algebraist Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 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". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gayle Erwin Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Bridge Pottery Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 I think mine is polyester thread, sold as a 'strong thread' Whatever you can find in the sewing shop will probably work fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surubee Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
algebraist Posted October 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 Thank you all for your suggestions. I'll head to the store this weekend and pick up a selection. Much obliged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curt Posted October 3, 2015 Report Share Posted October 3, 2015 What Surubee said is the way I was taught. Normal fishing line works just fine. It is all about technique, not material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJR Posted October 3, 2015 Report Share Posted October 3, 2015 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyler Miller Posted October 3, 2015 Report Share Posted October 3, 2015 15 lb braid fishing line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
algebraist Posted October 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2015 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.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phill Posted October 3, 2015 Report Share Posted October 3, 2015 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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