January 13th, 2026

There are a few things that will help with the success of throwing porcelain on the potter’s wheel. The clay must be soft enough for easy manipulation and well centered.  Remember clay does not always need water when it feels hard; sometimes it is just thixotropic and needs to "wake up". The potter must feel comfortable behind the wheel, so make sure that everything works well and that you are relaxed.

What did you do before bats were invented to put on the potters wheel?  Then how did you secure the bat on the wheel head before someone discovered that 2 holes on the wheel head that can hold a nut and a bolt in which you can click a wheel bat with corresponding holes in it? 
​
In this video I am showing you how to create a clay pad that you can use repetitively to secure a bat on. 
Tips:

1. You can re use the bat for days on end. Keep it soft leather hard. 
2. Create rings on it so that the air between the rings "suck" the bat tight into place. Make sure the rings are level. 
3. Cut lines from the center to the outer rim to allow you to be able to release the bat without having to destroy it. 
4. Use the rings to guide you to center the bat.
5. Do not press down on the bat before you have it centered. 
6. Do not press all over the bat; that will only let the bat go off level. A light tap in the center is enough to let it sit tight. 
7. Use a sturdy tool and leverage to release the bat. 

​​Click here to see Antoinette's porcelain e-courses ​ or go to her workshop page