Center Clay on Wheel
2 hoursCalculate clay weight and wedging cycles before throwing.
Field context
This workflow is part of 3 niche fields
Complete guide for pottery wheel basics — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
Calculate clay weight and wedging cycles before throwing.
Set wheel speed for body height and pull even walls.
Estimate shrinkage when trimming leather-hard piece.
Plan drying time and bisque cone for clay body.
Estimate clay ball weight for thrown forms.
Set wheel RPM for centering and pulling.
Account for shrinkage when trimming foot.
Plan leather-hard timing before trim.
Typical RPM by throwing stage.
| Stage | RPM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Centering | 100–150 | High torque |
| Opening | 80–120 | Controlled |
| Trimming | 200–300 | Leather hard |
Verify all calculator inputs against physical measurements before cutting or mixing.
Compare results to known good references in pottery before final assembly.
Pause immediately if tools malfunction, ventilation fails, or materials react unexpectedly.