form techniques
There are many different techniques for forming a tone vessel. The construction technique, for example, makes the Töpfern very simple, because you only need to put several tonflakes together to form a whole piece and then glow the mountains. As a ceramic beginner or hobbyist you can inform yourself about different forming techniques and try them out very easily. The ceramic encyclopedia will be happy to help you with any questions you may have about Töpferei.
Kneading
Manual mass preparation leads to the removal of trapped air bubbles. A distinction is made between the “ram-head” kneading “ (according to the shape created during the work), which is customary in Europe, and the worm” kneading, which is used in Asia. The clay acquires a dense, soft consistency.
Turning off
After turning a ceramic object on the disc, it is dried until it is leather-hard. Then the turning process begins with the help of the turning iron and the turning loops. Edges are broken, the body gets a uniform thickness.
Polishing
The surface of the body is smoothed during polishing. The flowery clay minerals are flattened and compacted. The result is a matt, glossy surface. Sheet metal or precious stones are used as polishing tools.
Assembly
Free building, in contrast to turning on the rotating disc, can take place in three different forms. 1. the bead technique – here clay beads are formed, which are then built up ring-shaped. 2. the plate technique – evenly thick clay plates are assembled. 3. the pinch technique – originally comes from Japan and is started as “thumb” lchen“.
Modeling
The processing of a clay mass into a sculpture is called modelling. One begins with the free building without tools and after the rough form is manufactured, one works out with modellers the subtleties.
Free turning
Only a well-pictured, fat tone is suitable for free-turning. When turning, you first use a high rotational speed, which is later reduced. A lump of clay is turned into a vessel on a rotating disc with the hands. To do this, the clay mass must first be centered, then it is broken open and pulled into shape. Care is taken to ensure a uniform body thickness.
Turn in/overturn
The screwing in is a mechanical shaping which, with the help of a template in a rotating plaster mould, e.g. works out a shell. Turning over produces plates which are formed over a plaster pattern. Both types of forming are suitable for small batches.
| burning methods | Mass Specifications | Glazing Methods | Machines / Devices |
| Materials | Tools |