Recommended String For Cutting Off The Hump

[algebraist 12]

I'm just starting to practice throwing off the hump, and would like to learn to cut my pieces off with a length of string attached to a handle (let the string wrap around with the wheel turning slowly, give a little tug at the right moment, presto).  Yesterday I tried with the only string I could find around the house, which was waxed dental floss.  That didn't go well -- it wrapped around the clay, and then just kept sliding.  Eventually I managed to work it through, but it was not pretty.

 

I imagine I'm looking for something with some more tooth.  Any recommendations?  If you can specify where to buy it as well, great -- I'm imagining a trip to Home Depot, Target, or maybe Michael's (craft store).  Thanks in advance.

[Pres 1,912]

I use a ball of twine from the hardware store. It is twisted, poly something, and works well for cutting off the hump. I have a wooden rib, that I made about 3 inches long, kind of chunky that has a hole in the handle end. Tie the string n there, use the rib to make a cut line, then let string wrap around and pull through with handle. Length of string is about 16".

[Gayle Erwin 0]

I use waxed linen thread, what I use is from the jewelry section of the craft store. I use string for larger forms. For smaller things, I use a stainless felting knife. I wet the knife, and while the hump is spinning I cut and lift. The knife is used like a spatula to life and place it on a board.

[High Bridge Pottery 681]

I think mine is polyester thread, sold as a 'strong thread' Whatever you can find in the sewing shop will probably work fine.

[Surubee 8]

I throw off the hump most of the time and have found that if you want an commercial clay tool, the 'nylon clay cutter' from Kemper Tools is what I usually use. It is like their wire cutting tool which comes with two wooden toggles on the ends, but has a soft braided nylon string instead of wire. When I buy one, I cut it in half in the middle of the string so that I have two matching string tools. I hold onto the wooden part and the loose end of the string wraps around the clay on the wheel (in the cut line that I have marked under the pot with a wooden tool or rib - like Pres said) to cleanly slice off the pot.  I rarely have to tug the string, just let it wrap around and pull gently to slice straight through the bottom. 

Now that I think of it, I believe that there is a Van Gilder string tool that is specifically designed for this as well.

[neilestrick 3,330]

Normal kite string will work, but I would go with something that's a synthetic material, like a nylon or ply rather than cotton. It'll be stronger and last longer. I wouldn't go any thicker than kite string.

[algebraist 12]

Thank you all for your suggestions.  I'll head to the store this weekend and pick up a selection.  Much obliged.

[curt 267]

What Surubee said is the way I was taught.  Normal fishing line works just fine.  It is all about technique, not material.

[TJR 361]

I used to used coarse black cotton thread. Now I use dental floss. I have had the same piece for probably 10 years. Works great for cutting lids off the hump. I don't throw much else off the hump as the bottoms crack. Must be a flaw with my clay.

i suggest that you give the floss another go.

TJR.

[Tyler Miller 435]

15 lb braid fishing line.

[algebraist 12]

Thanks again all.  Amazon is sending me 15 lb braided fishing line (150 yards -- might have to take up fishing); be here on Monday.   $7, and I don't have to go to the store -- gotta love it.  (If I already had the skill, maybe I could make the dental floss work, but I think the wax is working against me.)

[phill 18]

I used what I had, cotton string. It worked fine, and is still working, but it is starting to rot away slowly. Time for new string! The good news? It lasted me at least 4 years. Glad you got something that is better than cotton, but even cotton works. 

 

 

I throw off the hump most of the time and have found that if you want an commercial clay tool, the 'nylon clay cutter' from Kemper Tools is what I usually use.

I have one of those nylon cutters and they are terrible for cutting the pots off the bottom, but I'm glad you said this as now I can reuse my old cutter tool! Thanks!