PMEA-301 Buffalo Horn Calipers are used to measure and compare the external diameter of pottery pieces, ensuring consistent dimensions, especially in wheel-thrown work.
- Maintaining Scale for Production Pottery: When making many identical cups, bowls, or plates, potters use these calipers to set the standard size of the first piece. They then use this setting to check subsequent pieces during wheel-throwing to ensure all items have the same width.
- Measuring for Vessel Lids (Fitting Lids): Use to measure the diameter of the rim of a jar or teapot. Then, use this measurement to create a lid, ensuring it will fit perfectly after drying and firing, neither too small nor too large.
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Checking Profiles (Measuring Profiles): The curved legs, resembling buffalo horns, are designed to span over the widest part of a vase or jar, allowing you to measure external diameters at various points without hitting the rim.
- Open the caliper legs and gently embrace the desired measurement point (be careful not to press into the clay).
- Adjust the joint's tightness to lock that measurement.
- Lift the calipers and compare them to a ruler to read the centimeter/inch value, or immediately use this measurement to check against other pieces.