Essential Pottery Tools
Pottery can be created using two main techniques: hand-building and wheel-throwing. In both methods, a variety of tools are employed, each serving a unique purpose. These tools not only facilitate the pottery-making process but also enhance the final appearance of the pieces. Below are some of the most significant tools utilized in pottery making:
Cotton Towels
Given that pottery work can be quite messy, having absorbent cotton towels on hand is essential. These towels help keep hands clean throughout the process. Additionally, placing a larger towel over the lap during seating protects clothing from clay stains.
Potter’s Needles
These needles are long, robust tools with wooden, metal, or plastic handles. They are primarily used to trim the upper edges of pottery pieces while they are on the wheel or during hand-building.
Cutting Wires
Cutting wires typically feature two handles on either end and are employed for cutting larger ceramic shapes or detaching pieces from the wheel for easier transport. Pottery-specific wires can be used, or flexible strings of any type may suffice.
Rib Knives
Rib knives come with thin blades and can be rigid or flexible. Some types are sturdy and stable, while others can bend to accommodate angles and curves. They are utilized for trimming slabs and shapes made from clay, and for slicing through pottery pieces.
Pottery Wheel
This rotating wheel significantly simplifies the clay working process, allowing artisans to create desired shapes effortlessly. It is often powered by electricity and can even be used for displaying ceramic products.
Calipers
Calipers are used to take precise measurements from a pottery piece’s interior and exterior, ensuring a well-proportioned shape. They assist in matching the dimensions of a cup’s base with the center of the plate it will sit on. Calipers are available in various sizes and shapes, with stainless steel versions being highly preferred.
Rolling Pins
While commonly found in kitchens, rolling pins can also be employed in pottery for flattening clay slabs. They help achieve uniform thickness across the slabs, preventing them from being unevenly thick or thin.
Fettling Knives
Fettling knives are crafted from durable, soft materials and are used to smooth the edges and outer surfaces of pottery, eliminating cracks. They come in multiple sizes for accessing hard-to-reach areas.
Decorating Tools
These tools are specifically designed for embellishing pottery pieces. For example, serrated scrapers made from stainless steel are available with various toothed edges, allowing artisans to create diverse patterns on their ceramics.
Pottery Hole Cutters
These tools are essential for creating holes in clay and are available in different sizes to accommodate the desired hole dimensions. They are utilized for various design applications, such as creating pieces intended for hanging, enhancing the aesthetics of pottery, or crafting ceramic toothbrush holders.