Question:
What tools do I need to start potting?
sandpaper attached to a table top
A piece of sandpaper attached to a table top is an effective aid in leveling the bottoms of greenware pieces.
How to attach a bat to the wheelhead
To attach bat to the wheelhead, you must throw a small
ball of clay, flatten it out to cover at least 15cm of
the wheelhead Create two grooves in the disc of clay,
then create a channel from the centre of the disc to the
outside,( this will drain excess water and stop the
bat bed from becoming too moist). The wooden bat can
now be centred on the clay disc, and ware thrown and
removed on the bat.
Wareboard
Wareboards: These are invaluable for transporting, drying and storing ware.
Best made from Marine ply 4 ply is enough, 1m x 50c, is a good size. Cut out with jigsaw.
Cut 40cm long x 4cm dowl in half and nail 10cm in from either side (this gives a fingerhold and is easy to slip into frames (If you've been ingenious
enough to build them )
A comb
A comb can become a texturing tool when scraped/swirled or crosshatched on a piece of greenware.
Clay-cutter
Claycutter: Is a must-have tool for all potters as is the only tool used to cut clay.
I find very fine picture framing wire to be the best, it can be wound around and handles you prefer from buttons to wooden dowel.(an incision should be made in the dowel for the wire to sit in , or your hands feel the result).
For slicing large slabs to wedge, I use very strong fishing line and buttons, this I find is the easiest on my hands.
tools for the beginner
Although there are hundreds of different tools available for the ceramist, only a basic assortment is required for the beginner.
For handbuilding all that is really necessary is a claycutter and smoothing knife, the addition of extra tools will depend on the work at hand. Many tools can be made at home, check out my tips.
Beginners sets
Beginner pottery tool sets are available at art, craft, even
hardware stores usually for around $12-$15. One of the
basic tools a beginner's set comes equipped with is a
trimming tool. It's great to get you familiar with trimming
and but you may want to add a couple more to make your
set complete. Especially with trimming tools be sure you
have the right ones for the job.
Mixing Glazes
Best Ready-made Tool helpers: Dremel high speed rotary tool (available in
hardwares)
with Aluminum Oxide cone or round tips. Great for grinding off poky bits
from glazeware (but refire
glaze to smooth it again...)
For glaze test and slip mixing, get an old electric blender and mayo or
canning jars. Screw the
cutting assembly on the jar with what you want delumped, and blend away.
Keep a hand lightly on top
as you blend, to keep the jar from being vibrated off. I never sieve glaze
samples--the few tiny lumps
don't matter on the test, and a lot of time is saved...
Ceramics Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions should I take in the studio?
How do I fire an electric kiln?
What are some stoneware glazes?
What Precautions when using dry ingredients?
How do I apply opaque stains ?
What should I keep in mind when designing my studio?
What tools do I need to start potting?
How do I best promote myself and my work?
What safety aspect should I keep in mind when working with glazes?
What should I remember when firing the kiln?
How do I best publicise my business?
How do I make a simple plaster mold?
How do I fire overglazes/lustres?
How do I create fine feature lines?
How and when sholuld I apply underglazes?
Are they Water or oil base stains?
Are any two kilns are exactly alike?
Can I use sand to stop glaze running onto shelves
Does greenware need to be dry before loading?
What is the history of the Potter´s Wheel?
What is The History of the Way of Tea
What is Celadon (Cheong-Ja) - the Stuff of Kings?
What is an overglaze marbleizer?
Is there a trick toThrowing Porcelain?
What are some stoneware glazes?
What are some good tools for decoration?
How do I apply texture to my piece?
Do I need kiln wash for bisque?
How do I refire a glazed piece ?
What must I remember when Raku firing?
How do I add decoration to my ceramics?
How do I care for my elements?
Does over firing produce poor colour in coloured glaze?s
What are some Black Firing Tips and Tricks?
What is the safest way to pack my ceramics?
How do I do a reduction firing?
automatic kiln sitter, should I trust it?
What are some tips for draining a mold?
What safety measures should I take with Raku Firing?
How do I attach a bat to the wheelhead?
What tools do I need for ceramics
What are suggested plate clay weights?
What do I need to get started?
What tools do I need to make a coil pot
How do I fire ceramic bisque ?
How do I recycle batches of clay quickly
What is the correct firing time?
How to I prepare and make slabs?
What materials are toxic in Ceramics?
Can Crackle glazes be used for food?
How do I avoid S cracks in wheel thrown ware
How do I get the press onside?
What are the Approx. firing times?
Ho do I avoid pitting and pinholes?
How do I decorate my ceramics?
How do I Bisque fire in an electric kiln?
How do I decorate my ceramics?
How do I apply crackle glazes ?
What effects can I achieve with a brush?
How do I Drain small pour holes?
How do I care for my new Kiln?
can I draw directly onto a piece?
How do I fire different bodies?
What is the humming in my new kiln?
What should I remember when firing a new kiln?
how do I get the best results in glazing?
How do I prevent dirt on my greenware?
How do I accomodate Clay Storage in my studio?
How do I prevent sagging during firing?
How do I load my brush for applying underglaze?
Why should I use pottery plaster?
How do I prevent glazes from settling ?
How do I create a woodtone effect?
What are some Doing well Quotes?
How do I care for my elements?
How do I store my throwing tools?
What is the history of Ceramics?
Why do I get black spots in my glaze?
How do I load my kiln for a glaze firing?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Jolyn Wells-Moran |
