ball.opening.06.html

The first step is to remove the excess clay that is off center.
Hold your right hand like a claw and rake off the some of the excess.
Use a rib to straighten and even up the bottom of the wall.


	TRIM TOP

Trim the top.
This helps keep the pot centered and remove the excess; off center clay.
The clay at top is typically a thinner, wetter consistancy than the rest of the body of the pot.
If left on, and fired.
the rim will be brittle and chip easily.


	COMPRESS BOTTOM		EXCESS: FROM BOTTOM

It is a bit hard to see. But, just above the top of the pot is an AGOTE
An agote is a board used to reach down and compress the bottom.
The second image illustrates the excess clay that accumulates from comperssion.
This is an important step.
Compressing the bottom helps prevent cracked bottoms and “s” cracks on the bottom.