Best Pottery Tools for New Potters

When starting out in ceramics, it is important that you have the correct tools to help you create pieces that stand the test of time. With hundred of different pottery tools on the market, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the selection. Based on this, I have put this list together of the best pottery tools to have in your studio when starting out with pottery.

1. Wooden Knife

A stick with a pointed end and a curved end. Your best friend in the studio. This tool is perfect for cutting away excess clay at the base of your piece on the wheel, smoothing crevices and corners on your hand-builds and everything in-between. 

2. Trimming Tool

There are a plethora of trim tools on the market and not all are created equal. While this one may seem a bit archaic, it is an excellent tool and by far the cheapest. In terms of bang for the buck, this one is a winner. 

3. Sponge

Make stuff wet. Make stuff dry. Both very essential states of being in pottery. Small and soft sponges are best to minimize texturing on your piece and allow versatility in tidying up those hard-to-reach areas. 

4. Rib

Of your enemies. No I’m kidding, pretty sure they’re made of plastic. I would recommend a medium firmness and you can decided if you want something firmer or more flexible later on. The rib is another all-star tool. It’s essential on the wheel: whether straightening up your walls, cleaning slip off your piece or creating a super smooth texture on the outside of your pot once you’ve finished trimming. 

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6. Pen

That’s right – a pen. An untold secret (or just no one told me) of signing your pieces is to use a pen. I was using a pin tool for so long, which dug in too far and made a line that was too thin. When I got fed up with this after a full year of signing with the pin tool, I ordered a $100 custom stamp (USD!! In Canada, that was extra painful).. which didn’t create a deep enough indent and was basically invisible. I am Goldilocks and the pen is my “just right”. 

7. Wire Tool

Lastly, you can’t go wrong with a wire tool, wire cutter or simply a ‘wire’ (very technical language). Wires are essential for slicing and dicing your pieces. When throwing on the wheel, slice your creation off the bat or wheel head prior to trimming to allow a clean removal when the time comes to trim.

Wires are also great for slicing clay off the fresh clay out of the bag as well as slicing pieces in half to check wall thickness.

When discovering your style, discover the tools and techniques you like using the basics and expand from there! If you’re interested in learning more about discovering your style, check out my post: 5 Ways to Find your Signature Style in Pottery.