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

8 guides
Wheel Throwing

How to Throw a Bowl, Mug, and Cylinder for Beginners

Learn how to throw a bowl on the wheel, plus a cylinder and mug. Step-by-step guide covering the three shapes every beginner should practice first.

July 2, 2026
Wheel Throwing

Why Your Pot Keeps Collapsing on the Wheel

Clay collapsing on the wheel usually comes down to wet clay, weak walls, or poor centering. Here's how to diagnose and fix each cause.

June 30, 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
Wheel Throwing

How to Trim a Pot and Cut a Clean Foot Ring

Learn how to trim pottery at leather-hard stage, cut a clean foot ring, and avoid the common mistakes that collapse or warp your pot.

June 24, 2026
Wheel Throwing

How to Open the Clay and Set an Even Floor

Learn how to open clay on the wheel and set an even floor. Step-by-step technique for beginners to build a solid base for any thrown pot.

June 21, 2026
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.

June 14, 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.

June 10, 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.

June 6, 2026

← All topics