Compress a plate floor with a metal rib

Metal ribs are the plate-maker's best friend. They compress more firmly than wood and leave a glass-smooth surface.

Throw a plate and use a metal rib to compress and smooth the floor while the wheel turns.

Technique

• Hold the rib nearly flat against the floor
• Press firmly: you should see water squeezing out ahead of the rib
• Work from center outward in overlapping passes

The test

When the wheel stops, run your finger across the floor. You should feel:

• No bumps or ridges
• No rings from throwing
• A surface that's almost slick

This compression is what prevents S-cracks. It's not optional: it's the difference between a plate that survives and one that cracks.