The medieval potter used a kick wheel. A heavy table with a turntable built into the top was used to spin the wet clay so the potter could shape it. The turntable was connected to a rotating platform underneath the table. The potter would kick the platform to make the turntable spin very fast.

Animated instructions to build the Potter's Wheel are at the left. Use the buttons in the picture to play the animation straight through, or to play one step at a time.

Click the button below to get a printable instruction page.