Trim exterior profile of a cylinder
Time to shape the outside of a pot: this is where a cylinder gets its personality.
Invert a leather-hard cylinder and trim the lower third to create a graceful taper.
Guidelines
- Remove excess clay gradually: light passes only
- Wall thickness should remain at least 4–5 mm throughout
- The taper should flow naturally into the base, with no abrupt steps
The shape you're after
When viewed from the side, the cylinder should look intentional: slightly lighter at the base, tapering elegantly. Not chunky, not dangerously thin.
Check your work
Tap the trimmed area gently. A hollow ring means you've trimmed too thin. A solid thud means there's still clay to work with.