• 0 items
Wishlist

Login

Clay Coyote

We make art you can cook with

  • About
    • Contact & Directions
    • Story
    • Team
    • About the Clay Coyote Glazes
    • Press & Media
    • Events
    • The Potter’s House
    • Mission
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Blog
  • Shop!

The Birth of a Wedge Table Litter

October 11, 2016 By Morgan

*Guest post from Brett Kuttner, Building & Grounds Manger at the Clay Coyote

Along with loading everything feasible onto a semi this summer, moving the three electric kilns (Caution: heavy items) , renovating the studio, unloading the semi, organizing the new studio, moving the three kilns again (they haven’t gotten any lighter), another large project of the studio remodel was the need for ten additional wedge tables to be built.

Wait a minute, what the heck is a wedge table?  A wedge table is used to “wedge” clay. Wedging is the first pottery process, similar to kneading, that removes air from clay.  Typically working with 25 lbs of clay at a time, a potter grunts and leans, with most of their might and body weight, pushing and rolling the clay to remove as much air as possible. This force and weight requires a very sturdy table with a unique top, that will take the punishment of wedging and not allow the clay to stick to it.

Here’s how our new tables came about……

Step 1 - Get some lumber
Step 1 – Get some lumber
Step 2 - Begin layout, after cutting lumber
Step 2 – Begin layout, after cutting lumber
Step 3 - We have a frame !!
Step 3 – We have a frame !!
Step 4 - Seek Nourishment (from Senora's in Hutchinson, yum)
Step 4 – Seek Nourishment (from Senora’s in Hutchinson, yum)
Step 5 - Take candid photo of Ian sanding
Step 5 – Take candid photo of Ian sanding
Step 6 - Tops are on!!
Step 6 – Tops are on!!
Step 7 - Repeat Steps 2 thru 6, 9 times
Step 7 – Repeat Steps 2-6, nine times
 Step 8 - 10 Finished Tables
Step 8 – Ten finished tables

Ian and I had fun building these and developed a few improvements over the existing wedge table at the Clay Coyote that made them more sturdy and easier to build. Everybody wins!

We also developed some proprietary construction techniques that were sheer genius. Who knew you could square a table frame with a ratchet strap?!

Feel free to stop by the The Clay Coyote for a studio tour. We’ll introduce you to the potters, show you the pottery process, in which, you can see these tables in action!

FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterestEmailPrintFriendly

Filed Under: Our Story, Potter's Life, The Studio Tagged With: brett kuttner, building and grounds, pottery studio, wedge table

Clay Coyote

Hours

Locations & Directions

Email [email protected]

Phone (320) 587-2599

Mail PO BOX 363, Hutchinson, MN 55350

© 2023 Clay Coyote · All Rights Reserved
Developed by Vivid Image · Log in · Privacy Policy

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 · Clay Coyote · All Rights Reserved · Developed by Vivid Image · Log in

Create a new list

Use code FREESHIP at checkout to save on orders over $99 (Continental USA). Dismiss