Pottery has been around literally since the stone age. Humans have been innovating and recreating the art of pottery over the ages.
If you’re interested in pottery and would like to try it out, you might feel overwhelmed with the number of needed tools. Or you may be an advanced potter and you’d like to treat yourself with a new set of pottery tools.
Either way, pottery tools are essential for you, and here’s all you need to know about them.
The Best Pottery Tools Out There
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced potter, you need pottery tools to transform the clay into art pieces.
Here’s your guide to the best pottery tools out there.
The Everything Set
This pottery tool set is provided by BlackyVox. It includes every tool you might think of. It also comes with a little bag to keep all your pottery tools organized. It even provides you with a water-proof apron and an absorbent cloth.
Pros
- It comes with 28 different tools.
- It comes with an apron, cloth, and small storage bag.
- It’s reasonably priced considering what it’s offering.
- It comes with the cutting wire.
Cons
- It can be overwhelming for beginners considering the number of offered tools.
The BlackyVox pottery toolset is a great choice especially for those who are at an advanced level. It might also work for beginners as it offers you the chance to explore and master every type and shape of pottery tools.
[amazon box=”B074V6W6W4″]
The All The Basics Set
This 8 pieces pottery toolset by SE is an excellent choice for beginners. It provides you with the basic tools you need. It’s a simple way to familiarize yourself with the tools and master using them before jumping to something bigger.
Pros
- It’s a budget-friendly choice.
- It comes with all the essential tools for shaping and decorating.
- The cutting wire is included.
Cons
- This set offers limited decorating tools.
- The tools are on the bigger side, which is challenging if you’re working on delicate projects.
This is an excellent set if you’re a beginner who’s still learning pottery. It’s a gradual way for you to get to know each tool and learn the best ways to use it.
[amazon box=”B0006VWRMW”]
The 30 tools set
This pottery toolset from Meuxan provides you with 30 tools to create your best work. It comes with everything you need to cut, shape, carve, and decorate the clay.
The tools are made of wood and stainless steel, so it should be long-lasting. You also have the option to buy this set with a case.
Pros
- It includes 30 different tools.
- It’s budget-friendly
- It comes with a wire cutter.
- It comes with various double-sided tools.
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- The tools can be relatively small and delicate for beginners.
The Meuxan 30-piece toolset is a good option if you’re looking for a wide variety of tools within a reasonable price range.
[amazon box=”B01H8Z28OA”]
The 42 Tools Set
This is a set of 42 pottery tools by Arteza. It provides you with all that you need for shaping and decorating the clay. It’s mostly a set of sculpting tools that’d help you fill your work with every detail you want.
If 42 pieces are too many for you, you can buy the smaller set by Arteza with only 22 pieces.
Pros
- It comes with 42 different sculpting tools
- It’s made of high-quality and durable material
- It comes with double-sided tools.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with the wire cutter.
If you’re into creating super detailed pottery, then investing in this set can be a great choice. Using these different sculpting tools can be perfect for advanced and creative potters.
[amazon box=”B06XG9XHCG”]
Types and Uses of Pottery Tools
There are different types of pottery tools, and each one is used in a specific way.
The Very Basics
The pottery wheel, clay, apron, and towel are basics to start with. Pottery can be messy and hard to clean, so don’t hesitate to wear an apron and have a towel nearby.
Pottery Without a Wheel
If you don’t have a pottery wheel and can’t find one near you, you can still create pottery without a wheel. This is a technique where you use the clay to sculpt by hand instead of putting it on the wheel.
You can use the same pottery tools to sculpt with clay different pottery works and master using these tools before putting the clay on the wheel.
The Wire Cutter
The wire cutter is a kind of fishing line with two wooden or plastic handles on its ends. This is what you use to cut the clay.
You can say it’s like a cheese cutter. This tool helps you make clear and delicate cuts. It’s also super easy to clean.
Tools for Smoothing the Clay
There are different tools used to smooth and compress the clay.
The chamois, for example, is a piece of cloth or leather used to smooth the clay and give it a shiny look.
The metal and wooden scrapers are also used to create a smooth surface on the clay. They also help compress the clay which makes it less vulnerable and breakable.
Sculpting Tools
There are tons of sculpting pottery tools. They’re used to carve, shape, and decorate the pottery.
Sculpting tools come in different shapes with different designs, and they’re usually made of wood and stainless steel.
To Wrap Up
Bringing every detail in your imagination into a piece of art is really magical. Pottery tools are your spell to turn clay into art.
Choosing the best pottery tools for you can sometimes be confusing.
If you’re still a beginner and these various tools make you feel overwhelmed, then I recommend the basic set for you. It provides you with all the essentials to master before moving to the more delicate and detailed tools.
Familiarizing yourself with the different techniques of using each tool will help you improve your pottery skills.
If you want to explore different tools, then the 30 tools set is a practical alternative.