Video Description

I’m sorry this video makes it look easier than it is, but here’s how I tap centre pots when trimming them atop a chuck. First off, the chuck is what we call the tapering solid lump of clay the mug is initially slotted onto. I use these for vessels I have to turn hundreds of, as it helps to simply the trimming process as it means I can work the entirety of the walls and the base in the same moment, (without any bits of clay or mechanical arms you find on a grip getting in the way, additionally, the roundness of the chuck helps to ‘round’ the rim, correcting any slight ovality). The other thing to be aware of is that tap centring on a chuck like this is made all the more difficult if the pots themselves are wonky and irregular, in fact the more regular they are the easier this process is, as you aren’t having to contend with any deformities in the pot itself. I also find a mirror remarkably helpful for this process as it lets me see just how flat the base is. I want it spinning level, more or less, and from above seeing exactly how even the base is can be somewhat tricky. LASTLY, if you’re looking fora much more thorough tap centring guide, I recommend watching the much longer, fully narrated tutorial I’ve made on YouTube, (you can find it by searching for Florian Gadsby Tap Centring, make sure you watch the most recent video as I made an updated version recently). #pottery #potterytutorial #handmade #ceramics #clay #mug #craft