: Nancy S. - Viewing Profile

I have seen people throw pots of various sizes on the wheel, and sometimes they wire it off while the wheel is stationary, while other times the wheel is moving slowly around while the wire is dragged all the way through. Still other times, the wheel moves slowly while the wire is dragged partway through and then back out the same way it came.

Ignoring the "to wire or not wire off" debate (that's a whole 'nother thread), can anyone please explain to me what the differences are between these wiring-off techniques? Is it just a matter of preference, or is there a logical reason behind each one?

Thoughts appreciated!!

I've heard that working with porcelain is like "throwing cream cheese." As I used a grogless ^6 recently, I wondered: can you throw cream cheese? Maybe make it into a bowl that holds veggies or crackers for a party?

Has anyone tried this? How did it work if you did? Any reason a person shouldn't try this? (I have to be honest...I'm sorely tempted!)

This may well be in the archives, but the search function isn't working and I'm too impatient to wait.

I have a brand-new 25-pound bag of clay, and it's incredibly soft (in spite of sitting around for at least four months!) - unfortunately it's a bit too soft for throwing anything more than a 1/2-pound at a time without collapsing. I tried kneading the clay on an absorbent surface first, but it wasn't enough.

What's the best way to dry out the clay enough to throw? I don't want it to get too dry...I don't have a pugmill, so reclaiming is a long and arduous process. Any suggestions are appreciated!!