KICK WHEELS Meaning and
Definition
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Kick wheels, also known as foot-powered pottery wheels or treadle wheels, are traditional tools used by potters to create ceramic vessels. They consist of a circular rotating platform supported by a frame, which is powered by the potter’s foot motion.
To use a kick wheel, the potter typically sits on a stool or bench and places their foot on the pedal located underneath the wheel. By repeatedly pushing the pedal down and then releasing it, the potter generates rotational force that transfers to the wheelhead, causing it to spin. This spinning motion allows the potter to shape clay into desired forms by hand.
Kick wheels are valued for their simplicity and versatility. They offer potters a wide range of control and precision, as the speed of the wheel can be adjusted according to the potter’s foot pressure. This allows for smooth and consistent rotations, enabling skilled potters to create symmetrical pottery pieces such as bowls, plates, vases, and cups.
Despite the widespread availability of electric pottery wheels, kick wheels are still used by many artisans worldwide. They are often preferred for their connection to traditional pottery methods and the tactile experience they provide. Creating pottery on a kick wheel requires a strong sense of balance, coordination, and rhythm, making it a physically engaging and meditative practice for artisans.
Common Misspellings for KICK WHEELS
- jick wheels
- mick wheels
- lick wheels
- oick wheels
- iick wheels
- kuck wheels
- kjck wheels
- kkck wheels
- kock wheels
- k9ck wheels
- k8ck wheels
- kixk wheels
- kivk wheels
- kifk wheels
- kidk wheels
Etymology of KICK WHEELS
The term "kick wheel", also known as a "kick wheel potter's wheel", originated from the combination of two words: "kick" and "wheel".
- Kick: The word "kick" comes from the Old Norse word "kikna", which means "to bend backwards" or "to yield". In English, it evolved to refer to the act of striking with the foot or leg, as in kicking a ball.
- Wheel: The word "wheel" can be traced back to the Old English word "hweol", which ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kwel-", meaning "to revolve" or "to turn". It refers to a circular device with a hub and a frame, commonly used for transportation or rotation.
When combined, "kick wheel" specifically refers to a pottery wheel that is operated by pressing or kicking a treadle with the foot, causing the wheel to rotate.
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