Research: Basic Ceramic Tools

The Spruce / Ran Zheng

 In this stage of researching I would like to know a little bit more about ceramic materials and tools that I could use to make my projects. In the future, I think I will also do research about local shops and the equipment that they have because I think could be useful if I am out of materials and don't have time to order something online. 

Towels and Apron

An apron is useful when you don't want to dirty your own clothes. Ceramic mass itself is a dirty mass, but dust left on tables and tools during the creation can also leave visible dirt. It is a mass that can be washed off, but the apron will definitely help you avoid unnecessary dirt.

The towels are placed on the table before the process of rolling out the ceramic mass. This helps prevent the mass from sticking to the table. The towel makes it easier to work with the mass during fighting.

Fettling Knives

These knives are available with two versions of blades: soft and hard. Softer blades are more flexible, making them easier to bend, which can make it easier to cut more complex patterns. Hard ones are not so flexible, which makes it easier to maintain a confusing angle or cut more precise lines.

Wooden slats

These are thin wooden strips that are used to determine the height when rolling the ceramic mass. They act as a kind of guide for the fight.

Ribs and Scrapers

These tools help in smoothing the ceramic mass. They are also helpful when forming the mass on the potter's wheel. Could be used when working with manual mass improvement. These tools can smooth the edges of glued-together parts of the ceramic mass, making the place where the parts are joined smooth and invisible.

Loop, Wire, and Ribbon Tools

Useful tools when cutting ceramic mass, for example when finishing a vessel to straighten the ending. They can be used to cut out recesses, holes, and patterns, and also to cut a ceramic product in half (using a wire). Also useful when cutting out patterns, e.g. in the scraffito technique, in which you cut out delicate patterns.

References:

Peterson, B. (2019b). A Quick Guide to Basic Pottery Tools. [online] www.thesprucecrafts.com. Available at: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/survey-of-basic-pottery-tools-2746328 [Accessed 26 Jan. 2024].

Mussi, Susan . “Ceramic Dictionary - by Susan Mussi: SLATS.” Ceramicdictionary.com, ceramicdictionary.com/en/s/581/slats#:~:text=Slats%20are%20thin%20pairs%20of. Accessed 26 Jan. 2024.