-most-frequently-asked-questions/ Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJR Posted January 23, 2015 Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 I checked out your teapot- nice form. yourspout could be one third longer, and narrower on the end. I put 7 holes as the strainer. I use a fettling knife to make all the holes. Check out my gallery for a nice profile of a copper glazed teapot. TJR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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