Expert: Leisha Hiester - 1/23/2009

Question
I am starting to throw large platters on the wheel.  I am using a stone ware clay.  
I purchased 14" plastic bats.  Do wire cut after it is leather hard or before.  I have
difficulty removing the piece from the bat.

Answer
Bob,

Congratulations on attempting large platters! They can be tricky. I always wire cut as soon as possible because I live in an arrid desert. I leave the platter on the batt & place another (same size) batt on top while drying. I bag with plastic overnight at least, sometimes two days, at times even, 3 days then flip the batts over to release the bottom batt. I then allow the bottom to dry out slowly too under a bag until ready to trim. Hope this helps.

Leisha