Giffin Grip Model 10®

FAQs & TROUBLESHOOTING


My Giffin Grip Model 10® comes loose when I stop the wheel, what can I do?

Many newer potter's wheels use a motor break and decelerate really fast.  This causes the Top Plate of the Giffin Grip to spin, loosening the sliders. There are mainly two ways you can reduce this issue:

  1. Add more flat shims under the black O-ring that holds the plates together. You can order a set of 2 O-rings and 3 Shims from our website.
  2. Try to purposely decelerate more gradually. It takes a little while to get into the habit but this should resolve the issue.

 

 

Will the Giffin Grip fit my wheel?

The Giffin Grip Model 10® fits most potter’s wheels on the market including: Shimpo, Brent, Speedball, Skutt, and many more. Any potter’s wheel with a removable splash pan, or sufficient side clearance to mount a 16” (42cm) diameter round plate on top will accommodate our Bottom Brackets attachment system, and it can accommodate wheel-heads from 8.5” to 14” in diameter. After a simple, one-time adjustment, the Giffin Grip quickly snaps on and off your wheel.

*Note: when swapping to a different sized wheel-head the Bottom Brackets need to be adjusted as explained in our Assembly Instructions.  We suggest setting the tension just tight enough to fit on snug without needing much force.


My Giffin Grip seems to be off center, what’s wrong? 

The are a few common reasons the Giffin Grip Model 10® can become off center, most of which we have an easy fix for!  Otherwise we stand strongly by our Guarantee and will replace your product free of charge.  Here are the first things to try:

  1. Wiggle your pot!  Once all three Sliders or Rods with Hands make contact with your pot, give it a wiggle (and tighten once more).  This helps to create equal pressure on all three sides and places the pot as close to true-center as possible.  *Note: The Giffin Grip is not perfect and there has always been some variation from true-center (anything less than 1/8" of variation is within our normal tolerances).    

  2. If it is still problematic, check that all three Bottom Brackets on the bottom are set to the same notch.  If they are, and your Giffin Grip Model 10® still appears off center, you may need replacement Bottom Brackets.  Sometimes one of these brackets gets bent over time and replacing them usually solves the problem.  You can order a set on our parts page free of charge under our Warranty.


Does the Giffin Grip come in both clockwise and counter-clockwise versions?

Yes! The Giffin Grip Model 10® comes in two versions, one for working on Counterclockwise or "right-handed" wheels (U.S. STANDARD) and one for working on Clockwise or "left-handed" wheels (primarily used in JAPAN). 

 


Is there a Giffin Grip Guarantee?

Yes! We stand by our 90 day money-back guarantee and 10 years free replacement on parts that wear out or break in normal studio use.


I lost my instructions manual, can I get a new copy?

No problem! Please find the instructions for Giffin Grip Model 10® here, and check out our Assembly Video.

 

How are the Basic Sliders different from the Wide Sliders?

Basic Sliders are for the majority of the pots. They can either hold the base of the pot or higher on the pot using our Rods with Hands for taller pieces.

Wide Sliders extend the diameter of reach towards the edge of the wheel in order to accommodate larger plates and bowls. For platters over 14 inches, we offer the Jumbo Platter Extender.  It combines with the Giffin Grip Model 10® to hold larger work.


How does the Jumbo Platter Extender work?

The Jumbo Platter Extender fits on top of Giffin Grip Model 10® (similar to a bat). allows for trimming platters up to 58 centimeters (23 inches) in diameter.  Three brass bat pins drop into the 3 grooves of the Top Plate and specially designed Jumbo Sliders engage with the spirals on the bottom plate.


How do I know this is the Authentic Giffin Grip?

The Authentic Giffin Grip Model 10® is manufactured in the USA.  It will have our logo imprinted on the Bottom Plate and read:

GIFFIN EARTHWORKS INC. - PO Box 4057 -  BOULDER, COLORADO - 80306 USA

The Giffin Grip Mini™ will also show our company name and patent information.


I saw that there’s a Registration Form in my new Giffin Grip box. Can I fill that out online?

We are working to create an online option.  For now, please email us to request this form!