This post was excerpted from Pottery Throwing Tools: A Guide to
Making and Using Pottery Tools for Wheel Throwing, which is free
to Ceramic Arts Daily Subscribers. Tips for Using Throwing
Sticks The first problem occurs when the shape sweeps out from
the base and there is insufficient strength in the lower wall to
support the weight of clay above it. This overhang is a weak
point, and if formed early, the loping clay has a tendency to
fold or collapse. While buttressing the base by making it
thicker or adding a concave contour adds strength, these
solutions negate any intention to achieve a spherical or ovoid
form with a bold convex contour. A second problem arises when
the opening at the top of the form is too small to put your hand
inside to stretch and shape the clay wall. The solution is to
use a throwing stick (see PMI, Spring 2000), which allows you to
expand the girth of the pot, avoid slumping and to finish the
shoulder, collar and neck with an opening just wide enough to
accept the throwing stick. Be