When it comes to working with clay, every potter understands the significance of space and efficiency, especially when crafting in the comfort of your own home or a small studio. The wheel bat system has emerged as a game-changer for amateur and professional potters alike. Here's why incorporating a bat system into your pottery practice can revolutionise the way you craft your pieces, making the process more seamless, enjoyable, and productive.
Maximising Limited Space
One of the greatest advantages of using a bat system is its ability to help potters make the most out of limited workspace. In a home or small studio setting, every square inch counts. The bats square inserts allow you to throw your piece on the wheel and then remove just the insert without having to remove the whole bat. This means you can move the just the square insert to a drying area taking up less space than a traditional bat.
Maintaining the Integrity of your Creations
For potters, with limited bats the biggest fear when reusing a bat is lifting a freshly thrown pot off the wheel is distorting its shape. A bat system reduces this risk significantly. The bat provides a sturdy, flat surface that protects the form of your piece as it dries. Since you can remove the insert from the
wheel without physically handling the pot, you preserve the integrity and the form of your creation right from the initial throw.
Then just add another insert before throwing your next piece.
Increased Efficiency
Efficiency is key in pottery, particularly when producing multiple pieces or working with deadlines. With a bat system, you can have several inserts on hand, allowing you to create multiple works in quick succession. Instead of waiting for one piece to dry enough to be moved, you can simply swap out the inserts and keep your production flow uninterrupted, leading to a more efficient use of your time and space.
Enhanced Convenience for Special Techniques
Certain pottery techniques, such as altering, carving, or adding intricate details, require the piece to be leather-hard. A bat system lets you set your piece aside to reach the perfect consistency for these techniques without tying up your wheel. This is particularly beneficial when working in a home studio, where you may not have the luxury of multiple wheels or ample space to let pieces dry.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating a wheel bat system into your home pottery studio not only optimises the creation process but also enhances the enjoyment and satisfaction of your craft. It's a small investment that leads to big returns in terms of product quality, studio organisation, and the overall creative experience.
At Clay Play we believe the Bat System is a must for all home and small studios and we understand that every potter's set up is unique, which is why we offer two versatile Bat Systems tailored to suit different wheel heads.
Our first option features a universally designed Bat System, with pre-drilled pin holes ready to accommodate any standard wheel head.
For those who work with non-standard or irregular wheel heads, our second option provides unmatched adaptability. Our customisable Bat System comes as a blank slate, giving you the freedom to drill your own pin holes and tailor the bat to match your specific wheel's dimensions precisely.
Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to streamline your process or a newbie setting up shop, a bat system is an indispensable tool that can lift your pottery practice to new heights.