After this item was delivered, I read the reviews and became worried that I had made a poor decision of buying it. First of all, I found a skid-proof surface (shelf liner with bumps on it) to put under this little machine to prevent sliding. Secondly, my first attempt was hilarious because the clay flew all over the place. Now, I have used those thin plastic cutting boards taped with Duct Tape to have a barrier behind my wheel and work space. Both of these ideas made it possible for me to throw four little pots. I have a lot of experience throwing on a wheel. I am not a professional by any means but this is NOT a toy nor is it for beginners. I relied on the yellow tools which were included because there is no way my hand or finger can fit inside the tiny item I was making! Also, the amount of clay and type is important. I used a white clay with little grog in it. My clay amount was the size of a walnut or slightly larger. I rolled it in a symmetrical ball and pushed that ball in the center of the wheel on a damp surface, as centered as I could make it. Then, I turned the wheel on to the highest speed and rather than centering the clay in the traditional manner (any extreme pressure slows this little wheel) I used a small trimming tool to get my ball of clay symmetrical and centered. The above made for success these two times I've tried using it. It's SO MUCH FUN! Oh yeah, shaping the bowl and trimming it was done with a slower speed as not to throw the bowl off center!
nicola 
