Which Are Your Most Frequently Used Tools And How Do You Use Them? | August 6, 2013

[lorielle]

A lot of potters are tool hoarders.  I love to try new tools, but often I find myself using the same old favorites, over and over.  For throwing, I tend to  use a homemade 45, a wire tool, a needle tool, a rib made from a hotel keycard and an eggcrate sponge.  For handbuilding, I love my rib with a serrated edge.  Which are your most frequently used tools and how do you use them?

[oldlady]

different sized discs made of walnut made years ago by a friend who watched me throw a bowl with a computer disc.  and, of course, my bison trimming "pear" tool.  sponges cut from tile setter sponges to use for holding water allowing me to throw with little water......and no splashpan!

[TJR]

I tend to use the regulation pottery tools. I actually LIKE the spun steel cut off wires. I use two all the time. I have about 15 fettling knives lying around the studio, so I can grab one when needed. I throw with Kemper wooden ribs. I have made all kinds of trimming tools out of hack-saw blades,etc. They sit on the window sill. My ambition was to use as few tools as possible. Can't do it.I use my tools for a long time, and then replace them with the same model that wore out.

TJR.

[JLowes]

My favorites that get used almost every time I throw are two wooden tools inspired by other potters, Mudtools ribs and a Dirty Girls wiggle wire. 

 

One of the DIY wood tools is a short, wide (not thick) "knife" with two different radii (total of four different radii available) at each pointed end. It is made from a Home Depot give away paint stirrer, and was inspired from a workshop I attended with Fong Choo.  I use it in place of the typical wood knife.  I made another from fir trim that is a little thicker and more moisture resistant, but the paint stirrer model feels so much better in the hand as it is thinner.

 

The other DIY wood tool is a knock-off of Bill Van Gilder's Under Cut Rib tool.  I made mine from a left over piece of fir trim.

 

The Dirty Girls wiggle wire is what I use to cut off my pots.  Using either of the wood tools, I clean up the bottom next to the wheel, then slice through the base under the pot using various wiggles and moves as the wiggle wire is pulled through.  Then I lift the pot off of the bat or wheelhead and set it on Hardibacker to dry.  This results in a finished bottom with very little cleanup needed.  I rarely put a raised foot on a pot.  Even when I do, it may be three lugs of clay suitably shaped and attached to he bottom to raise the pot up.

 

John

[Celia UK]

I love my Mud tools throwing sponge - fabulous texture! Also like their ribs - various flexibilities, just great!

[Rebekah Krieger]

I lost it- It's a wood knife 

 

I tried ordering some that look similar on ebay and they are way smaller and not anywhere as awesome

 

I also LOVE my blue rubber rib. Use it for everything