No guesswork tap centering using the timing method 

I shared your frustration. It’s just physics. No need to make it mysterious.

I hope it works for you. Thanks for the kind words. For various reasons I’ve taken a hiatus from pottery and teaching classes. Makes me want to get back into it.

I think that most potters are the creative type who don’t necessarily approach problems from an analytical perspective. There are exceptions like John Brit. I’m an engineer by profession (specifically, a structural analyst) so I can’t help but over analyze stuff. LOL.

Greg 99 Thank you for the kind words. I am an engineer by profession, so I guess that influences my communication style. I hope the system works for you.

I have found it helpful to take classes from several different teachers and apply the things from each that work for you. Pottery comes down to physics, chemistry, heat transfer, control theory, and a bunch of other mechanical engineering subjects. If you can think analytically about the first principles you can make faster progress in refining the mechanics of producing pots. I suppose one can get too analytical when it comes to the artistic aspects, and end up with sterile forms. IMHO hand made ware shouldn’t appear perfect. It should bear evidence of the techniques used to make it, so maybe stay loose and whimsical there. Take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt (including mine). Keep at it and you’ll find your own way.

I hope it works for you

lol that’s a new one

Pottery is a great hobby for engineers. You can go as deep into the technical weeds as you care to.

@@robertvance4362 Thanks. It has been fun (when I get a chance). I taught an EE class this term in the evenings so between that and real work I didn't have much time for pottery. I am taking the next semester off so maybe. BTW, I see we are 3rd in LinkedIn so we are have foafs that know each other. Also, my wife was born in Memphis. Small world.

Terry Christens Yes I tried to follow what he was doing but couldn’t get the hang of it. I actually think tapping with your left hand , as he does, would be more effective, but that wasn’t going to happen.

Same!!!!

Nina M I hope it works for you.

Thank you. A boss once told me when we were trying something new that we had the advantage of ignorance! No preconceived ideas to get in the way. Engineers are trained to break down big problems into the fundamental elements of physics so that it becomes a series of easy problems. That is generally my approach and what I attempted to convey here.

Aleisa Duley, I hope it works for you.

Glad to hear it!

Winona, you are very kind. I've been pretty busy these days and haven't been in the studio much. Hopefully some day....

I hope this works for you. Random tapping doesn't make sense to me either. Maybe I'm missing something, (I was probably too harsh in the video about it. ) I guess I just need a better explanation as to how that works.

I'm very glad it helped you.

Louise Slater Simon Leach has an interesting idea using a piece of non skid shelf liner. www.amazon.com/Duck-393075-Original-Non-Adhesive-20-Inch/dp/B000HMCEE6/ref=pd_sim_201_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=67ZKJ9Q7CPAYAXYQGMND

I think I understand your question. Every time you tap, you have to reset the timing because you have changed when and where it touches your left hand thumb. I have to let it touch 2 or 3 times until I am reasonably confident I have the rhythm right for the next tap. If I were more coordinated I could do it the same every time.

Robert Vance I love your way of communicating and your modesty..

Jayram Pal what do you want to buy?

The speed is not critical to the method. The count is based on the touch. I use about 1 revolution per second, but only because that is about as slow as I can feel a rhythm. Faster is fine, but things can get out of control

@@robertvance4362 Merci beaucoup ! J'y suis un peu arrivée alors que jamais auparavant. 😊

You are very welcome. I hope it helps.