Raising the 
Cylinder
To all
Raising Links
Always raise with the right hand at about the 4 or 5 o'clock position. Never hold your hand at the 2 or 3 o'clock position. 



click small images for more information


 

All Links
This Chapter

Complete
Table of Contents

This is the correct position, 
but there is not enough pressure to raise any clay.
Propping the thumb helps the hands work in unison.
See notes about hand pressure below this picture
  • At the bottom, both the outside and inside pressure points exert about equal pressure directly against each other.
  • Use a slow, steady, firm upward motion to pull clay up.
  • As you move up gradually change all the pressure to outside only to keep the top as small as possible. 
  • This produces a vertical cone shaped cylinder.
  • If it tears off, try again. 
  • Sometimes it tears because you stop moving.  It may tear or twist if you press too hard, but it will not get taller unless you press fairly hard.
  • Keep practicing to get the pressure right to raise without tearing it.
  • Clay that is not completely wedged tears off easier.