Pres Posted May 30, 2022 Report Share Posted May 30, 2022 Hi folks, I was working a workshop this last weekend, talking about tools, when it hit me that I used one particular tool in preference to most of the others. This got me to wondering if others out there have a "go to" tool. A tool that you turn to whenever working with the clay because it seems just so right. My tool is the spoon end of a bamboo spoon from a moderately priced bamboo kitchen tool set. I use it to open up bowls and dishes, either flat or deep bottom forms, to shape/inflate pitchers and vases, large or small. It is almost the entire tool set in many cases. My second most favorite tool is a throwing stick that I use to open up chalice cups and mugs along with the occasional bottle form. QotW: Do you have a favorite tool for throwing or hanbuilding that you can not do without? best, Pres Hulk and Rae Reich 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnolia Mud Research Posted May 30, 2022 Report Share Posted May 30, 2022 My left hand in the right place. The right hand handles the "tools" but the left hand holds the clay in the proper place. LT Pres, Hulk and Rae Reich 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hulk Posted May 30, 2022 Report Share Posted May 30, 2022 Several! Large sponge* Needle tool - made from a small screwdriver, the end ground to a point - the handle and overall length is "just right" for me Two wooden knife tools Metal ribs - for exterior, I'm wearing away inexpensive generic kidneys now, preserving the more expensive brand name bowl curve one for interiors only Trimming tool made from a hack saw blade That's five, aah, yep, I need them! There are a few other tools that see frequent use - bit o' chamois, cheap plastic caliper, ballpoint pen, loop trimmer, chattering tools (made from hack saw blades), wood ribs, drill bits, small kitchen knife - it'd be tough without the five tho'... *I cut a very large sponge into two somewhat large sponges, one to use while working, the other sits in the corner of the built in splash pan, where I set tools that are difficult (for me) to pick up. Smaller sponges also cut from a very large into purposeful shapes and sizes; I use a rounded corner bit a lot. Pres and Rae Reich 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denice Posted May 30, 2022 Report Share Posted May 30, 2022 I have a small thumb tool that is almost worn away, I have bought replacements for it but they don't feel right. Denice Rae Reich, Hulk and Pres 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rae Reich Posted May 31, 2022 Report Share Posted May 31, 2022 (edited) A 4” square of chamois, or artificial equivalent as for car washing, in my right hand for throwing. It delivers a minimum - just right - amount of water to the pot and can wrap around fingers that could be abraded by the wheel head. Needle tool. It’s handy to put the back end of wood-handled needle tool in the pencil sharpener to make a it a reversible drawing/decorating tool. For throwing and handbuilding. Edited May 31, 2022 by Rae Reich Hulk and Pres 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rae Reich Posted June 1, 2022 Report Share Posted June 1, 2022 I do love my Giffen Grip for trimming too! I was never good at tapping to center….. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeU Posted June 1, 2022 Report Share Posted June 1, 2022 Two bamboo chopsticks: one is squared with a flat top and a long-ish very pointed tip; the other is rounded with a rounded top and short-ish blunted rounded tip. I can play slap & tickle and get at least 12 different basic initial imprints, carvings, and holes with these two sticks. I also have larger similar shapes made from regular wood sticks, used "as is" or altered to get the rounded/pointy etc. features/unctions. Rae Reich 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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