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Operate pug mills to blend and extrude clay.
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Mix and apply glazes to pottery pieces, using tools, such as spray guns.
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Move pieces from wheels so that they can dry.
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Prepare work for sale or exhibition, and maintain relationships with retail, pottery, art, and resource networks that can facilitate sale or exhibition of work.
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Pull wires through bases of articles and wheels to separate finished pieces.
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Maintain supplies of tools, equipment, and materials, and order additional supplies as needed.
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Start machine units and conveyors and observe lights and gauges on panel board to verify operational efficiency.
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Attach handles to pottery pieces.
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Adjust wheel speeds according to the feel of the clay as pieces enlarge and walls become thinner.
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Press thumbs into centers of revolving clay to form hollows, and press on the inside and outside of emerging clay cylinders with hands and fingers, gradually raising and shaping clay to desired forms and sizes.
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Verify accuracy of shapes and sizes of objects, using calipers and templates.
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Position balls of clay in centers of potters' wheels, and start motors or pump treadles with feet to revolve wheels.
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Adjust pressures, temperatures, and trimming tool settings as required.
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Design spaces to display pottery for sale.
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Raise and shape clay into wares, such as vases and pitchers, on revolving wheels, using hands, fingers, and thumbs.
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Operate gas or electric kilns to fire pottery pieces.
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Perform test-fires of pottery to determine how to achieve specific colors and textures.
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Pack and ship pottery to stores or galleries for retail sale.
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Smooth surfaces of finished pieces, using rubber scrapers and wet sponges.
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Examine finished ware for defects and measure dimensions, using rule and thickness gauge.
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Teach pottery classes.
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Design clay forms and molds, and decorations for forms.
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Operate drying chambers to dry or finish molded ceramic ware.