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Pot′ter's wheel.

A horizontally revolving disk (A, Fig. 3923) driven by a treadle or by an assistant. The lump of clay, being placed upon it, is molded into form by pressure on the inside and outside, properly applied, the circular form being maintained by the passage of the clay between the hands, assisted by a piece of horn or shell, which is called a “rib,” and acts as a former, straight-edge, or scraper, as the case may be. (See pottery.) Also known as a jigger, thrower, thrower's engine, thrower's wheel.

No wheel was used in the construction of the pottery found in the ancient British tumuli. The same is stated by Mr. Bateman of the ceramic remains in the Roman tumuli. The latter seldom have handles, are destitute of spouts, and the ornaments are straight lines, dots, or marks made by cords.

The potter's wheel was also unknown in the ancient pottery of the North American tumuli. Some of the jars of the “Stone age” show that a kind of templet has been used inside, held by one hand, probably against the pressure of the other hand on the outside.

After it has been roughly fashioned on the wheel and allowed to become partially dry, the work is finished on the lathe B, which is merely the wheel somewhat modified and refined. a is the head, carrying a disk upon which the mass of clay a′ is placed, and turned by the shaft b, which carries a set of grooved pulleys c, of different diameters, driven by a belt from the band-wheel d; e is a guide-pulley which converts the vertical motion of the band so as to cause the horizontal revolution of the pulley c; f is a seat on which the workman sits astride, placing his feet on the treadle g. The lower figure shows adjustable rods serving as a gage for the guidance of the workman; l a ledge-board for receiving the clay shavings.

1877.

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