Throwing Tools

Throwing tools

I started with the basic packet of tools and the thought of making more. Several Youtube videos show wonderful tool ideas. I invested in a second basic set of tools sold at the University of Idaho Bookstore. Most of what I purchased and made early in the learning process are setting in a bucket unused. Tools currently being used are stored in 2 straight sided ceramic bowls with dividers, on a foam block attached to the wall, bucket for sponges or on pegboard hooks.

Tools used when throwing.

1. A Simon Leach style sponge on a stick is used to remove water from the bottom of the pot and expand walls of the pot. It is made with Dollar Tree Sponges or craft foam pad and works great. Very simple to make. See his Youtube video on how to make. Simon likes a 1/8 dowel for his sponge sticks. I found my preference is a 1/4 or 3/8 inch dowel. I also use pencils and disposable chop sticks. Walmart has 24" x 36" x 2" craft foam pad ($15) and good for sponge material.

2. My scraper stick is patterned after the Simon Leach stick. I use a Jumbo 3/4 inch craft stick cut in half at a 45 degree angle. The craft stick has replaced my commercial scraper sticks. Jumbo craft sticks were purchased at Walmart and come in boxes of 150 or 300.

3. Ware boards for moving pottery are made of 1/2 inch pressboard siding. I tried plywood and lumber but found boards warped. Wood sided for drying and painted side for glazed ware.

4. The cutoff wire (string) that came with the wheel was replaced by 25 lb test Goture braided fishing line (14 to 16 inches long) tied to a cloth's pin and a short dowel. The cloth's pin allows storage of thread on wheel tray for easy access. I tried 14 and 50 lb braided fishing line but the 25 lb worked the best.

5. A kiln post spacer block representing kiln shelf spacing was made from 1x2 fake plastic wood trim. Block is used for adjusting laser and measuring work when loading the kiln. I have several of them for ranging from 4 to 12 inches

6. My needle cutoff tool for squaring rims is a sewing needle with thick end stuck in a cork, but most of the time I use the cutoff string.

7. I use a depth gauge for measuring the bottom of a pot is made with a needle extending 7/16 inch out of a dowel. If the dowel print appears in clay the bottom needs to be thinner. The bottom pot thickness needs to be 3/8 to 7/16" thick to allow cutoff then trimming and prevent cracking.

8. A hand mirror is positioned so the back side of the pot is visible.

9. A spray bottle with water and some paper towels to clean mirror.

10. Sponges cut from 24" x 36" x 2" craft foam sheet purchased at Walmart. The sponge is triangle shape measuring 1.5 by 2.5 inches.

11. Scraping tools made from thin plastic cards (AAA, AARP, Dish TV, and junk mail). I used a flexible metal rib (kidney shaped) from the tool kit until I cut my hand on the sharp edge. Credit cards are too thick and not flexible enough.

12. Commercial needle tool for cutting clay when making plates.

13. Harbor Freight 2 speed heat gun for fast drying of clay while on the wheel. I tried a torch but the heat gun was simple.

14. Lid forming tool made from heavy vinyl tile to help standardize sizes when making covered pots. See image below.

Tools available and occasionally used for special needs

1. Curved wood rib for making plates and platters

2. Wood throwing stick for making tall vessels

3. Commercial wire cutoff tool for cutting plates off bats when the braided fishing line does not work.

Tools no longer used

1. Commercial scraping sticks

2. Home made pine throwing stick.

3. Round throwing sponge.

4. Chamois for rim finishing. The porcelain clay allows me to use a fine grain sponge to finish rims.

5. Flexible metal rib (kidney shaped) from the tool kit.