Positioning the Clay: Carefully place your shaped lump of clay on the centre of the wheel. If your clay has a rounded base, ensure it makes good contact with the wheel to avoid air pockets.
Starting the Wheel: Turn on the wheel at a speed comfortable for you. It's important to find a balance; too fast might make control difficult, while too slow might not provide enough momentum for effective centring.
Applying Pressure: With your hands firmly positioned, apply even pressure to the clay. The goal is to force the clay into the centre of the wheel. Use your body weight to your advantage, leaning into the clay to help with the centring.
Adjusting the Clay: As the wheel spins, feel for any wobbles or unevenness in the clay. Use your hands to gently guide the clay into a more centred and stable position. This may require alternating pressure between the sides and the top of the clay lump.
Checking for Center: Periodically, reduce the pressure and observe the clay's rotation. A well-centred lump of clay will spin smoothly without any wobbling. If you notice any irregular motion, reapply the pressure and continue to adjust until the clay centres properly.
Finalizing the Center: Once the clay feels centred, slowly ease off the pressure while keeping your hands in contact with the clay for a moment longer. This ensures the clay remains in place and doesn't become off-centre as you remove your hands.