The use of plastic wedges driven into the backcut to direct the tree into its fall and to avoid setbacks on to the chainsaw.
Kneading plastic clay to remove air pockets trapped in it and to achieve the desired texture.
A general conditioning of the prepared clay body. Kneading or mixing plastic clay by cutting or rolling. This process compresses the clay and works air bubbles out or the body and develops a uniform texture or consistency.
A manual process of preparing clay for use by a potter. Similar to kneading dough, wedging accomplishes three things: a) it removes air pockets present within the clay mass, b) it helps to align the individual clay particles making the process of throwing slightly easier and the clay stronger, and c) it is a final mixing process that tends to even out water concentrations in the clay as well as homogenize the various ingredients in the clay mixture. See also clay, claybody.
To clear or separate a board as it is being cut, with wooden or plastic wedges. This helps to carry the weight of the board, especially when cutting slabs.
A method of de-airing and dispersing moisture uniformly by hand in a piece of clay. The lump of clay is repeatedly thrown hard onto the work bench, turned over and occasionally cut through and re-joined.
The cutting of clay into wedges in the process of mixing and kneading it to an even consistency. See also - Pugmill
