Exploring our Pottery Trimming Chuck System

Need a trim? Here are some FAQ's about exploring our pottery Trimming Chuck System:

A journal with pottery trimming photo in it.

Our Trimming Chuck System was born out of sheer necessity! I needed a streamlined way to move through trimming quickly.

Here were my needs:

1. Must be efficient.

2. Must handle altered shapes and rims.

3. Must keep my rims/pots from warping.

4. Must be no-fuss!

FAQ 1: What do you mean no-fuss?

I love to start in the "no-fuss zone," which is where I like to spend my time. Traditional chucks and chums (one is for putting pots over and the other in) need a couple of things to be successful. They must be even and they must stay hydrated. Many potters will either spray and store in plastic to keep leather hard (fuss) or they will throw a brand new chuck every time they are going to trim (extra fuss). Well I could neither get my chuck tall enough, even enough or keep it from drying out. Enter my can-do attitude! Our Trimming Chuck is always even, always centered and never dries out! Now I can trim my pots from top to bottom with nothing in my way (good-bye clay lugs). This is no strike against the homemade version, it has been around and functional for so many years. This is a solution for people like me who just couldn't get it quite right.

FAQ 2: Will this system warp my pots?

The next concern is warping or denting pots. If you've every warped a thin rim while pushing lugs of clay onto the wheel head to secure, you're not alone. If you've ever had a pot FLY off your wheel because it came unstuck from the water seal, I see you! If you've ever dented the side of the pot from a pad or arm smooshing in too hard, welcome. There are so many factors that can ruin a pot at the trimming stage it's daunting. Take a breath and give the Trimming Chuck System a driver's seat here. Not only will you avoid many of the trimming blunders, it can actually help in the process! Any rim that is out of round will take a ride on this perfect shape and get a bonus rim adjustment. Plus, you can trim at a thinner or wetter stage with no fear of denting.

FAQ 3: Can I trim altered or tall pots on this system?

Oh, honey yes you can! I often trim pitchers with angular spouts, uneven rimmed pots, square and star-shaped rims. When you are relying on the wheel-head it can be troublesome with uneven rims. Here are a few Instagram Reel examples of trimming altered pots on our system:

Pottery Trimming Chuck XLWith Pitcher

• Trimming a hand-built pot https://www.instagram.com/p/DE5nPxHPoBG/

• Trimming the pitcher shown in the picture

  https://www.instagram.com/p/DC4wUvyvcK3/

• Trimming a tall form

  https://www.instagram.com/p/DCa0YZigrz8/

• Trimming an altered form

  https://www.instagram.com/p/DBZkBGOPnqr/

FAQ 4: Is this method efficient?

If the "E" word is important to you, you're in the right place! I have 4 kiddos I homeschool, my husband works full-time and we run a full-time home business....phew, I'm tired just listing that! Efficiency is HIGH-PRIORITY in my house! Since the system doesn't need moisture management, evening out or constant centering your efficiency rating has already sky-rocketed. Just group your pots by size. I start with my Regular Chuck and move up sizes as needed. Add water, get your pot level (use a bubble level if its' flat enough) and get to going. You'll be surprised how quickly you're moving through your work when you don't have to attach lugs of clay or trim around hardware. I can trim top to bottom in no-time flat. And it's fun to boot! Spend less time fussing and more time trimming:)

BONUS: You can also do finishing work faster (sponging, waxing, sanding)!

So there you have it! My most common FAQ's when it comes to our Trimming Chuck System! You can see so many more videos on our Instagram Feed @alexandriapotterytools and on our YouTube page: Alexandria Pottery Co. I hope you check them out! Happy Making!

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