February 7, 2003, Newsletter Issue #125: Guidelines for the Beginner: Tools

Tip of the Week

Pottery tools:
Ribs: These can be of many materials, wood, plastic, rubber
and aluminium (I suggest you purchase the rubber and metal from your local pottery supply store), being the most common.

Wooden ribs: Are made by roughly cutting the shape with a jigsaw, and using a bench grinder to shape the curves and slant them into a workable v-shape. The off cuts of your bats make perfect ribs. Marine ply being the best timber, as it resists the water, these ribs should last a potter`s lifetime.

Plastic ribs: Easiest ribs to make, but too rigid for my liking. Roughly cut credit or like, plastic card into shape, and sand smooth.

Test Sieve: A small test sieve is a must, for experimenting with glazes and oxides. They are very easy to make and become invaluable. Purchase a strong plastic container approx. 1 ltr capacity. with a rim on the base, the rim gives the sieve strength. Also purchase 200 mesh
wire, it is expensive, but only a tiny circle is required.
cut around the rim with a Stanley knife, heat a long handled knife in an open flame (a gas kiln is great), and gently melt the plastic around the hole and stick the mesh to the molton plastic. This technique can be used on a bucket sieve as well for large batches of glaze.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Ceramics Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Phyllis Serbes