The Clay Bench

Wheel Throwing

This is the part most people show up for, and it rewards patience. Here you'll learn the moves in order: wedging the clay, getting it onto the wheel head, the genuinely tricky skill of centering, opening the base to an even floor, pulling the walls up tall and even, shaping a form, and trimming a clean foot once the pot is leather-hard — plus honest reassurance about why your first attempts collapse.

Wheel Throwing

4 guides

Wheel Throwing

How to Pull Up Walls on the Pottery Wheel

Learn how to pull up walls on the pottery wheel with correct hand position, wheel speed, and water use to throw thin, even walls every time.

August 10, 2026

Wheel Throwing

How to Wedge Clay (and Why You Have To)

Learn how to wedge clay properly before throwing or hand-building. Covers ram's-head and spiral wedging techniques, common mistakes, and the cut test.

July 27, 2026

Wheel Throwing

Wheel Throwing for Beginners: Your First Pot Step by Step

Learn wheel throwing for beginners with this step-by-step guide to your first pot: wedging, centering, opening, pulling walls, and cutting off.

July 13, 2026

Wheel Throwing

How to Center Clay on the Pottery Wheel

Learn how to center clay on the wheel with step-by-step guidance on body position, hand placement, cone up/down, and knowing when it's truly centered.

June 29, 2026

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