What is compressing and why is it important?
Compressing is forcing the particles of clay closer together. When you wedge your clay you begin compressing it. You must continue to compress the clay as you center and throw by pushing directly down on the clay toward the wheel head. If you don’t, small pieces of the clay begin to come off as you center. If you are throwing, you need to be especially careful to compress the lip of a cylinder or it can tear off, ruining a tall cylinder. If you are throwing a platter or dish you need to compress the center with a rib or your hands to prevent it from cracking while drying or firing.
