Must-Have Tools for Your Pottery Studio
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- JTP Merchandise
- Essential Tool 1: Wheel Trimming Tool
- Essential Tool 2: Sponges
- Essential Tool 3: Metal Rib
- Essential Tool 4: Trimming Tool
- Essential Tool 5: Trimming Spinner
- JTP Etsy Restock
- Essential Tool 6: Paint Scraper
- Essential Tool 7: Bats
- Essential Tool 8: Grinding Discs
- Essential Tool 9: Kiln Shelves
- Essential Tool 10: Glaze Eraser
- Conclusion
My 10 Essential Tools in the Studio
Hello there, I'm John the Potter and welcome to the studio. Today, I want to share with you my top 10 essential tools that I use on a daily basis. These tools help me achieve success in the studio, and I believe they can do the same for you. So, let's dive in!
JTP Merchandise
But before we begin, I wanted to let you know that we have some exciting JTP merchandise available. Whether you're looking for a cozy sweatshirt, a stylish t-shirt, or a trendy tank top, we've got you covered. Check out the link in the description below to explore our merchandise collection, including options for kids. Stay stylish while working in the studio!
Essential Tool 1: Wheel Trimming Tool
The first essential tool on our list is the Wheel Trimming Tool from Old Forge Creations. This tool, created by another talented potter, is designed to help you create a foot on your pots while throwing. It saves a significant amount of time and gives a neat finish to your pieces. Additionally, it can double as a drip catcher, preventing glaze from dripping off your pots during firing. Old Forge Creations offers this tool for purchase on their website.
Essential Tool 2: Sponges
Next, we have two sponges that I consider my go-to tools in the studio. The first sponge is a synthetic mud tool sponge, which is incredibly soft and comfortable to hold while throwing. It's ideal for shaping clay and offers a great grip. The second sponge is perfect for absorbing water and stopping any water or slip from getting on your hands while throwing. These sponges are essential for a smooth throwing experience.
Essential Tool 3: Metal Rib
Another tool that I absolutely love is the Metal Rib. This rib, also known as the "Metal Rib of Death," has a unique shape that allows me to create specific indentations and shapes on my pots. It has a straight edge that I use for shaping, and a rounded edge for creating indentations. This tool provides precision and control in my work, making it a must-have in my studio.
Essential Tool 4: Trimming Tool
When it comes to trimming, my favorite tool is the Trimming Tool from Mud Tools. This tool has two sides: one for trimming flat surfaces and another for removing larger amounts of clay. It offers versatility and efficiency in trimming, allowing me to achieve clean and precise results. To ensure stability while trimming, I highly recommend using a Trimming Spinner, which helps disperse the weight and provides a steady rotation while trimming.
JTP Etsy Restock
Before we move on to the next essential tool, I wanted to share some exciting news. We have a restock coming up on our Etsy store! On March 9th at 6:00 PM, we will be releasing over 120 pots, making it our biggest restock yet. From gold decals to Minnesota mugs and slow cool fire micro-crystals, we have a wide range of unique and stylish items available. Don't miss out on the opportunity to get your hands on a John the Potter pot.
Essential Tool 6: Paint Scraper
If you're looking for a budget-friendly tool that offers tremendous convenience, a paint scraper is a must-have. You can find one at your local hardware store for just a few dollars. I use this tool to easily remove clay from bats after throwing. It saves me time and keeps my studio clean and organized. The paint scraper can also be used on the side of pots, providing versatility in your creative process.
Essential Tool 7: Bats
Bats are an essential tool for any potter. They offer stability and convenience while throwing and allow you to easily transport your pots. I prefer using square-shaped bats, as they provide more space for smaller pieces and can fit more on a wear board. Continental Clay offers great composite wood bats that provide a porous surface, ensuring even drying of your pots. Additionally, the Russian Doll Bat System from Hartley and Noble is a fantastic space-saving solution for smaller studios.
Essential Tool 8: Grinding Discs
Maintaining flat bottoms on pots is crucial, and that's where Grinding Discs come in handy. Diamond Core Tools offers a range of discs, from coarse to fine, that can be easily attached to a bat. If you have pots that come out of the kiln with an uneven bottom, simply place the pot on the disc, add a little water, and let it spin while the disc grinds it perfectly flat. These discs have saved me countless pots and are an essential tool for any potter.
Essential Tool 9: Kiln Shelves
If you're frustrated with glaze drips ruining your kiln shelves, you'll love Advancer Kiln Shelves. These revolutionary shelves are lighter, thinner, and more durable than traditional shelves. The best part is that glaze drips no longer stick to the shelves, allowing pots to come off cleanly without any damage. These kiln shelves have been a game-changer for me, and the investment has quickly paid off.
Essential Tool 10: Glaze Eraser
Finally, we have the Glaze Eraser, another fantastic product from Advancer Kiln Shelves. This tool allows you to easily scrape off glaze drips from your kiln shelves, keeping them flat and smooth. Additionally, you can use the flat side of the eraser to smooth out any imperfections on your pots. It's a versatile tool that ensures a clean finish in both your kiln and your pottery.
In conclusion, these 10 essential tools have significantly impacted my pottery journey and have become invaluable assets in my studio. From trimming tools to sponges, bats to grinding discs, each tool plays a vital role in achieving success and enhancing my creative process. I encourage you to explore these tools and find the ones that best suit your needs. Happy potting!
Highlights
- JTP merchandise is available, including t-shirts, tank tops, and hoodies.
- The Wheel Trimming Tool from Old Forge Creations provides a neat finish to pots and works as a drip catcher.
- Mud Tools sponges are essential for throwing and water absorption.
- The Metal Rib offers precision and versatility in shaping and creating indentations.
- Mud Tools trimming tools and Trimming Spinner provide efficiency and stability in trimming.
- JTP Etsy restock on March 9th, featuring over 120 pots and various unique items.
- A paint scraper is a budget-friendly tool for removing clay from bats and pots.
- Square-shaped bats from Continental Clay and the Russian Doll Bat System from Hartley and Noble offer stability and space-saving solutions.
- Diamond Core Tools grinding discs ensure flat bottoms on pots.
- Advancer Kiln Shelves prevent glaze dripping and offer durability and convenience.
- Glaze Eraser helps scrape off glaze drips from kiln shelves and smoothes out imperfections on pots.
FAQ
Q: Are the JTP merchandise available for international shipping?
A: Yes, JTP merchandise is available for international shipping. Make sure to check the shipping options available at checkout.
Q: Can I use the Metal Rib for hand-building as well?
A: Absolutely! The Metal Rib can be used for hand-building techniques to create unique textures and shapes.
Q: How long do the grinding discs from Diamond Core Tools last?
A: The lifespan of the grinding discs depends on the frequency of use and the amount of pressure applied. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for a considerable period.
