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Looking For Help With Teapots


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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.

 

Teapot+Desgn1.jpg

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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.

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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.

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(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

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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

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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.

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