As you know, having the right tools in your pottery studio can make a huge difference for your ability to create stunning and functional pieces. When you’re in a community studio, you’ll likely have many options on-hand to experiment with, but if you’re starting your own at-home studio, your budget can restrict your collection. You’ll want to make sure the tools you do buy are ones that you’ll use a lot, and for that, we’re here to help! In this article, we will introduce you to five must-have tools that will not only get regular use, but will enhance your making experience. So, let’s dive in and discover the key tools that will unleash your creativity and transform your home pottery studio into a haven for artistic expression.

Clay Trap

While it’s not a tool you directly use during the making process, this is an absolute necessity if you are working with clay from home. Clay is a type of sediment, and it will quickly clog up your plumbing if you don’t take preventative measures. There are a number of different systems available, so do some investigating to find one that’s right for you. Consider the space available under your sink, the volume of liquid you can comfortably lift when emptying, and the ease of cleaning. With a clay trap in place in your home, you’ll be confident that your pipes will continue flowing, leaving you more time to work your clay. 

Slab Mat or Canvas

Canvas or purpose-designed slab mats are a great addition to any studio, particularly if your worktop is non-porous, causing your clay to stick. The mats offer a smooth surface, so if you want to avoid the texture marks of canvas, these are an excellent alternative. Having a couple on hand can also make it easy to slide your slabs to the side, or flip them over. And don’t worry if you aren’t a slab maker! These mats are great for other methods too, such as coil building, pinching, or even wedging.

Digital Scale

Digital scales are a must if you are a thrower or if you are mixing your own colored clay, slips, or glazes. While some artists still prefer manual scales that use physical weights, a digital scale is a big space-saver, and is typically a lot cheaper as well. Look for a model that can do measurements of 0.1g, as this will make it most versatile for glaze mixing. Also keep an eye out for helpful features such as a bubble level and removable tray. You can get corded or battery powered versions, whichever is more practical for your particular space. 

Banding Wheel

Banding wheels are an incredibly useful tool for all forms of making, whether it’s waxing the foot of a wheel-thrown mug, carving a complex sculpture, or coil building a large vase. We do work in three dimensions after all, and getting access to all sides of the work while minimizing the handling of the piece is huge. Banding wheels come in a variety of sizes and materials, and can vary a lot in price point. In a pinch, you can use a lazy susan, but if you expect to get a lot of regular use out of the tool, we recommend investing in a quality made metal one. They come with a higher price tag, but they will last you a lifetime, and the weighted, no-wobble wheelhead allows for a sustained spin that makes your decorating, building, or carving a breeze. 

Heat Gun

Often our home studios have a bit of a space limitation, which can make having a lot of in-progress pieces feel a bit cramped. In other cases, we may be facing a tight deadline, trying to join two pieces together on the wheelhead, or dealing with insufferably humid weather that just won’t let our work dry. These are just a few of the reasons why a heat gun makes a great addition to your home studio. They are generally quite an affordable tool to buy, and can come corded or battery powered. Look for ones that have multiple heat settings and that have a stand mechanism, as you’ll likely be putting it down frequently as you work.

Building a well-equipped home pottery studio is an exciting endeavor that opens up a world of artistic possibilities. By investing in these five must-have tools, you can create a space where your pottery dreams can come to life. As you continue to expand your tool collection, remember to choose ones that align with your specific pottery goals and techniques, and don’t be afraid to experiment and explore new possibilities. With these essential tools at your disposal, your home pottery studio will become a sanctuary where you can unleash your imagination, hone your skills, and create unique pieces that reflect your specific artistic voice.

Did we leave one of your must-have tools off the list? Share it with The Ceramic School community, and tell us why you simply can’t do without it!