Seasoned Warrior Posted August 18, 2010 Report Share Posted August 18, 2010 Someone asked me what my favorite tool was the other day and I had to really think about it. I love my slab roller, I even have a bit of an attachment to the wedging table I built. But after some serious thought my absolute most favorite tool, it is my opaque projector. A lot of my designs begin with a sketch or a graphic and I use an opaque projector to size it correctly and even to transfer directly to the clay in some instances. I bought it from a school sale and it is one of those huge clunky opaque projectors that those who are old enough know well. I remember the anticipation of the lights going out and the teacher sharing something on the opaque it was like magic. I have mine set up on rollers and a track and projecting on a wall to which I can attach sketch paper or plastic film or even set up a small adjustable table and set a piece of pottery on it to project upon. I can adjust the size almost infinitely. My favorite tool is an Opaque projector, what's yours? Best regards, Charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miri Posted August 18, 2010 Report Share Posted August 18, 2010 My favorite tool is an Opaque projector, what's yours? Best regards, Charles Great thread Charles! I always pick up some new ideas for stuff to "appropriate" for use in the studio when this topic comes up. :-) To my mind, there are two categories of tools I use in the studio: 'proper' pottery tools and "non pottery' pottery tools. I did a blog post on the latter with my top 5 (which can be seen here: http://nickandmiri.w...y-pottery-tools ). My favorite "can't do without for either throwing or hand-building" tool in the studio is my chamois (cut from a large 'car polishing/detailing' cloth). My favorite proper pottery tool is my griffin-grip. It has changed my attitude about trimming (I really enjoy it now) and is a real time saver for me. Second place? My Sherill flexible ribs Curious to hear other folks' favorites! :-) All the best, Miri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyL Posted August 18, 2010 Report Share Posted August 18, 2010 My favorite tool? My hands.......they adapt to most tasks. They're sensitive and can react to the feel of my clay. In a pinch they can add texture too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginametrical Posted August 19, 2010 Report Share Posted August 19, 2010 My favorite studio 'tool' is definitely my bailey extruder. My whole identity as an artist ceases to exist without it!! As for hand held tools, it's definitely a tie between sure-form files and my protractor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLowes Posted August 20, 2010 Report Share Posted August 20, 2010 My favorite tool? My hands.......they adapt to most tasks. They're sensitive and can react to the feel of my clay. In a pinch they can add texture too. I have to vote for hands too. Most of my pots are wheel thrown and although it can be done without hands, they are the most used and adaptable "tool" in my inventory. Second favorite, my wiggle wire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JBaymore Posted August 20, 2010 Report Share Posted August 20, 2010 My favorite tool? My hands.......they adapt to most tasks. They're sensitive and can react to the feel of my clay. In a pinch they can add texture too. That was my first reaction to the question too. The second reaction ....out side of the hands........ was whatever tool I happen to be using at the moment that is "getting the job done". It can change at a moment's notice. best, ...........john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted August 20, 2010 Report Share Posted August 20, 2010 I agree with hands and then I like my home made wooden tools made with a belt sander. Maybe the belt sander would be it then. Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hansen Posted August 24, 2010 Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 I get cheap pottery tools at the supplier, the wooden rib shaped roughly like a triangle is my all time favorite, that one and a piece of sponge (any kind) and a ball of string and I'm ready to go. h a n s e n p.s. or if I want to get fancy I use the credit-card shaped rib, the semi-circle rib, and the wooden knife tool instead of the triangular rib. I always use rosewood tools, the do well if I forget and leave then in the water. pps - seawool just gets better the longer you have it around, I try not to use too much of it as it is environmentally very precious ppps - if I had to use one tool and one tool only it would probably be the kiln. I could get rid ofa ll the rest and still get by. The kiln is indispensible. Someone asked me what my favorite tool was the other day and I had to really think about it. I love my slab roller, I even have a bit of an attachment to the wedging table I built. But after some serious thought my absolute most favorite tool, it is my opaque projector. A lot of my designs begin with a sketch or a graphic and I use an opaque projector to size it correctly and even to transfer directly to the clay in some instances. I bought it from a school sale and it is one of those huge clunky opaque projectors that those who are old enough know well. I remember the anticipation of the lights going out and the teacher sharing something on the opaque it was like magic. I have mine set up on rollers and a track and projecting on a wall to which I can attach sketch paper or plastic film or even set up a small adjustable table and set a piece of pottery on it to project upon. I can adjust the size almost infinitely. My favorite tool is an Opaque projector, what's yours? Best regards, Charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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