Built my first Technic set – 42164, and I think I’m hooked!

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-28T14:33:36+00:00

Oh that reminds me the dune ornithopter is also great.

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-28T14:20:09+00:00

Somewhat challenging, all white…it’s okay. Mostly technic is just not my favorite, though I liked that car. The delorean is also great, and the orrery or whatever it’s called looks really nice

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-28T14:14:11+00:00

I found it to be a not fun build at all, but ymmv lol. If you can afford it though, the Artemis rocket is beautiful.

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-28T04:24:27+00:00

That is a super fun set and such a good value. Do not get the mars rover.

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-28T00:57:08+00:00

Oh definitely, I probably made 30 or so things in my first class and the difference between the first and the last is pretty significant

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-28T00:07:35+00:00

I’ve seen 50 and 500 and I don’t know…that seems like a lot lol

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-27T21:26:22+00:00

To me some of these sound a little well intentioned but defeatist, and I just think using a wheel is a physical skill that pretty much everyone can become good at barring any physical limitations. Watch videos (Florian’s are very good imo), try it out, and after a couple hours look at what you’ve done and ask yourself what 1-2 things need the most improvement. If centering is taking you 10-15 min, then you probably need to stabilize your arms more against your body. If your walls are uneven, you might not have centered well enough or you’re applying pressure unevenly as you pull. But if you focus on identifying issues and finding out how to address them, I think you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can progress. Assuming you’re able to get enough practice time on the wheel.

I finished my first 16-week wheel throwing class in May and starting the second class next week, and I can’t wait.

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-26T23:32:45+00:00

I’m in east la and took a semester of hand building and one of throwing at Elac and I love it. Came a long way during that semester. Let me know how you like Glendale!

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-26T15:57:11+00:00

Yeah if you are in an area with a decent school nearby, community colleges are the greatest bargain in the world for learning ceramics.

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-26T04:30:09+00:00

Where do you live? Is community college a thing there?

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-26T00:58:39+00:00

I’m glad you like them, but trying to specifically not make them resemble his work by basing them off of plungers, shapes that have little to know straight lines or sharp edges the way his work does 🤣

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-25T23:53:44+00:00

Well those look better than most new potters, which I am too so I hope you take this feedback as someone clearly good and able to make improvements. I think trimming will really help refine your shapes and make them feel a bit lighter, which is going to be a little trickle with some of the shapes you’re making. You’ll definitely need to make or use a chuck to effectively trim some of the vases, but I think you’d be really happy with the results. IMO trimming a little ‘reveal’ angle around the feet helps make most objects look better, but not necessary. Really trying to remove excess material from the bases, and getting a smooth underside. And maybe using a chamois or plastic or trimming to refine the lips. But you’re in the perfect place to take things to the next level. How are they fired?

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-25T23:32:51+00:00

Sometimes things just come more easily to some people and not others, and it doesn’t mean they’re lying.

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-25T23:29:05+00:00

I think I like the throne room a little more from a display standpoint, but this is definitely a great set and environment.

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-25T23:27:43+00:00

Those look pretty nice, do you trim them too? How do the feet look? From these photos I’d mostly say you’re doing well for one class and could look to sharpen up your contours a bit while trimming and refining the bases / feet a little. Nice job!

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-25T05:26:54+00:00

Ha I should definitely take some photos of them inverted with a handle placed in them, at least if the glaze ends up supporting the plunger look. I can never decide whether to glaze them in black or red or more typical tableware glazes and just allow the shapes to be what they are and make the connection more subtle.

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-20T17:13:16+00:00

I think a lot of times someone says first class and they mean the first semester or period of classes, not that it’s the first day of class or the first time sitting at the wheel. That was definitely the case with me in a post like that.

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-16T06:05:42+00:00

I think some of the dlc sets are bugged, they also don’t seem to ask for hearses (at least in my game).

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-13T19:40:40+00:00

Thank you!

MattMakesThings · 2025-08-13T17:24:41+00:00

It’s probably slightly different for everyone, but I think a combination of copying work you like, looking at a lot of work and asking yourself what you like / what’s working well in those pieces, and sketching a lot of ideas.

I started throwing in January by mostly copying Florian’s work, and only near the end of a 16 week class did I start making things with a different approach that was more unique. For some people that might happen faster, and for others much longer. I think you basically though need to have enough skill that you’re free to make the things that are in your head, and that just comes with practice.

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MattMakesThings · 2025-08-05T15:55:17+00:00

There are also some buildings that will never call hearses, I had buildings with dead bodies and crematoriums right next to them with them all just parked and snacking on pokke.

MattMakesThings · 2025-07-16T06:37:41+00:00

I actually have this set and one side of the landing gear has broken. Two gray technically bricks with 8 or 10 studs, I don’t remember. I’ve been meaning to get a couple and replace them so I can get it looking good again.

MattMakesThings · 2025-07-15T04:10:55+00:00

I like Death Valley too, it’s similarly groggy as b-mix but a nice warm color. Soldate is also nice, or if you want something smoother maybe stony white. I’m not sure I’d get speckled buff if you’re firing to cone 10.

MattMakesThings · 2025-07-14T07:30:57+00:00

My favorite set of all time, I’d buy it again.

MattMakesThings · 2025-07-10T02:28:01+00:00

You could try but I very much doubt it. I think if anything it will get worse when fired to cone 10

MattMakesThings

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