How to remove pottery from a batt

It is not a requirement to throw wheel-thrown pottery on a bat unless the pottery piece is extremely thin and delicate. Most master potters still throw pottery directly on the wheel-head then remove it to a shelf or a spare clean bat nearby.

The steps to removing a pottery piece from a wheel-head or bat deals strictly with technique, a soft touch, the removal of excess slip from the pottery, and the use of dry hands while forming one's fingers in the shape of a crane of sorts to lessen any chance of disfiguring the piece once lifting it from the wheel.

As an example, I will take the use of an olive oil jar thrown in a teardrop shape taking into consideration the pottery is complete with the exception of removing the slip, cutting the piece free of the bat, and then lifting it to bring it to its new home. Afterward, the piece will undergo a trimming procedure while in the leather process and later it will enter the kiln oven for the bisque firing.

It is important to use the knife-life cut-off tool to remove the skirting at the base of the jar. This removes any excess clay in order to make it easier to trim the base later. Cut the skirt with the wooden knife at an angle to remove excess clay while also adding to the teardrop shape. Using a rib or the wooden knife cut-off tool, remove any excess slip from the entire piece making it as dry as possible.

Using a special tool made from wood and piano or guitar wire, spin the wheel-head using electricity or one's foot depending upon the type of wheel, manual or electric. Ensure the wheel is turning at a low speed as you pass the wire beneath the pottery while holding one's thumbs flush against the wheel-head to ensure a straight cut against the bottom of the jar. Pull steadily and smoothly toward your body as the wheel turns until the wire passes completely beneath the jar.

Most potters work at a wheel with a large beach towel sitting across their legs. Use this towel to dry your hands thoroughly. This is the most important step second only to removal of any excess slip, ie slippery clay on the outside of the pottery piece in question. Once both hands are dry, locate the shelf or bat to place the pottery upon once it comes off the wheel-head or bat. Sometimes it helps to run the piano or guitar wire beneath the pottery piece again to ensure a clearly broken seal from the head of the pottery wheel or the bat.
Lay the cutter tool to the side. Using four fingers and both thumbs in a crane-like position, gently lift the teardrop