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Welcome to Ed’s Pottery Tools Bench
I’ve spent over three decades elbow-deep in clay so I know firsthand how the right tool can make or break your piece. This page is your go-to hub for pottery tool guides, hands-on product reviews, and studio-tested recommendations. Whether you’re just setting up shop or looking to upgrade your toolkit, I’ve got you covered with straight-shootin’ insights and bottom-of-funnel buying help.
Hi, I’m Ed ceramic wall art is my thing. I’ve spent over 35 years blending traditional techniques with modern design to create bold, sculptural pieces that go far beyond the wheel. I’m also the founder of Artabys, where I help artists make better work and smarter decisions.
I don’t list tools I haven’t used. Everything here’s been tested in my own studio, under real conditions and sometimes real messes.
What tools do I need to start pottery? At minimum: a needle tool, loop tool, sponge, rib, and trimming tool. But I’ve got full starter lists if you’re looking to gear up smart.
Should I buy tool sets or individual tools? Depends on your budget. Some sets offer great value, but for precision work, picking tools one by one usually gives you better quality.
How do I clean and maintain my pottery tools? Rinse after each use, dry them well, and keep wood handles away from long soaks.
Ever pulled a piece from the kiln and realized it shrunk more than your patience on glaze day? This calculator fixes that. Just pop in your desired finished dimensions, pick your clay type, and I’ll tell you exactly how big to start. Whether you’re handbuilding a lid or throwing a mug that has to fit … Read more
Tired of lids that don’t fit? This quick, studio-tested quiz picks the right caliper for your pottery style based on budget, accuracy, and more. Stop guessing, start trimming smart. Which Pottery Caliper Should You Use? Answer a few quick questions and I’ll match you with the right lid caliper no guessing, no wasted clay. 1. … Read more
Whether you’re detailing slip work, layering underglaze, or just trying to avoid fuzzy lines and brush streaks, finding the right brush can feel like a lifelong search. I get it. So I’m opening up my own brush roll and showing you exactly what I use in my studio every week. Spoiler: these brushes aren’t just … Read more
Let’s be real most “starter kits” for handbuilding are just marketing filler stuffed in a zip bag. I’ve tested enough junk tools to fill a 5-gallon slip bucket. If you’ve ever tried carving an abstract face with a loop that feels like a cheese grater, or rolled texture on porcelain only to watch it crack … Read more
There’s a ton of texturing and carving tools out there but most of ’em won’t last two weeks in a real studio. I’ve tested what works and tossed what doesn’t. Whether you’re decorating mugs, tiles, or making your own rollers, this guide breaks down the tools I actually use, the ones worth skipping, and how … Read more
3D printing ceramic molds is where high-tech meets high-fire. I’ve spent over three decades elbows-deep in clay and lately, wrists-deep in CAD. This guide isn’t just about fancy printers or software; it’s about what actually works in a ceramicist’s studio. If you’re curious about 3D printing molds for your pottery projects, this is your no-fluff … Read more
If you’ve ever wrestled a clay slab that cracked, warped, or just wouldn’t behave you’re not alone, folks. Working with slabs is all about control, timing, and the right tools. And I’ve burned through more than a few duds to find the ones that actually work. So I’m opening up my slab setup. These are … Read more
Handbuilt pottery is crafted manually, shaping clay by hand, while wheel-thrown involves a potter’s wheel for precision and symmetry. History The history of handbuilt pottery is a fascinating journey that spans across civilizations and epochs, showcasing the enduring appeal and versatility of this art form. It begins in the mists of time when early humans … Read more
Recipes provide precise mixtures of clay and other ingredients to achieve specific textures and firing outcomes. Starting with the right clay body recipe is crucial, as it can be tailored for sculpting, throwing, or hand-building, ensuring optimal consistency and workability. The world of pottery thrives on such tailored clay recipes. From the Alfred Grinding Room, … Read more
I believe it’s a fundamental skill in pottery. When learning how to mix clay powder, it’s essential to ensure even distribution for consistency. Start by sieving the powder to remove lumps. Gradually add water, stirring continuously to achieve the desired texture. Remember, the key to a smooth finish is ensuring no air bubbles remain in … Read more
How to make ceramics using molds involves pouring liquid clay, called slip, into a pre-designed mold. Ceramic molds are hollow forms that shape the slip into a specific design as it dries. Once dried, the piece is removed, refined, and fired in a kiln. It’s a technique that simplifies how to make ceramics using molds. … Read more
It’s, often referred to as a “bat,” its’ a portable, removable platform that attaches right onto the wheel head of your pottery wheel. They’re typically made from plastic, composite materials, or plaster, and come in various sizes to suit the different projects you might be working on. Bats are incredibly useful for a number of … Read more
The stages of clay include dry clay, slip, plastic clay, leather-hard clay, bone-dry clay, bisqueware, & glazeware. Dry clay is mined and ground into powder. Next, slip is clay mixed with water, plastic clay can be molded. Leather-hard clay is firm but still pliable. Bone-dry is completely dry and hard, bisqueware is fired but not … Read more
It’s kind of a strange question but deserves an answer. I am not sure why you would ever want to keep unfired clay. What Is the Strength of Unfired Clay? Unfired clay is not very strong at all. Unfired clay contains a lot of moisture and is fragile. If dropped, unfired clay would break. Unfired … Read more
