Hi, Chuck!

[offcntr]

I've already talked about my go-to trimming device, the giffin grip. Some things need a more comprehensive grasp to hold them in place and centered. That's when I break out the trimming chuck.

Actually, no, I don't. I know potters who have a shelf full of the things, various sizes and shapes, variations on cylinder or hourglass shapes. They're usually bisqued, though Pete Meyer had a bone dry cylinder chuck he used for years at the Craft Center, and for all I know still has it with him in Bend today.

Me, I don't do that many forms that require chuck to trim; mostly I need them to hold crock or cookie jar lids that need a little adjustment. For that I just throw a little stiff clay into a cylinder, rib the lip smooth an dry, center the lid, knob down, and gently press to adhere. After I've finished trimming, I'll either recycle the chuck or scrape the trimmings off and throw it into some random mug or vase.