Tools of the trade
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Tools of the trade
Beginning potters who doubt their ability to throw, or believe that throwing ability is an innate talent rather than a learned skill, should be pleased to know that history shows without question that nearly anyone can become proficient at throwing on the potter's wheel.
Because of their inexperience, beginning potters may
assume that most of the problems they encounter while
throwing are the result of a lack of skill. To improve their skills, beginners should be concerned with the advantages and disadvantages of the various tools, equipment, and materials used for throwing. At times a simple adjustment in tools, equipment, or materials will solve a problem.
Tools of the trade:
There are many tools available to aid throwing techniques.
A basic group of tools for beginning potters might include the following:
Elephant ear sponges for adding or removing water
Wood modeling tools or pencils for incising and for
undercutting the base of a piece of ware prior to
removing it from a wheel head
Wood ribs with one curved and one straight side to use in place of the fingers for pulling, flattening, or
straightening a surface
Needle tools with the wood end sharpened for cutting
and incising
Cutting wire or string for removing a piece of ware
from a wheel head (see tools to make one yourself)
There are a number of commercially manufactured tools
which you can add to this list as needed, and you can
improvise with common items such as pencils, dish
sponges, etc. Personal experimentation will help you
decide which tools and materials work best for your own needs.
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