In today’s post, we’re going to have a look at 12 tools that will help you make the most of your wheel throwing experience. From basic essentials to innovative gadgets, we’ll explore the tools that can take your ceramic creations to new heights. Whether you are a seasoned thrower, or just starting out, this collection will help unleash your creativity, improve your throwing skills, and get you experimenting with different techniques!

Sponges and Sponge Stick 

Where would us throwers be without our sponges? With a tool as essential as this, it’s worth trying out a variety to find your favorite type and material. Not all sponges are created equal, and nothing is more frustrating when throwing than having your sponge start to disintegrate in your hand, or into your pot. We recommend using natural sponges or purpose-made pottery sponges, as these hold up well to the rigors of throwing. Keep a selection on hand for different purposes, such as the general forming of your pot, smoothing your rim, and the ever-useful sponge-on-a-stick to get into those deeper, narrower pots where your hand can’t reach.

Ribs

Another absolute essential, you’ll seldom find a thrower without a collection of these handy shaping tools. Ribs, or kidneys, come in a variety of shapes, but generally consist of at least one curved edge. Held to the side of the pot from either the inside or outside while throwing, they help to create consistent curves that can be difficult to do with only your hands. Found in wood, metal, rubber, or silicone, they come in different hardnesses which provide great versatility. You can also get serrated ribs for scoring, as well ones designed to give decorative details to the rim or foot of your pot. 

Calipers  

Calipers are used for measuring diameter, and they are irreplaceable when it comes to making two pieces that need to fit together properly, such as a pot and its lid. There are a few models available, but we recommend ones that allow you to lock them in place, and that are double ended, such as those pictured here. This style will allow you to measure the internal opening of your pot, while giving you the necessary diameter of the lid on the other end!

Faceting Tools 

If you’d like to add some depth to your thrown surfaces, then faceting tools are a great place to start. These ribbon style tools are great for making even grooves in the walls of your pots, and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Use on slip or underglaze coated surfaces for a multi-tonal effect.

Trimming Tools 

To make the second phase of wheel throwing most enjoyable, quality trimming tools are a must. There are a variety of styles available, and while some of it comes down to preference, you’ll generally want to look for something that is strongly made with an edge that maintains its sharpness for considerable time. You’ll also want to look for models that feel comfortable in your hand, and that can be resharpened with use. 

Hake Brush 

Nothing quite compares to a hake brush when it comes to applying slip and glaze to your pots, whether freshly thrown or just out of the bisque. They hold enough volume for long or thick strokes, and they come in a variety of widths to suit any project. They also work great for waxing the bottoms of pots, and are easily cleaned with soap and water. 

Potter’s Stool

We know how long you can sit at the wheel, lost in the zone, forgetting to take a break. We’re guilty of this too! To make this tendency easier on your body, we recommend a purpose-built potter’s stool. These stools feature 4 adjustable legs, which allow you to create a forward tilt that helps you maintain better posture. And of course, you can also adjust it for your height and the height of your wheel too. 

Bat System

Bat systems are a type of bat that allow for quick removal from the wheel. Like regular bats, they come in a variety of materials, but these ones typically feature a removable insert. So, instead of removing, recentering, and attaching your entire bat to and from the wheelhead after every piece, you can simply lift out the insert and replace it with a fresh one! These are super handy for small and medium sized pieces like mugs and bowls, that you throw quickly and in large quantities.

Paddles

While you may think of paddles as being more suited to the hand-builder, they are a great tool for the thrower as well. Not everything that comes off the wheel has to be perfectly round, afterall! Use it to  create flatten sides to your pots, or to carefully tap the form into more complex shapes.

Gauge Post

This tool is an essential for the potter who aims for consistency. Used to measure the height and diameter of your piece while it’s on the wheel, you simply set the horizontal bars to the desired locations, and throw until your clay aligns with the gauge. This ensures that every pot is the same, every time!

Decorating Disk 

Decorating disks are available from a number of different manufacturers, and their aim is to help you mark out even divisions on your circular forms.  If you are trying to add a decorative rim to a platter, paint on even stripes of underglaze, or make sure your spout and your handle are in alignment, this is a great addition to your toolkit.

Giffin Grip

Whether you’ve thrown a form that is tricky to trim, or you’ve just never quite been able to master centering your thrown form for trimming, the Giffin Grip is here to help! This handy device attaches to your wheelhead, and comes with a set of different length arms that softly yet firmly grip your piece and ensure that it is perfectly centered every time. It’s a huge time saver and a must have for the productive thrower!

Grinding disk

This tool is ideal for removing glaze drips from the bottom of pots or leveling and smoothing out your base or foot. These heavy-duty sanding disks typically use diamond grit and are designed to fit on your wheel head, using the power of your wheel to rotate the disk. If you love silky-smooth foot rings, or you have a thing for drippy glazes, this is a great tool for you!

As we conclude our exploration of tools for ceramic wheel throwing, we hope you’ve gained valuable insights and inspiration to elevate your pottery practice. The world of ceramics is rich with possibilities, and having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. Whether it’s a trusty rib, a versatile trimming tool, or specialized faceting tool, each serves a purpose in shaping and refining your clay creations. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with time, patience, and a diverse toolkit, you’ll continue to hone your skills and create pottery that truly reflects your unique style!

If you would like to continue to improve your throwing skills, head on over to the throwing selection of The Ceramic School’s courses. We have a number of workshops to keep you inspired!