How to Throw a Plate on the Wheel

Are you tired of your bland ceramic dishes and ready to add a touch of creativity to your dining experience? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

In today’s blog post, we will be delving into the art of throwing a plate on the wheel, a fascinating technique that allows you to create unique, personalized, functional, and visually aesthetic plates.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced ceramic artist, this step-by-step guide will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration on how to throw a plate on the wheel. So, put on your apron, grab some clay, and get ready to unleash your inner artist – it’s time to take your dining experience to the next level!

What Will You Need?

Before we dive into the process of throwing a plate on the wheel, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pottery wheel
• Clay (stoneware or porcelain)
• Bat (a flat disk that fits on top of the wheel head)
• Wooden or metal rib tool
• Wire cutter
• Sponge
• Water
• Kiln and glaze (for finishing)

Now that you have all the tools required let’s get started on the fun part – creating your own handmade plates!

10 Easy Steps on How to Throw a Plate on the Wheel

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

The first step in throwing a plate on the wheel is to prepare your clay. Wedge the clay to remove any air bubbles and to ensure consistency throughout. Then, shape the clay into a smooth, round ball about the size of a grapefruit. Make sure the clay is not too dry or too wet – it should have a firm, malleable consistency. Once your clay is ready, you are set to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Center the Clay

The next step in throwing a plate on the wheel is centering the clay. Place the clay ball in the bat’s center and start the revolution. While the wheel is spinning, wet your hands with water and apply gentle but firm pressure to the clay. Keep your elbows anchored to your body for better control. The goal is to ensure the clay is completely centered on the wheel, not wobbling or leaning to one side. This may take a few tries, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Once the clay is centered, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 3: Open the Clay

The third step in throwing a plate on the wheel involves opening the clay. While keeping the wheel spinning at a steady pace, press your thumbs down into the center of the clay to create a hole. Make sure not to go too deep – you want to leave a solid base of about half an inch. Slowly widen the gap by pushing the clay outward. Remember to maintain constant pressure and control during this process to ensure an even distribution of clay, creating the initial shallow form of the plate.

Step 4: Shape the Plate

The fourth step in throwing a plate on the wheel is shaping the plate. With one hand inside the container and the other on the outside, gently squeeze the clay between your hands while slowly lifting upward. This will start to give your plate its depth and form. Ensure the wheel’s rotation is steady and your movements are consistent to keep the clay evenly distributed. Use a rib tool to smooth and shape the plate, focusing on the inner surface before shaping the rim.

Step 5: Refine the Plate

The fifth step in throwing a plate on the wheel is refining the plate. You now have the basic shape, but to take it to the next level, it’s time to refine the form and make it more uniform. With the wheel turning slowly, use a sponge to dampen the clay and a wooden or metal rib tool to scrape away uneven areas on the plate’s surface gently. Pay particular attention to the rim and the center of the plate, ensuring they are both smooth and even. This refining process not only improves the aesthetics of the plate but also its functionality and durability.

Step 6: Cut the Plate from the Wheel

The sixth step in throwing a plate on the wheel is to cut the plate from the wheel. Once you’re happy with the shape and symmetry of your plate, it’s time to separate it from the bat. Keep the wheel spinning slowly, and using a wire cutter, slide the wire underneath the plate, keeping it taut and horizontal. Be careful not to distort the shape of the plate as you cut.

Step 7: Trim the Plate

The seventh step in throwing a plate on the wheel involves trimming the plate. After it has dried to a leather-hard stage, it’s time to finish and personalize your creation. Place your plate upside down on the wheel, securing it with lumps of clay to ensure it doesn’t move during trimming. Start the wheel and use a trimming tool to remove excess clay and refine the plate’s rim and base, giving it a clean and professional finish. You can also carve decorative elements or your signature at this stage.

Step 8: Dry the Plate

The eighth step in the process of throwing a plate on the wheel involves drying the plate. Carefully move the plate from the wheel and place it in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and drafts. This is to prevent the plate from drying too quickly, which could cause it to crack. Allow the plate to dry slowly and evenly until it reaches a bone-dry state, which means it is no longer cold to the touch and has changed to a lighter color.

Step 9: Bisque Fire the Plate

The ninth step in throwing a plate on the wheel involves the first round of firing, known as bisque firing. Ensure the plate is entirely bone-dry before placing it in the kiln. This is crucial to prevent any moisture from causing the plate to explode during firing. Arrange your plate and any other pieces in the kiln, ensuring that no parts are touching each other. Then, set the kiln to a bisque firing schedule, typically reaching a temperature of around 1800°F. This process hardens the clay and prepares it for glazing. After the bisque firing, allow the kiln to cool completely before removing your plate.

Step 10: Glaze and Fire the Plate

The final step in throwing a plate on the wheel is to glaze and fire the plate. Start by choosing a glaze that suits your aesthetic preferences and is appropriate for the type of clay you use. Apply the glaze evenly to your plate, ensuring you cover all areas except the base that will touch the kiln shelf. Once the glaze is dry, you can load your plate back into the kiln for the final firing. This firing, known as glaze firing, typically reaches higher temperatures than bisque firing, around 2200°F. This process will melt the glaze, creating a complex, glass-like surface on your plate. After the kiln cools completely, you can carefully remove your finished plate.

By following these steps and practicing, you can master throwing a plate on the wheel. Remember to have patience, stay focused, and, most importantly, have fun!

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Maintain Moisture: Always keep a bowl of water by your side when throwing a plate on the wheel. The clay should be kept moist throughout the process until it’s time for drying. Dry clay is hard to work with and can lead to cracks in your plate.
2. Steady Speed: Keep the wheel’s speed steady and consistent. A sudden change in speed can distort the shape of your plate or possibly cause an accident.
3. Tool Maintenance: Clean your tools after every use. Clay can harden on the tools, making them less effective in future sessions. Keeping your devices in good condition ensures better results.
4. Adapt and Learn: Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts don’t yield the perfect plate. Clay throwing is an art that requires patience and practice. Learn from your mistakes and adapt your technique.
5. Experiment with Decorations: Once you’re comfortable with the primary process, don’t be afraid to experiment with different decorations and textures. This will add a unique touch to your plates and help you develop your own style.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can take your plate-throwing skills to the next level and create beautiful pieces of functional art.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning how to throw a plate on the wheel is a challenging yet enriching experience. Each step requires patience, practice, and precision, from preparing the clay to centering and shaping.

However, with dedication and perseverance, you can create beautiful plates that showcase your unique style and creativity. Remember to experiment with different tools and techniques, such as altering and carving, to add depth and character to your pieces. And remember to take breaks and admire your progress! Whether you’re an experienced potter or just starting, throwing plates on the wheel is worth mastering.

So gather up your supplies, set up your wheel, and let your imagination run wild! Your newfound knowledge of throwing plates will elevate your pottery skills and bring joy and satisfaction to your creative process. Happy creating!