The Studio Manager

Shop Shimpo VL-Whisper at Blick

Budget Picks: Shimpo VL-Lite or Speedball Clay Boss

The VL-Lite from Shimpo is a great, budget-friendly wheel.

The Shimpo VL-Lite and Speedball Clay Boss are the best budget wheels on the market, but the VL-Lite is now usually priced around $180 cheaper than the Clay Boss, making it the clear favorite on price.

The VL-Lite has 1/2 horsepower motor, 12 inch wheel had, sturdy plastic table top with metal legs, and is reversible via a switch.

The drawback to this wheel would be it’s somewhat limited, 25-pound centering capacity. But for many, that would be an extremely large amount of clay! So you have to think about what you typically throw and consider if this is the right wheel for you.

Shimpo VL-Lite
12 inch wheel head, reversible, 1/2 horsepower
Typical Price: $860

Shop VL-Lite at Blick

The Speedball Clay Boss, our top pick for a budget wheel. It’s got a 1/2 horse power motor and lighter body construction that many prefer. — The Speedball Clay Boss, has a 1/2 horse power motor and a lighter body construction that many prefer for ease of moving the wheel around.

The Speedball Clay Boss has a 1/2 horse power motor, a belt-driven, 14” wheelhead, and a standard triangular design that weighs around 83 pounds, making it one of the lightest full-size wheels on the market. (The VL-Lite weighs 85)

The Clay Boss has a detached foot pedal, and is reversible by switching the direction of the plug, so it will work for throwing clockwise or counter clockwise. Speedball rates it at a 100 pound throwing capacity.

There aren’t any big downsides to this wheel, but there are trade offs. It doesn’t have the most robust build on the foot pedal. And it’s belt-driven, so it will be noisier than our top pick, the Shimpo VL-Whisper. But it’s still a great wheel that will get the job done.

Speedball Clay Boss
14 inch wheel head, reversible with plug, 1/2 horsepower
Typical Price: $1,040

Shop Clay Boss at Blick

Pro Pick: Soldner Wheels or Skutt Wheels

The Soldner P-200, a 1/2 horse power pottery wheel. Soldner wheels are known for their ultra-responsive foot pedal and plywood table tops.

For potters looking for an upgraded experience, the best option are Soldner or Skutt wheels. These wheels feature large, oversized motors and extra-responsive, upgraded foot pedals, combined with sturdy legs and tops. Do you need a wheel like this? If you are serious potter, spending a few hours a day on the wheel or more, the larger motors will really deliver for you and not overheat (The Shimpo VL-Whisper is great in this regard too). But the big upgrade for many will be the super-sensitive foot pedals.

Soldner wheels are the only wheels on the market with wooden tops. Made by and now almost exclusively available from Bluebird Manufacturing in Fort Collins, Colorado, the finished, marine-grade plywood is attractive and super strong. And the Soldner wheels are known for their smooth, strong motors with a top-of-the-line foot pedal that will adjust to every touch you give. These wheels are a pleasure to use. Any of the five wheels in the line up are great.

The Skutt Classic wheel with a built-in, aluminum splash pan.

The Skutt line features three wheels, including their entry-level model, the Prodigy, which has a circular splash pan on a table much like other wheels.

Pros will want to look at the two higher-end models which feature large and deep splash pans.

The Legend wheels have a removable wheel head and splash pan for easy cleanup, and is available in 1/3 hp, 1/2 hp or 1 hp options.

The Classic wheel has a built in, super sturdy aluminum splash pan and also has the option of a 1/3 hp, 1/2 hp, or 1 hp motor.

The Skutt wheels also have an optional “SSX” foot pedal upgrade, which gives you an ultra-responsive, smooth response that puts these in the same range as the Soldner wheels. For 2023, Skutt wheels also feature a new color scheme of red and black.

Skutt Classic
14” wheel head, reversible
Built in splash pan
Typical price: $2,153 for 1/2 hp option

Skutt Legend
14” wheel head, reversible
Removable splash pan
Typical Price: $1,980 for 1/2 hp option

Shop Skutt Legend at Blick

Shop Skutt Classic at Blick

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Other Great Wheels: Brent Wheels and Others

The Brent B, a 1/2 horse power pottery wheel that is one of the most popular wheels on the market.

In addition to the options above, there are other pottery wheel options to consider, particularly wheels from Brent, Bailey, and Pacifica.

For many potters, their favorite wheels are made by Brent. Known for their distinctive yellow ochre plastic tops and splash pans, you have probably seen or used a Brent as they are arguably the best-selling wheels in North America. (This data isn’t public but Brent and Shimpo seem to be the two most common wheels).

As a point of comparison, the Brent B is closest to the other wheels we have recommended above. It has a 1/2 horsepower motor, can go forward and reverse, and has a 12 inch wheel head. When new, these wheels are very quiet even though they utilize a belt-driven system, and with a 10-year warranty, you can be assured that Brent wheels will last for decades.

While the Brent wheels are incredibly popular, they are not our top pick for two reasons: The Shimpo VL-Whisper is much quieter. And the Soldner and Skutt wheels come with added features, such as better foot pedals and oversized motors. Brent doesn’t have these upgrades, but if they had a more responsive foot pedal option, they would be strong contenders along with Soldner and Skutt wheels

For a complete guide to Brent wheels, click here.

Brent B
12” wheel head, reversible, 1/2 HP motor
Typical Price: $1,900

Brent C
14” wheel head, reversible, 3/4 HP motor
Typical Price: $1,983

Shop Brent B at Blick

Shop Brent C at Blick

Understanding Pottery Wheels, a Pottery Wheel Buying Guide

In this section, we’ll go through each part and feature to help you understand wheels and how to choose the best one for you. Unfortunately, there’s usually not a store or supplier where you can go and sit down and try every wheel, so going through each part of the wheel will help you understand the different features offered by each manufacturer.

Motor

The biggest difference between wheels, even within a manufacturer’s product line, is usually the motor. With wheels on the market ranging from 1/4 horsepower to 1 horsepower, most potters will find that a 1/2 HP motor is the sweet spot of plenty of power without paying extra. If you are able to test wheels in person, you will see the difference in size of motors too. Not all motors are created equally, even if they are rated to the same HP. You may want to also compare the wattage of the motor, to see which motors may have a higher capacity and will hopefully better withstand overheating under heavy use.

With that in mind, if you can afford it, go for the biggest motor that fits your budget to give yourself more longevity.

Centering Capacity

A similar consideration to the motor power, centering capacity is often mentioned with wheels. It’s a somewhat useful metric that is basically a stand-in for horsepower. Skutt, however, refuses to provide this centering capacity number, arguing that it is a useless metric. But since most manufacturers use it, we’ve kept it in our chart below. Centering capacity is related to both the power of the motor, the torque it gives at start up, and the sensitivity of the foot pedal. If it matters to you, and you have the money, you won’t be disappointed with a bigger motor with more centering capacity. Realistically, most potters aren’t centering more than 10 or 20 lbs so wheels advertising 200 or 300 lb centering capacities are really indicating that they have an overbuilt motor that will be able to take a lot of use.

Table Top, Legs, Frame

The next biggest difference is the material and design of the table and legs. Most wheels have a sturdy plastic top, and metal legs. Some have beefier legs, metal tops, or in the case of Soldner wheels, a marine-grade plywood top. Manufacturers typically have one or maybe two table styles, and will build different features on top of these frames. These frame constructions will determine the dimensions and some of the weight of the wheel. When choosing a wheel, consider the size, weight, and type of frame and table top that will work for your studio. If you are moving wheels around, say in a classroom, then a lighter wheel may be better.

Splash Pan

Another point of comparison is the splash pan. Typically a two-part plastic pan that clips around the wheelhead, splash pans are useful for collecting throwing water or trimming scraps. Some wheels, such as Baileys and Skutts, have large one-piece splash pans that cover the whole top of the frame. Some of these one-piece splash pans are removable, and others are built in and can be cleaned and emptied via a drain plug. As cleanup is a big part of throwing, choosing a splash pan that suits you can be important.

Weight / Dimensions

Most wheels are about the same size and shape, with some variation with half moon shapes with Soldner and Lockerbie wheels. The weight is determined by the size of the motor and the frame construction. A lighter wheel, such as a Speedball, is easier to move while pro-type wheels, such as Skutt, have marketing pictures of potters standing on top of the wheel. How you are going to use a wheel and your studio space will really determine if you need a light or heavyweight wheel. Some manufacturers have add-on larger shelves for more working space, but you can also set your wheel up next to a low table to have more shelf space within reach.

Wheelhead

Most wheels have a 12”, 13” or 14” wheelhead with bat pins spaced 10” a part. Some smaller wheels or table top wheels will have different styles. Measure a wheelhead that you like using to determine the size you like, although most wheels now have a 14” wheelhead.

Another point of consideration is if the wheelhead can be removed or replaced. Typically, this is only built in for everyday cleaning in a few models from Skutt and Bailey. For ongoing maintenance, most wheelhead ball bearing assemblies are completely sealed and not designed to be oiled or repacked with grease. If your wheelhead develops a grinding sound, you may have to replace it.

Foot Pedal

A foot pedal may seem just like a simple speed control, but the pro-level Skutt and Soldner wheels use their ultra-responsive (and more expensive) pedals as a selling point. In addition to the upgraded pedal options, also consider if the foot pedal and on-board electronics are providing some kind of computer-controlled speed modulation to keep things even (such as Pacifica wheels), or just letting you control the speed with the pedal (such as Brent, Shimpo, Soldner, and Skutt wheels.) The more experienced you are, the less you’ll want the wheel making decisions for you.

One other point of consideration with foot pedals is whether it is fixed or not. Every model listed below has a moveable foot pedal except the Shimpo RK-Whisper, which has an attached pedal on the right side. A moveable foot pedal lets you to choose which side to place it, and allows you to raise the pedal on bricks if needed.

Speed

Many manufacturers provide a rotations per minute (RPM) figure in relation to motors, which we’ve included below. Once again, these give you a rough approximation of motor power and torque, but they are all within a range that is about the same, ranging from 0 to 240-260 rpm max. The Lockerbie motor has a much lower max rpm but it’s a super beefy 1/3 HP motor that trades a high speed for great torque.

Reversability

Most good wheels these days come with a convenient switch where you can reverse the direction of the motor, allowing you to throw clockwise or counter clockwise. Some lower-priced wheels have a reversible plug, where you have to manually switch the direction of the cord to have the wheel go clockwise or counter-clockwise. Some wheels are not reversible at all.

Adjustable Legs and Leg extenders

Some wheels, such as Soldners, come with adjustable legs so that you can set the wheel height exactly how you want it. Almost any other wheel will have to be adjusted with shims or bricks, if you want to move it up a few inches.

A few manufacturers make leg extenders, so that a wheel can be converted to a standing wheel. This style of throwing can be more comfortable for your lower back. Definitely consider this when choosing a wheel, or look at the models such as the Shimpo Whisper, which has removable legs and a flat bottom so that it can be easily placed on a table.

Shipping and Assembly

Some wheels arrive completely assembled, others need some light assembly such as attaching legs. They also vary on whether they ship via FedEx / UPS or by freight. Expect to pay extra for shipping and delivery, unless you are picking a wheel up in person. Also consider how you will get the wheel into your studio, as they can be heavy. Some vendors will include free shipping so definitely compare prices with shipping included to find the best deal.

Warranty

Warranties on wheels range from 2 to 10 years. But every wheel listed below is a top-quality product that should last for decades. If you are careful and respectful, you shouldn’t worry too much about a shorter warranty. But if you are buying for an educational or communal studio where wheels can really be abused, you might want to consider wheels with longer warranties.

In our experience, the main upkeep on wheels is keeping them clean and trying to occasionally add some oil to moving parts. Foot pedals can be adjusted, electronics such as switches can be replaced. The biggest concern would be a wheelhead bearing assembly getting repeatedly swamped with too much water in the splashpan. But if you are careful, a wheel may never need any major repairs.

The “under $200” wheels don’t seem to come with any warranty at all.

Price

All the factors above contribute to the price. The lowest price possible is often the driving force of any purchase, and if that is you, we recommend the Shimpo VL-Lite wheel, which typically cost around $860. For this lower price you are getting a lighter, less beefy frame and most likely a noisier motor but one that will still get the job done for you. Professional-grade wheels typically cost $1,300 to $1,500 and up to $2,000 or more, depending on the options you select. If you are on the fence when choosing upgrades such as a bigger motor or a better foot pedal, consider how you will feel in 5 to 10 or 20 years. You won’t think about the extra few hundred dollars, you will be happy that you got the upgrades to make your wheel last a lifetime.

Where to Shop and Buy Pottery Wheels

Before buying a wheel, think about what you have used and what features you need. If you currently have a favorite style or brand of wheel, you’ll probably be happy sticking with that style. For research, the best place to start is your local ceramic shop where you can hopefully “test drive” different models to see what feels good to you. Consider asking if they have floor models or special deals on wheels already in stock. Unfortunately, most ceramic suppliers do not have every model of wheel available in the store to try out, so you will almost always be choosing based on limited in-person experience.

If you are shopping online, we have provided links to some wheels at Blick (North America) and Amazon. Some ceramic stores advertise a price that includes shipping, while others add it on in your cart. So definitely shop around and see where you can find the best deals. If you order from online vendors, the wheel is most likely going to be shipped directly from the manufacturer anyway, so you should try to find the best deal.

Wheel Repair and Warranty

After buying a wheel, you will be dealing with the manufacturer if you need any repairs, although a relationship with a local ceramic shop is a great resource if you need help with repairs or adjustments. Manufacturers such as Skutt and Bailey are known for the great online and phone customer service. Other manufacturers, such as Brent, provide lots of support both in person and with repair videos on YouTube.

Most likely, nothing will go wrong with your wheel in the short term but you should expect to make adjustments to foot pedals. And if you are messy, or have an academic studio, expect students to jam clay into any open spot on the wheel, potentially damaging parts such as on/off switches or swamping the wheelhead with water, getting water into the bearing assembly. For most quality wheels, repair parts are readily available from ceramic suppliers or the manufacturer. The good news is that manufacturers are increasingly using sealed switches and other waterproof parts.

Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart

This chart is in alphabetical order by manufacturer, including Bailey, Brent, Lockerbie, Pacifica, Shimpo, Skutt / Thomas Stuart, Soldner, and Speedball. These are all trustworthy brands and any of the wheels listed below will last a long time. We have done our best to compile a typical range of prices found online and in store, along with each wheel’s features, updated as of October 2023. There is also a description of what to expect from each manufacturer’s wheels.

The Bailey Pro-XL Pottery Wheel is our pick for the best Bailey wheel. It has a 1-piece splash pan and a 1/2 HP motor.

Bailey Pottery Wheels

Bailey Wheels are manufactured by the Bailey Pottery Corporation of Kingston, New York. Known for innovative and high quality slab rollers, kilns, extruders, and other equipment for ceramic studios, the Bailey wheels are characterized by a large, table-sized splash pan. There are two main models, the ST and the PRO model, which each come in three different options. The ST models have a 2-piece, removable splash pan while the PRO models have a 1-piece, counter-sized fixed splash plan with a plug and a drain tube.

Bailey sells optional leg extenders that work with all the models, which can extend the height from 29 to 37 inches.

All the models utilize a standard belt drive system, and have detached foot pedals.

For the best option, go with the ST-XL or PRO-XL, which both feature a 1/2 HP motor, 13” wheelhead, and a reversing switch.

Bailey Pottery Wheels

Available at baileypottery.com

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
ST	$1,351	1/4 HP	12"	10"	Yes, plug	22.5 x 25.5 x 21"	93 lbs	0-200	5/10 years	50 lbs
ST-X	$1,541	1/4 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	103 lbs	0-200	10 years	50 lbs
ST-XL	$1,702	1/2 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	123 lbs	0-200	10 years	100 lbs
PRO-50R	$1,499	1/4 HP	12"	10"	Yes, plug	24.25 x 29 x 20.25"	92 lbs	0-200	10 years	50 lbs
PRO-X	$1,581	1/4 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	102 lbs	0-200	10 years	50 lbs
PRO-XL	$1,692	1/2 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	116 lbs	0-200	10 years	100 lbs

Brent Pottery Wheels

The Brent B Pottery Wheel, a full-sized wheel with a 1/2 HP motor.

Brent wheels are the workhorses of the ceramics world. These are some of the most popular wheels and you will see these yellow ochre machines just about everywhere. Founded in 1967 by Robert Brent, the wheels have been manufactured by the American Art Clay Company (AMACO) since 1978. The wheels are sturdy, dependable, and easy to adjust and repair. Expect these machines to easily last 15 to 20 years or more even under the heaviest of uses.

The product line is straightforward with one style of frame available in yellow ochre or all black. The difference in the models is simply a larger motor.

The Brent B has a 1/2 hp motor, the C has a 3/4 hp motor, and the CXC has a 1 hp motor. (As of 2023, Brent is no longer listing the 1 1/2 hp CXC model.)

One note is the Brent centering capacity, as listed below. These are some really big numbers — Brent claims a 150 lb centering capacity for the Model B with a 1/2 HP motor. Most other manufacturers claim 50 lbs for a 1/2 HP motor. So these numbers may be a bit inflated but we’ve included Brent’s numbers below.

Brent wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart to shop at Dick Blick. For a complete overview of the product line, click here.

Shop Brent C at Blick

Shop Brent C at Amazon

Brent Pottery Wheels

Click links in the chart to shop at Blick.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
B	$1,898	1/2 HP	12"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	119 lbs	0-240	10 years	150 lbs
B Black	$1,938	1/2 HP	12"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	119 lbs	0-240	10 years	150 lbs
C	$1,983	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	121 lbs	0-240	10 years	225 lbs
C Black	$2,023	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	121 lbs	0-240	10 years	225 lbs
CXC	$2,064	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5" H	129 lbs	0-240	10 years	300 lbs
CXC Black	$2,104	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5" H	129 lbs	0-240	10 years	300 lbs
Model 16	$3,855	1/2 HP	12"	10"	Yes, switch	36 x 36 x 21-35" H	287 lbs	0-240	2 years	150 lbs

Lockerbie Pottery Wheels

The Lockerbie Motorized Kick Wheel, a true workhorse of a wheel with possibly the biggest motor on the market.

Lockerbie Wheels are an interesting option manufactured by Laguna Clay in California. There are three models: a kickwheel (K), a motorized kickwheel (EK), and a reversible motorized kickwheel (EK-R). These are big, heavy wheels but if you want to switch between a kickwheel and a motor, this is the best option on the market. All models feature an adjustable wooden seat, a metal splash pan, and an all-metal frame with a concrete flywheel.

The flywheel results in a steady, even spin when used as a kickwheel. While centering and throwing on a non-motorized wheel can take a lot of work, trimming on a kickwheel is an absolute pleasure. The upgraded model with a motor is where this wheel really shines. It’s got a large, powerful motor that while only rated to 1/3 HP and a max of 157 rpm, has a lot of torque and can definitely handle more than the rated 50 lbs centering capacity. When you press the pedal, the motor engages the flywheel through a rubber wheel, or what Laguna calls “rubber friction drive.” This rubber wheel does wear out over time but is easily replaced. When you release the pedal, the kickwheel will continue to spin, until you stop it with a foot or let the flywheel come to a stop.

Lockerbie wheels have been around since the 1960s and in 2007, the company merged with Laguna Clay. The wheel style and design has been virtually unchanged for decades but it is a tough, well-designed beast of a wheel. It’s a great option for educational studios or if you want to have a kickwheel option. The simple, no frills design results in a relatively low price but you will need to pay for freight shipping.

Lockerbie Pottery Wheels

Available at axner.com and other ceramic suppliers.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Kickwheel	$1,575	N/A	13"	10"	N/A	42 x 36 x 30"	325 lbs	N/A	5 years	N/A
Electric	$1,881	1/3 HP	13"	10"	No	42 x 36 x 30"	365 lbs	0-157	5 years	50 lbs
Electric-Reversible	$2,024	1/3 HP	13"	10"	Yes	42 x 36 x 30"	365 lbs	0-157	5 years	50 lbs

Pacifica Pottery Wheels

The Pacifica GT400, one of two wheels from Pacifica with 1/4 HP motor and a 13” wheelhead.

Pacifica has been making wheels since 1972 and was purchased by Laguna Clay in 1992. There are currently two wheels in the product line, the GT400 and GT800. Both wheels are have belt driven, 13” wheelheads, optional leg extensions, and a water-resistant foot pedal. The difference is in the size of the motor, 1/4 HP for the GT400 and 1/2 HP for the GT800.

Pacifica differs from other manufacturers in claiming that, through it’s belt and electronic system, it’s 1/4 HP motor has an effective 1/2 HP, and the 1/2 HP motor has an effective 1 HP. Should these claims be believed? It’s hard to know. What can be said is that these wheels have on-board systems that attempt to modulate the wheel speed and torque to provide even power. In my opinion, the more experienced you are the less you will want these electronic modifications deciding wheel speed for you.

Pacifica wheels do have some of the highest RPMs on the market, topping out at 260 rpms, which is slightly higher than most wheels. Expect these wheels to have a lot of torque. In addition, these wheels are affordable and are a great option for students, educational studios, or serious hobbyists.

Pacifica Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart to shop at Dick Blick.

Pacifica Pottery Wheels

Click the links to shop at Blick.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
GT400	$1,260	1/4 HP	13"	10"	Yes	31 x 27 x 20"	92 lbs	0-260	5 years	80 lbs
GT800	$1,485	1/2 HP	13"	10"	Yes	31 x 27 x 20"	105 lbs	0-260	5 years	100 lbs

Nidec-Shimpo Wheels

The Shimpo VL-Whisper, a 1/2 HP wheel with the quietist motor on the market and a 14” wheelhead.

Shimpo has a straightforward line of three different full-sized wheels and a table top wheel. Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1952, Shimpo wheels are distributed world wide. North American operations opened in Chicago, Illinois in 1974 as the Nidec-Shimpo Corporation.

Shimpo’s top-of-the-line VL-Whisper (VL stands for Velocity) is our favorite pottery wheel due to its innovative and quiet magnetic direct drive 1/2 HP 400 watt motor. The wheel is reversible, has a 14” wheelhead, and a detached foot pedal. The wheelhead on the VL-Whisper and RK-Whisper models also turns freely at 0 rpm, for use as a banding wheel.

The classic Shimpo RK-Whisper has been updated to feature the same super-quiet magnetic motor as the VL-Whisper, but with a 12” wheelhead and fixed foot pedal.

The classic Shimpo RK model now has this same super quiet 1/2 HP 400 watt magnetic Whisper motor, but with a 12” wheel head. Most importantly, this model has a fixed foot pedal on the right side and hand lever. Many love this fixed foot pedal but definitely try this out before buying.

Rounding out the Shimpo product line, the VL-Lite model is a strong competitor for Speedball and other budget models. It features a 1/2 HP 100 watt belt-driven motor, 14” wheelhead and detached foot pedal.

Note that the info below includes both the horse power and wattage for the motor. Not every manufacturer provides the wattage info, but in this case it helps distinguish between the two motors with the VL-Lite having a lower wattage and less powerful motor.

Shimpo Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers, Amazon, or click the links in the chart to check prices at Blick.

Shimpo Pottery Wheels

Click the links below to shop at Blick.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Aspire table top	$569	1/3 HP 100w	7"	6"	No	14.5 x 20 x 9"	25 lbs	0-230 hand, 0-250 foot	5 years	20 lbs
VL-Lite	$858	1/2 HP 100w	12"	10"	Yes, switch	22 x 28 x 21"	85 lbs	0-250	5 years	25 lbs
RK-Whisper	$1,310	1/2 HP, 400w	12"	10"	Yes, switch	20 x 21 x 20"	118 lbs	0-250	5 years	100 lbs
VL-Whisper	$1,532	1/2 HP, 400w	14"	10"	Yes, switch	23.2 x 27.5 x 22.75"	122 lbs	0-250	5 years	100 lbs

Skutt Wheels

The Prodigy Wheel, the entry-level model from Skutt.

Skutt is well known as a manufacturer of electric kilns, and they have been manufacturing wheels since 2008 when they acquired Thomas Stuart Wheels in 2008.

The Skutt line of wheels has seven wheels that fall in to three categories

The entry-level Prodigy wheel
The Legend wheels with a removable, one-piece, plastic splash pan
The Classic wheels with a built-in, aluminum splash pan that has a plug and drain tube for cleaning

The Skutt Legend Wheel, which has a removable wheelhead and splash pan.

The Prodigy is available with a 1/3 hp motor, while the Legend and Classic wheels area available in 1/3 hp, 1/2 hp, or 1 hp models. For most potters, the 1/2 HP options will be plenty powerful.

All the wheels are also available with an optional “SSX” pedal upgrade, which promises a more even and controlled throwing experience, especially at low speeds. In our opinion, if you are getting a Legend or Classic, you should get the SSX upgrade.

If you read through Skutt’s information, they claim to have the thickest wheelheads, beefiest frames, and oversized motors that can go all day without overheating. Skutt also doesn’t make claims on the centering capacity of their models, arguing that this commonly-used metric is almost meaningless. We agree that it’s just a stand-in for horsepower, so you can judge accordingly by reviewing the chart below.

The Skutt Classic wheel with a built-in, cast aluminum splash pan.

Finally there are also optional leg extensions that allow these wheels to be converted to standing options. These are awesome wheels that would work for just about everyone. They do come at a premium price, but the features and quality deliver and Skutt is well known for its customer service and commitment to its products.

The red and black color scheme was new for these wheels in 2023 and at the time of this writing, the SSX upgrade was included for free as a promotional offer on these re-invisioned wheels.

Skutt Thomas Stuart Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart for models available at Blick.

Shop Skutt Prodigy at Blick

Shop Skutt Legend at Blick

Shop Skutt Classic at Blick

Skutt Pottery Wheels

Click the links in the chart to shop at Blick.
*Note that Skutt does not provide RPMs or Centering Capacity.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Prodigy	$1,320	1/3 HP	12"	10"	No	24 x 30 x 24"	94 lbs	-	10 years	-
Removable splash pans:
Legend	$1,849	1/3 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	117 lbs	-	10 years	-
Legend	$1,980	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	119 lbs	-	10 years	-
Legend	$2,100	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24" H	128 lbs	-	10 years	-
Built-In Splash Pans:
Classic	$1,900	1/3 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	127 lbs	-	10 years	-
Classic	$2,153	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	128 lbs	-	10 years	-
Classic	$2,189	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	140 lbs	-	10 years	-

Soldner Wheels

The Soldner P series features a half-moon shaped table with 1/4 HP, 1/2 HP, or 3/4 HP motor options.

Paul Soldner was one of the original innovators of motorized pottery wheels and founded Soldner Wheels in 1955. For decades, they have been manufactured by Bluebird Manufacturing of Fort Collins, Colorado. The wheels are known for their ability to handle large amounts of clay, ultra-smooth, proprietary foot pedal, and distinctive tops made from polyurethane coated marine-grade plywood.

The Soldner S series has a studio-sized wheel head in 1/6 HP or 1/4 HP motor options.

The wheels come with optional splash pans, or the two-piece Brent splash pans will fit every model. The wheels also feature adjustable legs, which can accommodate a variety of heights for seated pottery. The S-series wheels range from 19” to 25” in height, and the P series range from 22” to 28” high.

Soldner wheels are less common but they have a devoted fan base. They are an absolute pleasure to use, with the foot pedal delivering even, steady power. And the plywood table top is distinctive and very pleasant in the studio environment, as well as being super-tough.

Recently, Bluebird upgraded the motors in these wheels to brushless motors, and improved the foot pedal to make it more waterproof for classroom use.

Soldner Wheels are not readily available via ceramic suppliers, but you can contact Bluebird directly to order these wheels.

  



  Soldner Pottery Wheels
*Prices listed are as of 2022.

  
    Model
    Typical Price
    Motor (HP)
    Wheelhead
Diameter
    Bat Pin
Diameter
    Reversible
    Dimensions
    Weight
    Speed (RPM)
    Warranty
    Capacity
  

    S50
    $1,409
    1/6 HP
    14"
    10"
    Yes, switch
    24 x 24 x 19-25"
    85 lbs
    0-250
    2 years
    50 lbs
  

    S100
    $1,576
    1/4 HP
    14"
    10"
    Yes, switch
    24 x 24 x 19-25"
    95 lbs
    0-250
    2 years
    100 lbs
  

    P100
    $1,891
    1/4 HP
    14"
    10"
    Yes, switch
    29 x 38 x 22-28"
    130 lbs
    0-250
    2 years
    100 lbs
  

    P200
    $2,079
    1/2 HP
    14"
    10"
    Yes, switch
    29 x 38 x 22-28"
    145 lbs
    0-250
    2 years
    200 lbs
  

    P400
    $2,438
    3/4 HP
    14"
    10"
    Yes, switch
    29 x 38 x 22-28"
    160 lbs
    0-250
    2 years
    400 lbs
  

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
S50	$1,409	1/6 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 24 x 19-25"	85 lbs	0-250	2 years	50 lbs
S100	$1,576	1/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 24 x 19-25"	95 lbs	0-250	2 years	100 lbs
P100	$1,891	1/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	29 x 38 x 22-28"	130 lbs	0-250	2 years	100 lbs
P200	$2,079	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	29 x 38 x 22-28"	145 lbs	0-250	2 years	200 lbs
P400	$2,438	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	29 x 38 x 22-28"	160 lbs	0-250	2 years	400 lbs

Speedball Pottery Wheels

The Speedball Clay Boss, a 1/2 HP pottery wheel with a 14” wheelhead. Our top pick for a budget wheel.

Speedball Pottery Wheels are known for being lighter-weight wheels that still deliver a professional quality motor. Speedball started making wheels in 2009 when they acquired Creative Industries of Cajon, California, which began making wheels in 1971. Many of those Creative Industries wheels are going strong today, although Speedball has changed the table shape and upgraded the line with newer features.

There are three regular-sized wheels in the Speedball product line:

The Clay Boss is an affordable, entry-level wheel. It features a 1/2 HP belt-drive motor, a 14” wheel head, reversible motor by switching the direction of the plug, and can handle 100 lbs of clay. Building on the Clay Boss, the Big Boss and Boss Elite have virtually similar frames and options, but with bigger motors and larger centering capacity.

The Speedball wheels are a great option if price and weight are concerns. There is a trade off with a lighter-weight frame but that also allows you to easily move the wheels around as needed.

Speedball Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart to shop at Blick.

Shop Clay Boss at Blick

Speedball Pottery Wheels

Click the model name to shop at Blick.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Artista table top	$549	1/3 HP	11"	10"	No	24 x 18 x 9"	26 lbs	0-220	2 years	25 lbs
Clay Boss	$1038	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, plug	21 x 26 x 19.5"	83 lbs	0-240	10 years	100 lbs
Big Boss	$1,271	0.85 HP	14"	10"	Yes, plug	21 x 26 x 19.5"	89 lbs	0-250	10 years	150 lbs
Boss Elite SQ	$1,428	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, plug	21 x 26 x 19.5"	96 lbs	0-240	5 years	175 lbs

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our guide to pottery wheels. It is comprehensive overview of every professional grade wheel we could find on the market, comparing all the features and options of each wheel. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments.

Gift Guide For Potters and Ceramic Artists 2023-2024

October 11, 2023 Matt M-H

New and updated for 2023!

The Speedball Boss Base is a new centering and opening tool for the pottery wheel, which was released in early 2023. Shop at Amazon

This 2023-24 gift guide has more than 30 ideas of gifts for potters, ceramic artists, or anyone who works with clay. Most of these suggestions are priced between $15 and $100, along with a few higher-priced items. The guide includes loose guidelines recommending certain tools, for beginners, intermediate, advanced, or everyone.

Note: This site uses affiliate links for sites such as Amazon and Blick. If you click the links and complete a purchase, we may receive a percentage at no extra cost to you.

potter sitting at a pottery wheel wearing a denim blue Claypron and a pottery standing wearing a red Claypron pottery apron — The Claypron is a split-leg potter’s apron available in a variety of colors.

The Claypron

An apron is very useful when working with clay and one of the most popular pottery aprons is The Claypron. Designed for working at the potter’s wheel, it features a split, overlapping leg with ties at the neck and waist. Available in a variety of colors, it is made with high-quality, machine-washable cotton.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $40

Shop Claypron at Amazon

Shop Claypron at Blick

For more apron recommendations, check out our complete guide to pottery aprons.

Soolla Studio Bag

The Soolla Studio Bag is a canvas art tote that comes in a wide variety of mostly solid colors and a few patterns, and is washable. Well thought out, it has 30+ pockets for small tools and a large central opening, along with padded handles. This is an awesome bag from a small company, that would make a great gift for any potter. The bag typically retails for $59 but can often be found for less.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $59

Soolla Studio bag in 80s windbreaker pattern — Soolla Bag in 80s Windbreker pattern.

Shop Soolla Studio Bag at Amazon

Shop Soolla Studio Bag at Etsy

Potter’s Skin Butter

Made by a potter for potters, this Skin Butter is a great gift and is available in four scents including Tangerine, Lavender, Mint, and Unscented. A 4 ounce jar is $20 and a pump bottle is $26.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $20–$26

Shop Potter's Skin Butter at Etsy

By My Hands: A Potter’s Apprenticeship
by Florian Gadsby

Published in Fall 2023, By My Hands details the apprenticeship and journey of British potter Florian Gadsby, who makes beautiful pots and is one of the most popular potters on YouTube, Instagram, and other social media sites.

The hardcover edition features numerous color images throughout the 400 page volume.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $35

Shop By My Hands at Amazon

Shop By My Hands at Bookshop.org

For more recently published books, check out our complete guide to 2023 ceramics and pottery books.

Multi-Function Titanium-Fused PRO Trimming Tool by Xiem Tools

Xiem makes a lot of great tools, but their Multi-Function Pro Trimming Tools are really wonderful, with a long-lasting titanium-fused metal blade, comfortable wooden handle, and most of all, a distinctive and functional shape. In a test of loop tools earlier this year, these were some of our favorites and they continue to impress in the studio. These are available individually or set of three. If getting just one, choose the middle size, #05.

Recommended for: intermediate to advanced
Cost:
$17-19 each
$52 for set of three

Shop set of 3 Xiem Loop Tools at Etsy

Shop Xiem Pro Loop Tools at Amazon

Shop individual Xiem Loop tools at Etsy

Speedball Boss Base pottery tool

There have been DIY versions of this for years, but in early 2023 Speedball released this tool for evenly opening clay on the pottery wheel. It features two handles and a slightly higher center pole, which leaves an even 3/8” base on pots. It’s a bit limited as some may want a thicker base for trimming a foot, but for anyone who struggles with opening, this ergonomic tool is very handy and available in 4 colors. (If you wanted to leave more clay at the base, you can also cut the center pole shorter so might be worth getting 2 of these!)

Recommended for: Potters
Cost: $30 each

Shop Boss Base at Amazon

Shop Boss Base at Blick

Weleda Skin Food

There are lots of great everyday creams, such as O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream (shop at Amazon), but a real upgrade is Weleda Skin Food. It’s a rich, luxurious cream that will help protect hands during a long studio session or at home. This extra thick cream smells great, melds into your skin quickly, and the squeeze tube makes it easy to use at home or studio. The “original” comes in a 2.5 ounce squeeze tube and Skin Food Body Butter is available in a 5 ounce glass jar.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $15

Shop Weleda Skin Food Original at Amazon

Shop Weleda Skin Food Body Butter at Amazon

For more on hand creams, visit our complete guide to creams and lotions for the pottery studio.

Double Ended Clay Modeling Tool

The line of Colour Shaper double-ended modeling tools from Royal Sovereign.

The Colour Shaper line of tools from Royal Sovereign is a great addition to anyone’s tool kit. Each tool features a high-quality rubber modeling tool, with a corresponding metal loop tool on the other side. Available in a variety of sizes and with a pointed or chisel rubber tip, these are especially useful for sculptors and hand builders but have their place in a potter’s tool kit as well. If getting just one, check out the size 6 tool with a chisel tip, which usually retails for $12-13.

Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $12-13

Shop Colour Shaper at Amazon

Shop Colour Shaper at Blick

Handbuilt: A Modern Potter’s Guide to Handbuilding with CLay by Lily Maetzig

Handbuilt a Modern POtter's Guide to Handbuilding with Clay book cover by Lily Maetzig with handbuilt red and white pots

Lilly Maetzig is a potter who has built a strong following online for instructional videos (search for Mae Ceramics) and in 2023 released this book, which introduces more than 20 projects that you can do without a wheel including a pedestal bowl, pinched teapot, and nesting plates.

Recommended for: beginners to intermediate
Cost: $24

Shop Handbuilt at Amazon

Shop Handbuilt at Bookshop.org

Tool Kits

A packaged tool kit can be a great way for a beginner to get going, or for an experienced potter to replenish their tool supply. There are a few options:

Mudtool Essentials Starter Kit

Mudtools pottery tools essentials kit with 9 tools — The Mudtools Essentials Starter Kit includes 9 tools and a storage tube.

This kit from MudTools includes three flexible polymer ribs, the Mudshark cutting tool, a cut-off wire with rounded handles, a long plastic scraper/rib, a sponge, the MudTools all-in-one trimming tool, and the MudTools shredder.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $80-$95.

Shop MudTools Essentials Kit at Amazon

Shop Mudtools Essential Kit at Blick

Xiem Tool Kits

Xiem 10 piece pottery tool kit — The Xiem 10 piece beginner’s pottery kit.

Xiem Tools makes two tool kits with some of their best and most popular pottery tools.

The 10 Piece Beginners Pottery Kit actually contains 9 tools (unless you count the tube it comes in as a tool!) including a Foot Shaper, Needle Tool, Heavy Duty Clay Sponge, 11" Pro Wire Clay Cutter, 2 Titanium Fused Trimming Tools, Soft Silicone Clay Rib, Rigid Plastic Clay Rib, and Flexible Stainless Steel Rib.

Recommended for: Beginners / Intermediate
Cost: $60

Shop Xiem 10 Piece Kit at Amazon

Xiem 14 piece pottery tool kit — The Xiem 14 piece Pottery Essentials tool kit.

The 14 piece Essentials Kit (13 tools plus the tube) has the same tools as the Beginners set with the addition of an extra rib, another loop tool, a metal clay knife, and the extendable Xiem pottery sponge.

Recommended for: Intermediate / advanced
Cost: $95.

Shop Xiem 14 piece kit at Amazon

Tote Bags

Tote and organizer bags also make a great gift for potters and ceramic artists, especially those that work in shared studios and have to pack up their tools after working. Here are a few options, in addition to the Soolla Bag mentioned above:

JJRing Craft and Art Organizer Tote Bag

ote bag caddy for art supplies pottery supplies office — The JJRing Tote Bag

The JJRing Craft and Art Organizer Tote Bag comes in a variety of colors and has numerous pockets to keep everything in its place. Made of nylon with cardboard supports, this bag is available in a variety of colors.

Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $15.99

Shop JJRing Tote Bag at Amazon

Xiem Artist’s Tool Bag

This deluxe bag features a metal frame, canvas pockets, and a wooden handle. This bag will definitely hold everything you need and more.

Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $35–54.95 (At time of writing, was cheapest at Blick)

Shop Xiem Tool Bag at Amazon

Shop Xiem Tool Bag at Blick

Shop Xiem Tool Bag at Etsy

Carve Your Clay: Techniques to Bring the Ceramic Surface to Life by Hilda Carr

This book was published in 2020 but has been a steady favorite since. With ideas for surface decoration including carving, inlay, scraffito, wire cutting and more it has easy-to-follow instructions and great illustrations. Based on Hilda Carr’s signature style but with variations and ideas for every potter, the book is available in hardcover or paperback. (See below for a fluting tool that makes a great pair with this book.)

Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $19 paperback, $25 hardcover

Shop Carve Your Clay at Amazon

Shop Carve Your Clay at Blick

Shop Carve Your Clay at Bookshop.org

Xiem Fluting Tool

Pair this fluting tool with the book Carve Your Clay and you will have an awesome gift for any potter. The tool comes with 3 blades and an ergonomic handle. Replacement blades are available as well, making this a well thought out and long-lasting tool.

Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $18

Shop Fluting Tool at Amazon

Shop Fluting Tool at Blick

Shop Fluting Tool at Etsy

Pottery T-Shirts at Society6, Redbubble, Threadless, and more

Evolution of Pottery T-Shirt at Society6

There’s a lot of fun t-shirts with pottery and kiln themes available from print-on-demand sites. Most of these sites also pay a portion of the sale price to the artists and designers, so not only are you getting a cool gift, but you’re supporting other artists and designers too. If you see a pattern or design you like, make sure to click around — designs are usually available on multiple products so you can find the right gift.

Pictured here a few shirt ideas with links, or check out our post about pottery shirts.

Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: typically $18-30 each depending on options and styles.

Ceramics Joe by D. Goode Art at Threadless

Kintsugi Broken Heart T shirt at Society6

Electric Kiln outline design at Threadless

Mastering Ceramics Series

The Mastering Ceramics books are great for beginners and intermediate pottery students. The thorough, straightforward advice covers a variety of techniques in an easy-to-approach style. All three books are a great addition to any potter’s bookshelf.

The books usually cost $18-25 each.

Mastering the Potter’s Wheel by Ben Carter, published 2016

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick | Shop at Bookshop.org

Mastering Hand Building by Sunshine Cobb, published 2018

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick | Shop at Bookshop.org

Mastering Kilns and Firing by Lindsay Oesterritter, published 2019

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Bookshop.org

Wagner HVLP Spray Gun

A High Velocity Low Pressure (HVLP) spray gun just needs a power outlet to instantly get any potter spraying glaze. With a built-in fan, nozzle, and cup for glazes, it’s a quick and affordable way to spray glaze. Wagner makes a straightforward, dependable HVLP that worked great in our recent test of spray guns. The best part is the smaller, cheaper models seem to be best suited for spraying glaze.

Safety Note: Spraying glaze should only down with proper respirator masks and excellent ventilation, or outside.

Recommended for: Advanced
Cost: $55 for basic model, $85 for slightly bigger spray gun

Shop Wagner Spray Gun at Amazon

Shop Wagner Spry Gun at Home Depot

Shop Wagner Spray Gun at Lowe's

Mudtools trimming tool with flat end and curved end for pottery — The Mudtools double-ended trimming tool.

MudTools Double Ended Trimming Tool

This steel trimming tool from MudTools is a great studio tool, allowing potters to trim in a flat plan or in a curve. It’s a toolbox essential tand is also available as part of the MudTools kit, mentioned at the top of the post.

Recommended for: Intermediate / Advanced
Cost: $27

Shop MudTools Trim Tool at Amazon

Wooden Clay Mallet

This handmade wooden clay mallet, by CompanionWorks of Brooklyn, NY, is well proportioned, comfortable, and beautiful. With a maple mallet and poplar handle, it will only get more beautiful with use. It is great for flattening slabs or for working with large vessels on the wheel. Also check out their beautiful clay anvils for making bowls from slabs. The anvils are available in widths of 3” and 6”.

Recommended for: Intermediate / Advanced
Cost: $40 for mallet or $50 for large anvil.

The CompanionWorks clay mallet (top) and clay anvil are beautiful and functional handmade tools.

Shop Clay Mallet at Etsy

Shop Clay Anvil at Etsy

Underglaze Sampler Packs

Underglazes are studio favorites and are great way to get vibrant, saturated colors on ceramics. They can be applied by brush, sponge, or spraying. Sample packs are a great way to find the underglaze colors that work best, and are available from a variety of manufacturers.

The Speedball sampler pack includes 12 colors in 2 oz bottles, $45.

Shop Speedball Sampler at Amazon

Shop Speedball Sampler at Blick

AMACO Velvet Underglazes are available in 4 different sampler sets of 2 oz jars for $52 each. Shop at Blick

Mayco has a 10 pack underglaze sampler for around $40. Shop at Amazon

Sax True Flow Underglaze has a 12 pack sampler set for around $43. Shop at Amazon

Creative Pottery: Innovative Techniques and Experimental Designs by Deb Schwartzkopf

Creative Pottery by Deb Schwartzkopf cover image

Whether you are a handbuilder or work on the wheel, this book from 2020 is a guide to taking your ceramics to the next level. Add complexity to your projects with simple changes, learn how to make bisque molds, or choose from other projects in this self guided book from potter Deb Schwartzkopf, founder of Rat City and Rain City studios in Seattle.

Recommended for: all levels
Cost: $27

Shop Creative Pottery at Amazon

Shop Creative Pottery at Blick

Shop Creative Pottery at Bookshop.org

3M Respirator

3M half facepiece respirator with p100 filters — 3M half facepiece respirator with P100 filters.

A quality dust mask is a must have for anyone who mixes glazes from scratch, makes their own clay, or works with plaster. The best option is a 3M respirator. A basic model is about $15 plus the filters, but for a few dollars more you can get the “rugged comfort” mask which has a more comfortable liner and a few extra features. Pair it with P100 filters or P100 cartridges, and you’ve got high quality protection against silica and other airborne particulates.

For more, visit our complete guide to dust masks.

3M Respirator, $23-$40 depending on model

Shop 3M Respirator at Amazon

Nidec-Shimpo Banding Wheels

The Shimpo 8 3/4” x 2 1/2” tall banding wheel is one of five options from Shimpo.

Banding wheels are very useful for coil building, sculpting, and decorating. Nidec-Shimpo Banding Wheels are the best on the market, made of cast iron with sealed bearings. They are on the heavy side, but this added weight gives the wheels a smooth, even spin. Shimpo banding wheels come in five different sizes ranging from $61 to about $130. The 8 3/4” wide x 2 1/2” tall model ($73) is an all-purpose size that should work for most studios. For more info, read our complete review of banding wheels.

Recommended for: intermediate / advanced
Cost: $61 to $130

Shop 8 3/4" Shimpo Banding Wheel at Amazon

Shop Shimpo Banding Wheels at Blick

Stadea Adjustable Diamond Hand Pad Set

The Stadea adjustable diamond hand pad system.

Stadea is a go-to brand for quality diamond sanding tools, and this new option is great for potters! It features a 5 inch long foam pad with velcro and 6 different diamond pads, ranging from 50 grit to 1500 grit. It’s perfect for light-duty cleanup such as smoothing the bottom of pots and sculptures. And the adjustable pads means you just have to store one foam block, not six, so it can save space too.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $47

Shop Stadea Diamond Hand Pad at Amazon

Nidec-Shimpo Potter’s Stool

Shimpo 4 leg adjustable pottery stool with white legs and blue padded top — Nidec-Shimpo Potter’s Stool

Another great gift idea from Nidec-Shimpo is the Shimpo Potter’s Stool. It’s the most versatile, comfortable, and functional pottery stool on the market. It has four adjustable legs with nine slots on each leg with a range of 19 to 26 inches high. The legs can be adjusted independently, allowing for the stool to be set at an angle if desired. It also has a comfortable, padded seat. It’s a great upgrade for any potter.

Recommended for: Anyone who owns a wheel
Cost: $99

Shop Pottery Stool at Amazon

Sony Portable Bluetooth Boombox

Sony Bluetooth Boombox with handle black — The Sony Bluetooth Boombox

This little Sony unit is a great for studios. It can stream via bluetooth, or use the digital tuner to pick up just about any AM/FM station in your area. While it doesn’t have audiophile quality, the sound is decent and for me personally, I just like having the option of listening to the radio without fussing with my phone. It seems to be the best, most functional option for a Bluetooth boombox that is priced under $100.

Recommended for: Someone who wants FM and Bluetooth
Cost: $100

Shop Sony Boombox at Amazon

Shop Sony Boombox at Best Buy

Mudtools Rib Set

Mudtools Ribs, some sets of six available at Amazon or buy them individually.

Mudtools ribs are used and loved by many potters. There are four different firmness levels, and each level has six different shapes. There are sets of all 6 on Amazon, or head over to Blick to pick out individual ribs.

Mudtools ribs:
Red — very soft
Yellow — soft
Green — medium
Blue — firm

Mudtools Rib Set, $51 for six ribs at Amazon, or individual ribs at Blick, $9 each.

Shop Mudtools ribs at Amazon

Shop Mudtools Ribs at Blick

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Drill

The Milwaukee M12 Drill Kit comes with a drill, one battery, charging station, and a bag.

The Milwaukee M12 compact cordless drill is a studio favorite. It’s strong enough for most jobs, but small and light so that it’s comfortable for just about any user. Paired with the right mixer blade, this is an ideal drill for mixing glazes, plaster, or other tasks in a ceramics studio. Milwaukee also makes a wide variety of tools that fit the M12 battery. Click here to read a full guide to cordless drills.

Recommended for: Potters with their own studios
Cost: $125-$140

Shop Milwaukee Drill at Amazon

Shop Milwaukee Drill at Home Depot

Recommended drill accessories for ceramics:

Jiffy LM Laboratory mixer for mixing small glaze cups.

Plastic helix mixer for mixing 1-2 gallon glaze buckets.

Jiffy ES Mixer for mixing 2 to 5 gallon bucket.

Dewalt 14 piece bit set for drilling holes and the Dewalt 45 piece screwdriver set.

My Weigh iBalance 5500 Scale

My Weigh iBalance 5500 digital scale with stainless steel top — My Weigh iBalance 5500 scale has a 5500 gram / 12 lb capacity and is accurate to 0.1 grams.

The MyWeigh iBalance 5500 is a precision scale that is accurate to 0.1 grams while maintaining a large capacity of 5500 grams or about 12 pounds. It has a stainless steel top, optional AC power adapter, simple and intuitive buttons, and a 3 year warranty. The four feet can be independently leveled too. It’s one of the best options on the market and is a great gift for the potter who also mixes their own glaze.

Recommended for: Anyone who mixes glazes
Cost: $249

Shop My Weigh scale at Amazon

Giffin Grip trimming tool

Giffin Grip pottery trimming tool in use on a pottery wheel — The Giffin Grip in use, holding a pot in place for trimming.

The Giffin Grip is a trimming tool that attaches to any pottery wheelhead, and various arms allow you to easily hold vases and pots in place for trimming. It sure beats trying to attach pots using small bits of a clay. It’s not cheap—typically around $270—but it lasts for ever and once a potter has one, they’ll use it all the time.

Recommended for: intermediate / advanced
Cost: $270

Shop Giffin Grip at Amazon

Speedball Artista Tabletop Wheel

The Speedball Artista is a great tabletop wheel that is strong enough for most potters but is also portable and can be stored with ease. It’s the perfect option for an at-home practice wheel or for someone looking to try out pottery with a professional machine. It has an 11” wheelhead, a 1/3 horsepower motor, is compatible with standard 10” bats, and weighs just 26 pounds, so it can easily be put away when not in use. You can also add an optional foot pedal or legs. For a complete overview, check out our guide to tabletop wheels.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $549

Shop Speedball Artista Wheel at Blick

North Star Portaroller

The North Star Portaroller is a great tool that can instantly upgrade any studio. Designed for artists who are on the go, it’s also ideal for small or home studios because it quickly breaks down into three pieces that can be stored when not in use. The Portaroller has two metal rollers, a crank, and two tabletop pieces that fit on either side of the roller. The top roller can be adjusted for slab thicknesses up to 2.5 inches and it can make slabs that are 16 inches wide. It’s a well thought out piece of equipment that is backed by North Star’s impeccable record of quality. There’s also a larger model in the same style, the North Star Polaris, that can make slabs up to 22 inches wide.

For a complete guide to portable rollers, click here.

North Star Portaroller, 16” wide slabs, $750
North Star Polaris, 22” wide slabs, $1,000

Shop Polaris Roller at Blick

Full Size Pottery Wheels

A professionally quality pottery wheel starts around $800 and ranges up to around $1,500 to $2,000. Most potters use a wheel in the $800 to $1,500 range from quality brands such as Nidec-Shimpo, Brent, or Speedball. We’ve got a complete pottery wheel buyer’s guide here, but just know that as the price goes up you are paying for a stronger motor, a sturdier tabletop and legs, and a few other features.

Here’s a quick overview of a few wheels that would be great gifts.

Nidec-Shimpo Wheels

Nidec makes three full size wheels:

Shimpo RK-Whisper pottery wheel — Shimpo RK-Whisper

VL-Lite is a motor-driven model that retails for $858

RK-Whisper has the classic Shimpo metal body and fixed foot pedal, 12” wheelhead, and the ultra-quiet magnet driven wheelhead. It retails for $1,310

VL-Whisper is many potter’s favorite with a 14” wheelhead, the same ultra-quiet magnet drive as the RK, and a moveable foot pedal. It retails for $1,532

Shop VL-LIte at Blick

Shop RK-Whisper at Blick

Shop Speedball Clay Boss at Blick

Brent Pottery Wheels

Brent wheels are workhorses and come in a few models where everything is the same, except the motor. Some models are also available in black in addition to the distinctive “Brent yellow.” The most popular Brent models are the Brent B with a 1/3 horsepower motor, or the Brent C, with a 1/2 horsepower motor.

Brent Model B, 1/3 HP motor, $1,898
Brent Model C, 1/2 HP motor, $1,943

Shop Brent Model B at Blick

Shop Brent Model C at Blick

Speedball Wheels

Speedball Clay Boss pottery wheel — Speedball Clay Boss Wheel

In addition to the tabletop model mentioned above, Speedball makes two full sized wheels. The Clay Boss has a 1/2 HP motor with a 14” wheelhead. It’s reversible, but only via a plug and not a switch. The Big Boss has similar features except it comes with a 1 HP motor.

Speedball Clay Boss 1/2 HP wheel, $1,038
Speedball Big Boss 1 HP wheel, $1,271

Shop Speedball Big Boss at Blick

Other Gift Ideas

Kilns: Read our guide to Skutt kilns here.

Tools: We’ve got a lot more ideas in our tool guides such as:

Scales for glaze mixing

Accessories for glaze mixing

Tools that can be used in the kitchen or the studio.

Classes: A set of classes at your local ceramics studio can be a great gift. If you can’t find a studio, ask a local clay supplier if they can recommend local studios.

Magazine Subscriptions: Magazines are great sources of ideas and inspiration. Check out The Studio Potter, Pottery Making Illustrated, or Ceramics Monthly.

Tours, Trips, or Conferences: Look for pottery-specific travel tours, retreats, or conferences.

What ideas do you have for pottery gifts? Let us know in the comments.

Gift Guides

Posts that may interest you:

Gift Guide for Young Artist and Creative Kids

Gift Guide for Artists Who Paint and Draw

Table Top Pottery Wheel Buyer's Guide 2023

July 20, 2023 Matt M-H

A lightweight, compact pottery wheel can be a great option for throwing small to medium sized pots, and are priced more economically priced than full-size wheels, generally in the $300 to $550 range. Table top wheels are especially great for at home use, occasional classroom use, or if you have a small working space and need to take your wheel out and put it away.

You can get great results with table top wheels, but there are trade-offs in power and other options found in full-size wheels. If portability isn’t your biggest concern, there are also larger wheels that can be used on table tops, and these will be covered below

This guide will cover portable / table top pottery wheels and also review a few of the super affordable “budget” wheels that are lightweight and can be moved around.

Top Pick: Speedball Artista

The Speedball Artista is our top pick for a table top wheel. With an 11 inch wheel head, it’s almost as big as a full size wheel (usually they have 12 to 14 inch wheel heads) and with a 1/3 horsepower motor, it has enough power for small to medium size pots. And it’s light! The wheel weighs in at just 26 pounds.

The Speedball line of wheels. At right is the Artista with the optional leg and foot pedal attachments. — The Speedball line of wheels. At right is the **Artista** with the optional leg and foot pedal attachments.

The Artista wheel head has standard 10” bat pin spacing, a hand-controlled speed lever, and a variety of add ons such as a foot pedal and static or folding legs. The wheel comes with a 2 year warranty, and is available in right or left handed models. It typically retails for $549.

The optional legs and foot pedal will add about another $200 to $300 to the total cost, giving you basically a full size pottery wheel. Being able to store all these pieces is great, but if you are thinking of getting all the add ons, you might also look into the full size Nidec Shimpo VL-Lite pottery wheel for $858. But if you need something that you can move around, put away when not in use, and set up in a variety of places, then the Speedball Artista is great option. It’s also a great wheel for kids, hobbyists, or something that you can add to the corner of a classroom or home studio.

Shop Speedball Artista at Blick

For more on portable and table top wheels, please keep reading below.

Speedball Artist Portable Wheel
Shimpo Aspire Portable Wheel
Shimpo VL-Whisper
U.S. Art Supply Table Top Wheel
Other Lightweight Wheels
Comparison Chart
Summary

Nidec-Shimpo Aspire Table Top Wheel

The Shimpo Aspire table top wheel. — The Shimpo Aspire table top wheel, pictured here with the hand lever.

The Shimpo Aspire pictured with the optional foot pedal.

The Aspire is Nidec-Shimpo’s table top option, with a 1/3 horse power, belt-driven 7 inch wheel head. It is rated to a 20 lb centering capacity, and the wheel has a max speed of 230 rpm via the hand lever, and up to 250 rpm if controlled by the optional foot pedal. The whole unit weighs 31 lbs, making it relatively easy to put away on a shelf or closet when not in use.

The main drawback of the Aspire is that it has a small, 7 inch wheel head. There are a variety of bats and attachments designed for this wheel, but overall it feels more like a toy while the Speedball Artista feels like a portable version of a professional wheel.

The Aspire costs about the same as the Speedball Artista, generally around $569 for the hand lever option or more if you choose to add a foot pedal. The Aspire does not have optional legs.

Overall, this is a quality machine that might be the right wheel for your situation, but it is on the small side.

Shop Shimpo Aspire at Blick

Shimpo VL-Whisper

The Shimpo VL-Whisper is our top-rated full-size wheel and is also a great option for table top use. While not exactly “portable” due to the weight, it has a flat design that can sit on a table top when the legs are removed. If you want a table-top or standing wheel with all the bells and whistles of a top-of-the-line wheel, this is a great option.

Rather than a motor and belt, the VL-Whisper is driven by a virtually silent series of magnets that spin the wheel.

The VL-Whisper (VL stands for velocity) has a 1/2 horse power motor, a 14” wheel head, a reversible switch, and can center up to 100 lbs. At around 135 lbs, it is heavy, but it’s a sturdy machine with the quietest motor on the market. It has a unique magnet-driven wheel which is virtually silent and is the reason it can sit flat as there is no traditional motor hanging below the wheel head. At a typically price of $1517, it hits that sweet spot of great performance and options, while being in about the middle of the price range for full size wheels.

But once again, the decision is do you need a lightweight, portable wheel or a heavier but still great table top wheel.

Shop U.S. Art Supply Table Top Wheel at Amazon

U.S. Art Supply Table Top Wheel

Another option is the U.S. Art Supply 3/4 HP Table Top pottery wheel. It is sort of a hybrid of the Shimpo Aspire and Speedball Artista as it is a total unit that weighs around 43 pounds and it has an 11” wheelhead with a proprietary 3-pin bats,. It can go forward and reverse, tops out at 300 rpm, has a foot pedal, and retails for $600.

The reviews on this wheel are really mixed. Some people love it and have had great success, recommending it for beginners or intermediate potters. Some say it wobbles but others describe it as quite sturdy. In general, everyone agrees that the splash pan is not the best. With a one-year warranty, I can only recommend this wheel with reservations. For the price, I would go with the Speedball Artista. For around $200 more, you could get a full-size wheel such as the motor-driven Shimpo VL-Lite. But if you are looking for a table top wheel, definitely check this one out.

Other Lightweight Wheel Options

In recent years, a number of very affordable wheels in the $120 to $300 range have popped up on Amazon and other places. A variety of pottery influencers have reviewed these wheels on YouTube and found them ok for very small pots, and I can attest that some of my students have tried them and liked them. But if you go this route be aware that there are some limitations, including very limited service and support if anything breaks, weak motors, small wheel heads, and no holes for bat pins if you want to start throwing more adventurous or wider forms. But, I get that many want to try out pottery at a budget price so here are a few models. Do your research as many of these are available in a variety of permutations and generic options online.:

Vevor 11 inch pottery wheel

At $138, this little nugget of a wheel seems to be about the absolute cheapest you can go. It’s got an 11 inch wheel head and the legs are about 8 inches tall, along with a small foot pedal. In total, it weighs around 40 pounds.

With a wheel like this, you can throw up to 5 pounds of clay but there are tons of things you can make with just a pound or two of clay. If you want to try out wheel throwing, this might be the most entry level you can go. Just don’t expect it to last too long under heavy use.

Shop Vevor Pottery Wheel at Amazon

VivoHome 28 cm / 11 inch Wheel

Another budget option is the VivoHome 28 cm wheel. Rather than 3 legs, it has a boxy unit feel along with a detachable foot pedal. I am recommending this one because while the unit is so small and low, the detachable foot pedal will allow you to raise the wheel a bit (with blocks?) while keeping the foot pedal on the floor. The models with the attached foot pedal look too small for an adult to use.

This Vivo Home wheel weighs almost 28 pounds and retails for $189 but it does come with a variety of tools.

Shop VivoHome 28 cm wheel at Amazon

Table Top Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart

Below is a chart with all the wheels mentioned in this post.

Table Top Pottery Wheels

Click the model name to shop at Dick Blick or Amazon.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Speedball Artista	$549	1/3 HP	11"	10"	No, but available as R or L handed	24 x 18 x 9"	26 lbs	0-220	2 years	25 lbs
Shimpo Aspire	$569	1/3 HP	7"	6"	No	14.5 x 20 x 9"	31 lbs	0-230 hand, 0-250 foot pedal	5 years	20 lbs
US Art Table Top	$600	3/4 HP	11"	Custom 3 pin design	Yes, switch	17 x 26 x 13"	42.3 lbs	0-300	1 year	25 lbs
VL-Whisper	$1,517	1/2 HP, 400w	14"	10"	Yes, switch	23.2 x 27.5 x 22.75"	122 lbs	0-250	5 years	100 lbs

For a comparison of all types of wheels including full size wheels, click here.

And for our buyer’s guide to full-size wheels, click here.

Summary

Table top pottery wheels are great options for a wide variety of potters. This post has covered a variety of portable and table top wheel options, with our top pick being the Speedball Artista wheel for it’s full size wheel head and ability to go from a comfortable sitting down wheel, to table top, to being packed away on the shelf.

But there are other options out there to suit every type of potter and studio. What table top pottery wheels do you prefer? Let us know in the comments.

The Best Loop Tools for Trimming Pottery

May 26, 2023 Matt M-H

Ten loop tools for trimming pottery on a pottery bat — The loop tools tested for this post. From left: two loop tools from Groovy Tools, a Kemper Professional tool, the standard Kemper trimming tool, the Hsin Tools trimmer, Diamond Core trimmer, three models from Xiem Tools, and one the Do All Trim Tool from Mudtools.

For this post, 10 professional-grade loop tools from 6 manufacturers were tested to find the best option for trimming and cleaning up pottery. Considerations included sharpness, comfort while using, durability, and whether the metal in the blade was stiff or more flexible.

Overall, these will all be fine tools for your studio but there were a few favorites including the basic Kemper loop tool and two loop tools from Xiem tools. The drawback for many of these tools was stiffer blades that while they may stay sharp longer, resulted in “chattering” or a slight bouncing while trimming.

Prices for these loop tools range from $4 to over $80 for the specialized tungsten carbide tools. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot. Our top picks range from $4 to $18 each.

This test did not include the very cheapest loop tools, such as those that come with light-colored wooden handles found in the budget tool sets. These tools are fine for beginners but the blades wear down very quickly. At the very least, more serious potters should upgrade to the Kemper loop tool (our top pick) or consider starting with the Kemper pottery tool kit. For beginners, also check out our tool guide for pottery beginners.

Every manufacturer makes a large variety of trimming tool shapes, but for the sake of comparison, this test mostly covers “pear shaped” loop tools. If you prefer different shapes, you could find those with the same blades and handles as most of our picks. The conclusion of the post covers some ideas of how to sharpen and maintain your loop tools. All of these tools can be sharpened at least a few times and many are designed to be sharpened over and over.

**TOP PICK: Kemper 5” Pear Shaped Loop Tool (* Also the top value / top budget pick!)**

The Kemper 5” Pear Shaped Loop Tool. This is also the large loop tool that comes standard in the Kemper Pottery Tool Kit.

After testing, the best option for most studios is the standard Kemper pear-shaped loop tool, which typically retails for $4-$6. This tool combines quality and durability in a very affordable package. It’s available at just about every ceramic supply shop or can be found for just $3.77 at Blick in the United States.

Coming in to this test, this was my default trimming tool, but even after testing all the other loop tools, this is the one I reached for most. The blade stays decently sharp and the metal is soft enough that it doesn’t result in “chattering” or bouncing while trimming. And while the blade does wear down over time, it can be sharpened at least one or two times. For me, these tools typically last 6 to 12 months before I need to replace them. At $4 each, it’s a fantastic deal.

Shop Kemper Loop Tool at Blick

Shop Kemper Tool Kit at Amazon

UPGRADE Pick: Xiem Pro TFT #03 Large Teardrop Shaped Loop Tool

The Xiem Tools Pro TFT #03 or large-sized teardrop shaped trimming tool features a blade that is 1.81 inches wide. Shop tool at Etsy.

The Xiem Pro TFT 03 is my top upgrade pick for a loop tool. The tool features a great blade, the tool is very comfortable in hand, and the handle has one side that is slightly flat so that the tool won’t roll away.

The blade is beveled on both sides and is a gold color when it arrives, although this gold wears away with use. The Xiem Pro line are advertised as “titanium-fused” and they claim it is “three times” harder than regular steel with enhanced rust protection. The blade was sharp but it didn’t stay as sharp as the much more expensive tungsten carbide blades. Throughout my testing, I didn’t notice even a hint of rusting with the blade on this tool.

Xiem makes 3 teardrop-shaped trimming tools, with blades that are about 1 inch, 1.4 inch, or 1.81 inches wide and they cost $17, $18, or $19 each. These tools felt most similar to the Kemper Pro line of tools, but I feel that the quality of the blade and distinctive handle makes them the superior pick versus the Kemper Pro tools.

Shop Xiem Tools Pro Loop Tool at Etsy

Shop Xiem Pro Loop Tool at Amazon

ALSO GREAT: Xiem Tools Pro Multi-function Loop Trimming Tool

Xiem Tools Pro Multifunctional Trimming Loop Tool — The Xiem Tools Pro Multi-Function Loop Tool TFT05 has a blade that is about 1.4 inches wide and is available at Etsy.

I wasn’t familiar with these tools before this test, but this distinctive style from Xiem Tools quickly became my favorite detail trimmer. As in the the other Xiem Tools Pro Trimmers, the Multi-Function tools feature a titanium-bonded steel blade and ergonomic handle with a flat bottom.

Where this tool really shines is its versatility and distinctive shape. You can trim broad areas, slight curves, or create a nice right angle on a foot ring or other part of your ware. The multi-function tools have a thinner blade, so they may not be the greatest for your first few passes in trimming, but they are great for detail work.

The blade is beveled on two sides, and is also golden color when new, although that wears off with use. The tool is advertised as being rust-resistant and it stayed rust free throughout the months of testing.

These tools are available with blades that are about .9, 1.4, and 1.9 inches wide, and cost $17, $18, or $19 each. I liked the medium so much that I went ahead and ordered the other two.

Shop Xiem Pro Multifunction Tool at Etsy

For the complete review of every tool tested, keep reading below.

Table of Contents

Top Picks
How Loop Tools Were Tested
Kemper and Kemper Pro Loop Tools
Xiem and Xiem Pro Loop Tools
Hsin Tools
Groovy Tools Loop Tools
Diamond Core Loop Tools
MudTools Do All Trim Tool
Sharpening Stones and Tools for Ceramic Tools
Summary

How the Loop Tools Were Tested

For this test, every readily available loop tool on the market was purchased. When multiple sizes were present, such as the Xiem Pro line, the medium option was selected so that tools could be compared on a one-to-one basis with relatively similar sizes. Because they were harder to find, Buffalo Pottery Trimming Tools and the Dolan Tools were not tested. (Dolan Tools appear to be unavailable however, it appears that the Kemper Pro line are the exact same tools.)

My own personal biases and preferences also come in to play with this test, so I’ll share that information here: For years, I only used the basic Kemper pear-shaped loop tool and that shape and style of metal just feels “natural” to me. And though I have tried the open-ended L-shaped trimming tools, they have never been something I used regularly and so I am leaving those tools for a future test.

Finally, if you have a loop or trimming tool that feels good to you, that is probably the best thing to keep using as we all have different styles of using these tools.

Kemper and Kemper Pro Loop Trimming Tools

The Kemper Pro PT310 Loop Tool at top, and the standard Kemper Pear-Shaped Loop Tool at bottom.

Two styles of Kemper loop tools were tested, including the basic Kemper pear-shaped loop tool, and the Kemper Pro PT310 loop tool.

As detailed above, the basic Kemper pear-shaped loop tool is our top pick for its combination of quality, durability, and affordability. It’s often available for $4 or less such as at Blick in the US.

The Kemper Pro line feature thicker blades that are beveled on both sides, and a straight handle. The Pro blade is thicker but not quite as wide as the standard tool, and can be sharpened numerous times. While stiffer, the Pro blade is still forgiving enough that it didn’t result in any chattering in use. The steel blade is somewhat prone to rusting but if you clean your tools after use, this should be a long-lasting tool.

The standard Kemper loop tool typically retails for $4-6 and the Pro tools are available at ceramic supply shops for around $15.

Kemper Loop tool comparison closeup — The Kemper standard loop tool at left (it’s worn down after about a year of use) and the Kemper Pro blade at right.

Kemper Professional metal loop tool detail shot showing angle of cutting surface — A detail shot of the Kemper Pro PT310 blade. The steel blade is slightly prone to rusting, but it can be sharpened, cleaned, and oiled for years of use.

Kemper and Kemper Pro Trimming Tools
A wide variety of shapes are available with similar blades but tested here were:
Kemper Standard Pear-Shaped Loop Tool $4-6
Kemper Pro PT310 Loop Tool: $15

Shop Kemper Loop Tool at Blick

Xiem and Xiem Pro Loop Trimming Tools

Top View of three styles of Xiem Tools regular and pro loop tools — Top view of the three Xiem Tools trimming tools tested.

Three styles of Xiem loop tools were tested, including the basic LTT05 with a green plastic handle, the TFT05 Multi-Function Loop Tool, and the TFT03 Pear-Shaped Loop Tool. As detailed above, the Xiem Tools Pro line models were definite favorites for their combination of durability, and ergonomic handles. All three Xiem Tools tested feature a flat bottom, so the tool won’t roll away. It’s a nice feature that doesn’t take anything away from the ergonomic, pleasant feel of holding these tools.

Xiem Tools loop trimming tools view bottom view of models LTT05, TFT05 and TFT03 — The Xiem Tools all have a flat bottom, which is nice feature to keep your tools from rolling away.

The Xiem Loop Trimming Tool or LTT05 tested was a fine trimming tool with a very flat but wide blade with a slight bevel on both sides, and a plastic handle. After a few uses, it wasn’t a tool that I instinctively reached for, and at $15, it’s quite a bit more expensive than the standard Kemper tool. The tool features a blade that is 1.6 inches wide.

I won’t restate everything mentioned above about the Xiem Pro line of trimming tools, but these were definite favorites that I will be ordering more of. They have a great combination of durability, ease of use, quality of materials, and a decent price that is competitive with all the other “professional” loop tools out there.

Shop Xiem Standard Loop Tool at Amazon

Shop Xiem standard Loop Tool at Etsy

Shop Xiem Pro Teardrop-Shaped Tool at Amazon

Shop Xiem Pro Teardrop-Shaped Tool at Etsy

Shop Xiem Multifunction Tool at Amazon

Shop Xiem multifunction tool at Etsy

Close up view of the Xiem Tools loop trimming tools blades — Close up of the three tools. From left is the Xiem Pro Loop Tool, the Xiem Standard loop tool, and at right is the Xiem Multi-Function Loop Tool.

The Xiem Tools medium sized Multifunction Titatanium Fused Pro Trimming Tool. Shop this style at Etsy.

Detail view of the Xiem Tools TFT03 pro style loop trimming tool — The Xiem Tools Pro TFT03 pear-shaped trimming tool. Shop this style at Etsy.

The Xiem “standard” Loop Trimming Tool or LTT05. Shop this style at Etsy.

Xiem Tools Trimming Tools

A wide variety of shapes and styles are available. Tested here were:
LTT05 Trimming Tool: $15
TFT03 Teardrop or Pear-Shaped Loop Tool: $18
TFT05 Multi-function trimming tool: $18

Shop Xiem Tools store at Etsy

Hsin Tools Trimming Tools

The Hsin Tools tungsten carbide loop tools feature a super-sharp, replaceable tungsten blade and also come with a sharpening tool.

Hsin Tools are designed by potter Hsin-Chuen Lin (You may have seen his many YouTube videos) and the loop tools all feature super-stiff tungsten carbide trimming blades with beautiful wooden handles. The pear shaped tool tested is not cheap—the current price is $88—but the blade is replaceable and they are definitely the nicest looking loop tool tested. It also comes with a sharpening tool so that you can keep it as sharp as possible.

The loop tool features a straight bevel on both side, making it easy to sharpen and maintain.

As a trimming tool, I found it comfortable to hold and although the loop opening was smaller than other tools, it worked fine for a wide variety of trimming purposes. The blade itself has a nice thickness and angle and stayed extremely sharp throughout testing. And although the finish on the handle seemed to fade quickly with clean up, they can be oiled as needed to bring back their shine.

The drawback to this tool (in addition to the price) is that the stiff tungsten material is prone to chattering. As much as I wanted to love this beautiful tool, after a few uses I just didn’t reach for it because I knew that somehow every pot I trimmed would end up with chattering marks. This might be me—I do prefer softer trimming tool metal—but I just didn’t connect with this tool even though I wanted to love it.

Hsin Tools Loop Tools
Available in pear shape or square shape. $80-$88 each
Replacement blades available for $60

Shop Hsin Tools Loop Tool at Etsy

View Hsin Tools Shop at Etsy

Groovy Tools Loop Tools

Groovy Tools Pear Shaped Loop Trimming Tools — Groovy Tools Trimming Tools. At top is the thinner 301 model. At bottom in green is the thicker 205 model.

Groovy Tools are an interesting entry in the loop tools category because of their plastic handles and hardened and tempered blades. Made by Kentucky Mudworks, the tools can be resharpened for a long life and are are available in a variety of shapes. For this test, the pear-shape tool from the 200 and 300 series were tested.

The 200 series has a thicker blade and the 300 series is slightly thinner. In practice, both could be used for a wide variety of trimming tasks and I would consider the thinner 300 series to be a “normal” thickness while the 200 series is beefier, and might be great for sculpting or use with rough clays.

Detail view of blades on Groovy Tools Loop Trimming Tools — The thinner 300 series is at left, and 200 series at right.

The blades feature a flat edge and bevels on both side. In practice, they felt very similar to the Kemper pro line of trimming tools. As with other harder / stiffer blades, I had problems with chattering with these tools and while I kind of like that they have plastic handles (easy to clean!) the stiffness of the blade was a drawback for me.

This line of tools has a wide variety of shapes so it might be worth taking a look to see if something works for you.

Detail angle view of blade on Groovy Tools Pear Shaped Loop Trimming Tool — A close up of the 200 series blade.

Groovy Tools Loop Tools
$15-$17 each
Available at ceramic supply stores or directly from Kentucky Mudworks.

DiamondCore Trimming Tools

DiamondCore Avocado Shaped Loop Trimming Tool — The DiamondCore T7 Avocado shaped trimming tool comes with one replacement blade.

DiamondCore is a beloved brand of ceramic tools out of San Diego, California. In addition to diamond sharpening pads, the company makes stylus tools for sgraffito, fluting and carving tools, and a variety of trimming tools. The T7 avocado shaped tool was tested although since ordering this product, DiamondCore has rolled out some larger sizes of trimming tools. I assume those larger tools feature the same sort of blade material tested here.

Detail angle view of DiamondCore Avocado shaped loop trimming tool — The blade of the tool. I found the opening to be quite small on the T7.

The Diamond Core T7 tool features a rather small blade that is attached to the squared wooden handle with 4 screws. The tool arrived with one replacement blade and more blades can be ordered as needed. The blade is thin, sharp, and basically flat. I think it could be sharpened a few times but I would expect it to wear down under heavy use.

I didn’t try unscrewing the blade, but I imagine it would be a simple task and this feature definitely makes this the most environmentally sound tool tested. A used-up blade could be recycled and the handle can be reused indefinitely.

I did find the blade opening to be quite small. This was fine for detail work, but it wouldn’t be the tool I reach for on a first pass of trimming a bowl or other larger ware. And while the blade attachment is great for the longevity of the tool and replacing blades, it was easy for clay to get gummed up and stuck around the screws and bottom of the blade. I’d only recommend using this for trimming quite dry pieces, so that clay doesn’t get stuck.

At $48, this was one of the more expensive tools tested. Yes, you are getting a beautiful handle and the ability to replace blades easily, but unless DiamondCore makes a larger model around 1.4 or 1.5 inches wide, I wouldn’t recommend this trimming tool except for detail work.

DiamondCore T7 Trimming Tool
$48 at DiamondCoreTools.com

Mudtools Do-All Tool

Mud Tools Do All Trimming Tool — The MudTools Do-All Tool is a carbon steel trimming tool.

The Mudtools Do-All Tool is slightly different from the other tools tested, but because it has one curved end, I thought it would be a good comparison. The tool features two sides. The “L” or “spade” side is beveled on the 3 exposed sides, and the curved or hooked side features a double bevel similar to a teardrop or pear-shaped loop tool.

The tool is made from carbon steel and can be sharpened. The middle handle of the tool is slightly beveled for ease of use and the metal appears to be finished with a matte paint.

Detail view of angle side of Mud Tools Do All Trimming Tool — The “L” shape or “spade” side of the tool.

It’s a comfortable tool that is really versatile but as mentioned above, I have never really connected with L-shaped tool and as much as I want to love this for the variety of shapes and trimming angles you can take with it, I’m not sure it’s the right tool for most. Personally, I’m just more comfortable with a standard loop tool with a nice chunky handle. But, this is a really interesting option and might be right for your tool kit.

MudTools Do All Trim Tool
$27

Shop MudTools Trim Tool at Amazon

Detail view of curved side of Mud Tools Do All Trim Tool — The curved or hooked side is somewhat similar to a teardrop shaped loop tool.

Sharpening Tools

Almost every tool in your ceramics tool kit can be sharpened and loop tools are no exception. Standard loop tools can be sharpened a few times and professional-grade loop tools with thicker blades can be sharpened numerous times.

Pictured here are a few options, including the sharpening tool that comes with the Hsin Tools, a small 4 inch long whetstone, and a small motorized whetstone.

Close up on the small whetstone. I use this for polishing the bottom of pots as well as sharpening tools.

Similar to sharpening knives, loop tools can be sharpened with repeated passes of a whetstone, while taking care to keep the bevel even.

Some choose to use motorized bench grinders or whetstones to sharpen their tools but this may be overkill. Some of the softer blades, such as the Kemper standard or basic Xiem loop tool, will get chewed up by a motorized tool.

As with any tool, you’ll have to balance the time and effort to sharpen tools versus the cost of replacing. With the professional grade tools, it is definitely worth it to get a small whetstone and at least try sharpening them. Once you start paying attention to your blades, you’ll notice how you get slightly different results with sharp or dull blades.

Top: the sharpening tool that comes with the Hsin tools tungsten carbide loop tool. Bottom: A 4-inch long backpacking style small whetstone.

A motorized whetstone system, available for $140 at Amazon.

Summary

A wide variety of trimming tools were tested, with a focus on finding the best standard or teardrop shaped loop tool. Top picks included the Kemper standard pear-shaped loop tool, along with the Xiem Pro TFT03 loop tool and the Xiem Pro TFT05 Multi-function loop tool. Most of these tools are available in a variety of other shapes as well, but with the same handles and blades, so it is worth shopping around to find what is right for you.

What is your favorite trimming tool? Let us know in the comments.

Spray Gun Buyer's Guide for Glazing Ceramics

March 24, 2023 Matt M-H

A hand holding a Wagner high velocity low pressure (HVLP) spray gun with a control or stain spray tip. Th — A Wagner HVLP all-in-one unit is our top pick for a spray gun. Any of the smaller “control” spray models in the Wagner product line are good for spraying glaze.

A spray gun is a great tool for applying ceramic glazes, allowing you to quickly and efficiently cover large or complex surfaces, easily layer glazes, or create gradients and ombre effects.

Spray guns for applying glazes range from simple pots that you blow into, to all-in-one HVLP sprayers, to complete set ups that include air compressors and spray booths. This guide will cover all these options.

This post starts with our top pick, the HVLP sprayers from Wagner. The post also includes a guide to set ups with an air compressor. This post concludes with some tips and tricks for spraying, along with some thoughts on upgraded “pro level” sprayers.

Safety note: Anytime you are spraying glazes, it’s also extremely important to consider safety precautions including high quality respirators, spray booths with filters, and well-ventilated rooms (or outdoors.) Don’t take any chances with the health of your lungs!

Top Pick: Wagner Control Spray QX2 Sprayer

An image of the Wagner QX2 Control Sprayer model high velocity low pressure spray gun, made with black and yellow plastic and a translucent white plastic cup for paint or glaze — The Wagner Control Sprayers are great option for an all-in-one spraying option for individuals and small studios.

This is the simplest way to get into spraying glazes, and is our top pick for individuals or small studios. You may not have used or seen one of these in a ceramic studio, but they work, are affordable, and they are space efficient. An HVLP or “High Velocity Low Pressure” sprayer works in basically the same way as a spray unit with an air compressor, but instead these hand-held units have a fan that creates a siphon from the cup up into the spray nozzle. They are heavier than holding just a spray gun, but they are not too heavy and are well balanced.

The HVLP sprayers have a “softer” spray but in my experience, it is just as effective. It’s what I use in my own personal studio. The only trade off is a bit of a “spit” at the start of spraying but I haven’t noticed that this creates any issues with the glazes I apply. (This initial “spit” might be less ideal for applying thicker underglazes or slips, or for detail effects.)

There are lots of HVLP sprayers on the market but what I use and recommend is one of three smaller Wagner sprayers designed for applying stains. These are usually called the “control” sprayers in the Wagner product line. The sprayers have adjustable nozzles to control the spray pattern in a vertical, horizontal, or round pattern, and the cup holds about a pint and a half of liquid. These sprayers all have an on / off switch for the fan. Larger models have an adjustable fan speed dial.

The Wagner Control Spray QX2 model is slightly larger with a bigger fan, 27 ounce cup, and costs $89.99.
The Wagner Control Spray QX1 is slightly smaller, has a 20 ounce cup, and costs $79.99.
The smallest option is the Wagner Control Stainer 150 model with a 20 ounce cup for $69.99.
Note: these guns are available under a few different product numbers but I went with the most current names from the Wagner website.

Shop all Wagner Control Sprayers at Amazon

Shop Wagner Sprayers at Home Depot

Shop Wagner QX2 at Amazon

Shop Wagner Control Stainer at Amazon

More info on the Wagner HVLP sprayers

About a year and a half ago, I bought the Wagner Flexio 590 kit, which includes two sprayers, the larger “iSpray” and the “Detail Finish” nozzle. The “iSpray” was waaaay too big for my purposes, but I find the “Detail Finish” nozzle to be perfect for glazes, which is why I’m recommending any of the smaller Wagner spray guns, such as the QX2 Control Sprayer. One nice feature of the larger gun that comes with the Flexio kit is that it has an adjustable fan, whereas the smaller Wagner models just have an on / off switch. (I think you’ll be fine either way.) More info in the image captions:

The Wagner Flexio 590 spray gun kit, which includes one black and yellow high velocity low pressure spray gun and two spray gun cups, including a smaller control spray nozzle and cup that is recommended for spraying ceramic glaze. — The Flexio 590 kit from Wagner comes with two nozzles and a briefcase style storage unit. The larger nozzle is overkill for ceramic glazes, so I’d recommend just getting one smaller “Control” or “Detail” sprayer.

The assembled unit with the “Detail Finish” nozzle and cup attached.

An image of a disassembled nozzle and cup from a Wagner control spray nozzle unit. It disassembles into six parts including the cup, siphon tube, two nozzle pieces, screw ring, and housing for the nozzle. All nozzle parts can be cleaned in water. — The nozzle and cup can be broken down into 6 pieces, which can all be submerged in water and cleaned. The motor / fan unit on the right can be lightly cleaned with a damp sponge.

A close up image of the Air Power dial found on the spray gun from the Wagner Flexio 590 kit. The dial is dark red and the spray gun is black and yellow. — I use the unit at the 3.5 setting, but not every Wagner sprayer has an adjustable fan.

Table of Contents

Top Pick: Wagner Control Sprayer
Pro-grade set up: Spray Gun with Air Compressor
Stainless Steel Atomizers for small projects
Spray Booths
Tips and Equipment for Spraying Glaze
Professional-Grade Spray Guns
Summary

Professional Spray Gun Set Up

If you will be doing a lot of glaze spraying or want the most control, you’ll want to get a good quality spray gun that attaches to an air compressor. This combination of equipment is fairly quiet and the compressor should fit underneath your spray booth, so it won’t take up a huge amount of space (more on spray booths below.) In addition to a spray booth, this set up involves an air compressor, spray gun, and a hose and coupling to connect the compressor and spray gun. Using the recommended links below, the spraying set up will cost around $245 and up, depending on the spray gun you select. The spray booths start around $900 but will easily get to $1500-$2000 when you add in needed features such as an exhaust fan and shipping.

Air Compressor

Aside from the spray booth, the biggest part of this set up is the air compressor, and the California Air Tools 1 gallon / 0.6 HP compressor is plenty strong for spraying glaze and at $165, not terribly expensive. It weighs 29 lbs and is rated at just 56 decibels. At Home Depot this compressor comes with a 25 foot hose, or get it at Amazon without a hose.

Shop Air Compressor at Amazon

Shop Air Compressor At Home Depot

Spray Guns

K-Grip style spray gun — The K-Grip siphon spray gun is a basic model that is durable and long lasting.

There are a lot of spray gun options, and they can be roughly classified into siphon style where the cup is on the bottom, and gravity feed, where the cup is on top. Both are fine for ceramic glazes. A lot of ceramic artists like the cheapo Harbor Freight spray guns for around $20 but I tried those and they failed with a few hours of use, so in this guide, I’m only recommending spray guns of better quality and durability.

For a siphon-style spray gun, a good place to start is with a simple K-Grip Siphon Spray Gun for $45-$50. Sometimes this is sold under the name “Critter.” This gun has almost no moving parts, so nothing to break, but it is not adjustable and can only spray in a cone pattern. This spray gun will connect to mason jars or plastic underglaze jars, allowing you to easily switch between glazes.

Shop K-Grip Spray Gun at Amazon

TCP Global gravity feed spray gun — The TCP G6600 spray gun is the entry-level model in the TCP line and is available with a variety of tips, starting around $70.

For a gravity-feed spray gun, a decent option is the G6600 Model from TCP Global. These guns start at around $70 and have a variety fluid tip sizes. A good model is the sprayer with a 1.5 mm fluid tip for $70, or you can get a 3 pack of guns for $140 that comes with a variety of fluid tip sizes. The main advantage of these guns is they come with adjustable nozzles that can be set to spray in a cone, vertical, or horizontal pattern.

These guns also come with replaceable nozzles and needles, so if parts wear out they can be replaced. Or you can switch between different tips for different uses. In general, smaller tips are for detail applications, and wider tips are best for general use. Click here to view TCP replacement parts, and make sure to pick the nozzles / needles that match the gun you are using.

Shop TCP Global Spray Guns at Amazon

These are just a few of the many options for spray guns out there, but I think a good place to start is something in the the $50-$100 range. With a lot of use, your spray gun may wear out so you might want to keep things simple for your first spray gun. Also keep in mind that professional-grade spray guns from Binks or Devilbiss will cost $200 or more. There is more info on “pro-grade” spray guns near the end of this post.

Hoses etc.

After picking out your air compressor and spray gun, you’ll need a few attachments including a hose and possibly a brass coupler set. The air compressor comes with a female air outlet, so the hose should connect to that easily, but you might need an additional quick release to connect to your gun. If you haven’t used these couplings before, they are simple quick-release style all metal couplings. If they get sticky, lubricate the bearings.

Below are links to a hose, and brass coupler set. If these don’t work for you, you might need to plan a trip to a hardware store to get all the right parts that fits to your system.

Shop Air Compressor Hose at Amazon

Shop Brass Coupler Set at Amazon

Brass coupler quick release set with male and female attachments for attaching spray guns and hoses — Brass coupler

Here are the same links as above:

Shop Air Compressor at Amazon

Shop K-Grip Spray Gun at Amazon

Shop Air Compressor at Home Depot

Shop TCP Global Spray Guns at Amazon

Small Projects Option: Stainless Steel Atomizers

A stainless steel atomizer spray pot, 100 ml size, with a metal tube connected to a small metal cup with a lid, designed for use by blowing through the tube to spray glaze material or paint — A stainless steel atomizer is a an affordable option that is great for occasional or small spray jobs.

For small projects or very occasional use, a stainless steel atomizer is an option for spraying. These are basically mouth spray guns. They are probably too much work for applying a normal layer of glaze, but if you were looking for a simple way to apply underglaze or oxides, this is worth a try. They are available in 100ml to 300ml sizes. For most, I’d start with the 200ml atomizer or consider the smallest 100ml size. The largest size gets a bit hard to use effectively.

Shop Stainless Steel Atomizer at Amazon

Spray Booths

The Laguna Pro-X Spray Booth on a mobile base.

If you are spraying indoors, you need a spray booth with a filter and a good fan that will suck all the exhaust into the filter. (You should still wear a respirator) The best and main option is the Laguna Spray Booth, which is available in the Pro-X model and the wider Pro-V model. These start at $845 and $1,640 respectively, and expect to spend quite a bit more as it’s a good idea to add the fan and all the options that will make this work properly. The Laguna spray booths are easy to clean, effective, and well sized for pottery and small to medium sized sculptures.

The Paasche Spray Booth is an option for a smaller, table top spray booth.

For smaller options, you might look into the various Paasche Airbrush spray booths, which start around $300. These will need 4 inch ducting to run the air out of your room, and they are not very tall.

Another option is to do all your spraying outdoors. Wherever you spray, indoors or out, wear a high quality respirator or dust mask.

Shop Laguna Spray Booths at Axner

Shop Paasche Spray Booths at Amazon

Tips and Tricks for Spraying Glaze

This section will cover a few ideas for spraying glazes, along with a few products that will make your experience easier.

Glaze Viscosity / Thickness: Always make sure that your glaze or underglaze is well mixed and ready to apply. It can be thick or thin—as long as it works with your spray gun, it should be fine. If it is too thick, try thinning your glaze with water until you reach a stage where it will spray. But generally most glazes that are ready to dip or paint are also suitable for spraying.

Clean up: Plan to clean your spray gun immediately after spraying. You do not want glaze material to dry inside the gun, especially if you are using anything with gums that will be very hard to clean when dry. Most spray guns can be take apart and the whole apparatus can be submerged in water for easy cleaning. A cleaning kit might be overkill for most users, but having a small brush or two can really help you clean tubes and hard-to-reach parts of your sprayer.

Spray Gun Oil: You may need a bit of a light oil for your spray gun. Definitely consult your owners manual, but for an easy-to-apply and light oil, I like the Wahl hair trimmer blade oil as it comes in a convenient 4 oz size with a long applicator tip.

The following two items will make spraying glaze much easier for you:

Sieves

A stainless steel small test sieve from Adamas-Beta, recommended for screening glaze into your spray gun cup — The Adamas-Beta test sieve is a small sieve that can be used for screening glaze directly into your spray gun cup.

Make sure to sieve all your glazes before screening (Yes, every time you fill a cup). You don’t want any small chunks of glaze material or bisqueware clogging your spray gun. It’s best to run glaze through an 80 mesh screen, such as a Talisman test sieve or the Adamas-Beta stainless steel sieve.

Shop Talisman Test Sieve at Amazon

Shop Stainless Steel test sieve at Amazon

Banding Wheel

A banding wheel inside your spray booth makes it easy to turn and get all sides of your piece with one spin. Choose a high-quality banding wheel such as Shimpo or Falling In Art, which are all metal and easy to clean.

Shop Shimpo Banding Wheel at Amazon

Shop Falling in Art banding wheel at Amazon

Shop Shimpo Banding Wheel at Blick

Professional Grade Spray Guns

If you do a lot of spraying, it can be a good idea to invest in a high-quality spray gun. Starting at around $100, these guns can range up to around $300 or more. What you are getting with these guns are higher-quality parts along with the ability to buy replacement needles and nozzles. This means you might be making an investment in a gun that will last you decades, with proper maintenance.

Here are a few options for professional grade spray guns.

Binks

Binks makes amazing spray guns. They are not cheap, but will last a lifetime. I’d recommend these if you really want ‘the best’ or if you had a ceramic factory where you need a gun that can handle non-stop spraying. I would also say that they are a good option for an academic institution, because they can take the abuse students will throw their way.

The 2100 model is a great option, and costs $385. You will also need to buy a cup and pair it with a good air compressor. The main advantage of Binks is that you can buy needles and nozzle tips that are designed for use with the relatively rough materials found in ceramic glazes (as opposed to paint). This information and specific product numbers are usually buried in Binks product manuals, but do know that Binks has needles designed for ceramic glaze materials.

Shop Binks 2100 at Amazon

Devilbiss

Devilbiss is another company that makes professional spray guns. Usually a bit more affordable than Binks, they are high quality and will last forever.

The FLG is the entry-level spray gun in the Devilbiss product line. It costs $206 and comes with a cup via Amazon.

Shop Devilbiss FLG at Amazon

TCP Global

In addition to the entry-level G6600 model covered above, TCP GLobal has four more models of spray guns. Three of the models are gravity feed and one is siphon style.

Pro-33, $109 at Amazon
Pro-44, $150 at Amazon
Pro-55, $150 at Amazon (siphon style, cup purchased separately)
Pro-88, $180 at Amazon

To be honest, I couldn’t quite figure out the difference between these models except that the Pro-88 claims a nozzle with better mixing capabilities.

Summary

This guide has covered a wide variety of options for spraying glaze in a ceramic studio.

Our top pick is a control spray model from Wagner, as this all-in-one system is affordable, compact, and effective. But if you have the space or desire, you can upgrade to a complete system with an air compressor and gun. The more expensive guns do have replacement parts available, and give you more control, so they can definitely be worth it.

Regardless of what you are using to spray, it’s very important to wear a respirator and either spray outside or buy a quality spray booth to suction the air through a filter and out of your workspace.

Spraying glaze is a great option that can give you great results. What are you using in your studio? Let us know in the comments.

Gift Guide For Potters and Ceramic Artists 2022

September 22, 2022 Matt M-H

Note: Click here to read our new Gift Guide for 2023-2024!

This gift guide has more than 40 ideas of gifts for potters, ceramic artists, or anyone who works with clay. Most of these suggestions are priced between $5 and $100, along with a few higher-priced items like pottery wheels and slab rollers.

Most potters probably already have a basic tool kit and a few others tools. But if someone is just starting, we’ve also got a handy guide to the best tools for pottery beginners, and there are many other posts on this site with reviews of tools and books we love.

This post starts with a few “top gift ideas” including aprons, hand lotion, new books, and tool kits, and follows with a bunch of gift ideas $25 and under, $50 and under, $100 and under, $250 and under, and over $250.

Note: This site uses affiliate links for sites such as Amazon and Blick. If you click the links and complete a purchase, we may receive a percentage at no extra cost to you.

Top Gift Ideas

A few of our favorites, including aprons, skin cream, new books, and tool kits.

Top Gift Ideas: Aprons

The Claypron

Potters always need an apron or two, and there are many great options. The Claypron is a split-leg apron designed specifically for working with clay at the potter’s wheel. It’s available in a variety of colors, is made with high-quality, washable cotton, and is one of the most popular aprons in ceramic studios. It has ties at the neck and waist, and generally retails for around $40.

Shop The Claypron at Amazon

Shop The Claypron at Blick

Best Lightweight Apron

Green Revco apron with white straps — The Revco apron is a lightweight option.

For a lightweight apron, check out the Revco Split-Leg Apron. It has clips at the neck and around the legs, and a tie at the waist. The apron is available in a few lengths, but the standard 36” length will work for most. It doesn’t have overlapping canvas, but it’s a great option that retails for around $19.

Shop Revco apron at Amazon

Deluxe Apron

The ScheveningsePracht split-leg apron is made in the Netherlands from thick canvas.

For a deluxe, heavy-duty canvas apron with great ties, style, and a a built-in towel hook, the ScheveningsePracht split-leg apron available on Etsy is awesome! It’s made with a thick, overlapping canvas for great coverage at the wheel, and it has a tie at the waist and an adjustable neck. It is made in the Netherlands and ships from there, so allow a few weeks for delivery around the world. You can also order custom lengths, a linen apron, or check out the other apron options from this store. The split-leg apron is listed at $52.

Shop Deluxe split-leg apron at Etsy

For more on aprons, visit our complete guide to aprons for pottery and ceramic studios.

Top Gift Ideas: Lotion and Hand Cream

Continuing with our top gifts, a few lotion options. Pottery and clay can be hard on hands and any potter will appreciate the gift of nice lotion

Potter’s Skin Butter

Potter’s Skin Butter from Cara Mae Skincare is deep hydration for hardworking hands. Made by a potter for potters, this is a great gift. Available in Tangerine, Lavender, Mint and Unscented in a variety of sizes.

Cara Mae Skincare has other lotions as well, all equally great.

Shop Potter's Skin Butter at Etsy

Weleda Skin Food

There are lots of great everyday creams, such as O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream (shop at Amazon), but a real upgrade is Weleda Skin Food. It’s a rich, luxurious cream that will help protect hands during a long studio session or at home. This extra thick cream smells great, melds into your skin quickly, and the squeeze tube makes it easy to use at home or studio. It usually listed at $19 for a 2.5 oz tube, but recently it’s been available for $13.

Shop Weleda Skin Food at Amazon

For more on hand creams, visit our complete guide to creams and lotions for the pottery studio.

Top Gift Ideas: Books

A few new releases that are great for any bookshelf.

Boy in a China Shop: Life, Clay and Everything by Keith Brymer Jones

Potter Keith Brymer Jones in front of a shelf of freshly made pots

Fans of The Great Pottery Throwdown and potters will love this book by Brymer Jones, judge on the popular BBC series. In a series of chapters inspired by significant objects (usually pots), Brymer shares stories and insights from his life and work.

Boy In A China Shop, Hardcover, 352 pages, published October 2022 by Hodder & Stoughton, $29

Shop Boy in a China Shop at Amazon

Shop Boy in a China Shop at Bookshop.org

Pottery for Beginners: Projects for Beautiful Ceramic Bowls, Mugs, Vases, and More by Kara Leigh Ford

Aimed at beginners, this book covers handbuilding and wheel throwing, as well as how to set up a workspace. Filled with projects, tips, and ideas, this book is the perfect guide for anyone who wants to get started with clay.

Paperback, 192 pages, published October 2021 by Page Street Publishing, $23

Shop Pottery for Beginners at Amazon

Shop Pottery for Beginners at Bookshop.org

Ceramics Masterclass: Creative Techniques of 100 Great Artists by Louisa Taylor

Ceramics Masterclass by Louisa Taylor book cover with red clay sculpture

This 2020 book by Louisa Taylor (who also wrote The Ceramics Bible) is a great gift for the potter or artist looking to expand their ideas. The book explores 100 works of contemporary and historical ceramic art and discusses techniques, methods, and concepts behind the works. Presented as a two-page spread per artwork with great images, the book also contains info on techniques and glaze recipes. Available in hardcover for $30 or even better for the studio, Flexbound for around $14, this is a great gift.

Shop Ceramics Masterclass at Amazon

Shop Ceramics Masterclass at Bookshop.org

For more books, check out our recent posts:
14 Best New Ceramic and Pottery Technique Books
and
14 Best New Ceramic History Books and Artist Monographs

Top Gifts Ideas: Tool Kits

A packaged tool kit can be a great way for a beginner to get going, or for an experienced potter to replenish their tool supply.

Mudtool Essentials Starter Kit

MudTools makes innovative tools such as their beloved flexible plastic ribs, and this MudTools Essential Starter Kit includes nine of their most popular tools (plus the tube). A great gift for beginners, experienced potters will also appreciate this kit. Included are three flexible polymer ribs, the Mudshark cutting tool, a cut-off wire with polymer handles, a long plastic scraper/rib, a sponge, the MudTools all-in-one trimming tool, and the MudTools shredder. The kit typically costs around $75.

Shop MudTools Essentials Kit at Amazon

Shop Mudtools Essential Kit at Blick

Xiem Tool Kits

Xiem Tools makes two tool kits with some of their best and most popular pottery tools.

Shop Xiem 10 Piece Kit at Amazon

Shop Xiem 14 piece kit at Amazon

Gift Ideas Under $25

JJRing Craft and Art Organizer Tote Bag

Potters end up with lots of tools so a simple tool bag is very handy. The JJRing Craft and Art Organizer Tote Bag comes in a variety of colors and has numerous pockets to keep everything in its place. Made of nylon with cardboard supports, this bag is available in a variety of colors.

JJRing Tote Bag, $14-18 depending on color

Shop JJRing Tote Bag at Amazon

Mini Ribbon Tool Kit

set of 6 metal loop tools for shaping clay and ceramics — The Mini Ribbon tool kit

This set of 6 tools is great for detail work, decorating, and finishing a piece of pottery or a sculpture. At 5 1/2” each, the metal tools don’t take up much room but they can do a lot, especially for detail work or scraffito. Pair this with the following book for a great gift combo.

Mini Ribbon Tool Kit, $14

Shop Mini Ribbon Tool Kit at Blick

Carve Your Clay

This book gives a lot of ideas for surface decoration including carving, inlay, scraffito, wire cutting and more. With easy-to-follow instructions and great illustrations, it’s an inspirational book. Based on Hilda Carr’s signature style but with variations and ideas for every potter, the book is available in hardcover or paperback.

Carve Your Clay, by Hilda Carr, 2020. Listed at $27 but typically available for $19-$25.

Shop Carve Your Clay at Amazon

Shop Carve Your Clay at Blick

Shop Carve Your Clay at Bookshop.org

Pottery T-Shirts

There’s a lot of fun t-shirts with pottery and kiln themes available from print on demand sites. Most of these sites also pay a portion of the sale price to the artists and designers, so not only are you getting a cool gift, but you’re supporting other artists and designers too. If you see a pattern or design you like, make sure to click around — designs are usually available on multiple products so you can find the right gift.

Pictured here a few shirt ideas with links, or check out our post about pottery shirts.

Pottery Shirts, typically $18-30 each depending on options and styles.

Mastering Ceramics Series

The Mastering Ceramics books are great for beginners and intermediate pottery students. The thorough, straightforward advice covers a variety of techniques in an easy to approach style. All three books are a great addition to any potter’s bookshelf.

The books include

Mastering the Potters Wheel by Ben Carter, published 2016

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick | Shop at Bookshop.org

Mastering Hand Building by Sunshine Cobb, published 2018

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick | Shop at Bookshop.org

Mastering Kilns and Firing by Lindsay Oesterritter, published 2019

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Bookshop.org

Xiem Batmate

The BatMate from Xiem Studio Tools is a 12 or 14 inch diameter piece of synthetic fabric that can be placed in between a bat and wheel head to virtually eliminate any wobble, improving the accuracy of throwing and trimming. Many potters, however, wet the fabric and place it directly on a wheel head to use when trimming pots.

Xiem BatMate, $15

Shop Xiem 12" and 14" Batmate at Etsy

Shop Xiem 12" Batmate at Amazon

Shop Xiem 14" Batmate at Amazon

Slab Mats

Slab Mats are a canvas alternative for use with slab rollers, handbuilding, or even cut up them up and use as bats on the wheel. They are a plastic, fabric-like material, with one smooth side and one that is slightly fuzzy and ideal for working with clay. You can cut with clay knives on them and not worry about damaging your table top surfaces. They are easy to clean — just wipe with a sponge — and result in much less dust than canvas. They are available in a variety of sizes but the larger 22 x 50” size really allows you to spread out.

SlabMats, $6–$23

Shop SlabMats at Blick

Gorilla Tubs

Gorilla Tubs, also known as TubTrugs, are flexible plastic tubs with handles that are available in a variety of sizes. They are great for reclaiming clay, mixing plaster, mixing glazes, or just about any studio task. They are even great for gardening and yard work.

The lower wider options are best for reclaiming clay, and the taller options are great for mixing plaster. They are available from a variety of vendors on Amazon. For me, some ship from warehouses in the U.S. while others took a bit longer as they shipped directly from Spain, where these flexible buckets are manufactured.

Read a full review of these buckets here.

Shop small wide Red Gorilla Tub

Shop Medium Tall Red Gorilla Tub

Shop Large wide Red Gorilla Tub

Small Tools under $25

There’s a lot of small tools that can make a big difference in the studio. Here’s a few that make a nice gift for any potter.

Kemper Clay Drill

The Kemper Clay Drill is the best way to drill holes for spouts or drain holes in planters, or just to make circular holes in any piece of clay. It makes a variety of sizes, simply keep twisting and work the tool deeper for a wider hole. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and replaces all the other drill tools in one easy piece.

Kemper Clay Drill, $4.50

Shop Kemper Clay Drill at Blick

Neiko Diamond Bits

Diamond bits allow you to drill through fired and glazed ceramic, and this small set from Neiko is a great introductory set. Pair it with any drill, and you are set. Just be sure to use it with plenty of water so the bits do not overheat. Ranging from 5/32” to 1/2”, the Neiko bits are a good size for tasks such as drilling cord holes in ceramic lamps or adding drainage holes for planters. At $10 or less, the Neiko bits are a cost-effective addition to any ceramic studio.

Neiko Diamond Hole Bits, $10

Shop Neiko Bits at Amazon

Metal Rib Set

A variety of ribs can help a pottery easily achieve different shapes on the wheel or handbuilding. This cost-effective, affordable set of 10 ribs includes a wide variety of shapes as well as two serrated ribs that are useful for creating texture or joining clay together.

Comiart Metal Rib Set, $10

Shop Metal Rib set at Amazon

Mudtools MudWire set

Potters always need wire cutoff tools and this two-wire set includes a standard straight wire and a curly texture wire, with the great Mudtools plastic handles.

Mudtools Mudwire Set of 2, $15. Individual wires available at Blick for $9.

Shop Mudwire set at Amazon

Shop MudWire at Blick

Xiem Precision Applicator

A great decorating tool is the Xiem precision applicator, available in 1 and 3 oz sizes. These applicators have a soft, flexible rubber bulb with a variety of screw-on metal tips. Mostly used for slip trailing and slip-decoration techniques, these bulbs can be used to apply just about any type of thicker, viscous liquid. The larger 3 oz size will be the best option for most. There are cheaper slip-trailing options that are a plastic bottle with similar metal tips, but the rubber bulb in the Xiem applicator provides steady, even pressure that is just easier to use.

Xiem 3oz Precision Applicator, $26

Shop Xiem Applicator at Etsy

Shop Xiem Applicator at Amazon

Shop Xiem Applicator at Blick

Gifts Under $50

MudTools Double Ended Trimming Tool

Mudtools Double Ended Trim Tool, $27

Shop MudTools Trim Tool at Bailey

Wooden Clay Mallet

It’s available for $40 from CompanionWorks on Etsy. Also check out their beautiful clay anvils for making bowls from slabs. The anvils are available in widths of 3” ($40) and 6” ($50).

Shop Clay Mallet at Etsy

Shop Clay Anvil at Etsy

10,000 Years of Pottery by Emmanuel Cooper

This lavishly illustrated book is a great addition to any potter’s bookshelf and will provide years of inspiration. With 360 pages and full-color pictures on almost every page, it traces the history of ceramics from the Ancient Near East through contemporary times from all parts of the globe. Originally published in 1972, the book has been updated continuously since. The most recent 4th edition is available as a paperback for $40-$50. Unfortunately, it seems to be out of print at that moment so it’s only available used.

Shop book at Amazon

Shop at AbeBooks

Underglaze Sampler Packs

Underglazes are studio favorites and are great way to get vibrant, saturated colors on ceramics. They can be applied by brush, sponge, or spraying. Use alone for a matte finish, or in combination with a clear glaze for a glossy finish. Sample packs are a great way to find the underglaze colors that work best, and are available from a variety of manufacturers.

The Speedball sampler pack includes 12 colors in 2 oz bottles, $45.

Shop Speedball Sampler at Amazon

Shop Speedball Sampler at Blick

AMACO Velvet Underglazes are available in 4 different sampler sets of 2 oz jars for $52 each. Shop at Blick

Mayco has a 10 pack underglaze sampler for around $40. Shop at Amazon

Sax True Flow Underglaze has a 12 pack sampler set for around $43. Shop at Amazon

Wooden Rollers

These sets of wooden rollers allow potters to quickly and easily add relief textures and patterns to slabs, pots, or any piece of clay. The wood is long-lasting, durable, easy to clean, and can really add that extra-special touch to elevate handmade work.

Wooden Rollers set of five, $27, set of 8, $40.

Shop Wooden Rollers at Amazon

Creative Pottery by Deb Schwartzkopf

Whether you are a handbuilder or work on the wheel, this book is a guide to taking your ceramics to the next level. Add complexity to your projects with simple changes, learn how to make bisque molds, or choose from other projects in this self guided book from potter Deb Schwartzkopf, founder of Rat City and Rain City studios in Seattle.

Creative Pottery, Hardcover, 192 pages, published June 2020 by Quarry Books, Listed at $30 but typically available for $25-$27.

Shop Creative Pottery at Amazon

Shop Creative Pottery at Blick

Shop Creative Pottery at Bookshop.org

3M Respirator

For more, visit our complete guide to dust masks.

3M Respirator, $23-$40 depending on model

Shop 3M Respirator at Amazon

The Ceramics Reader

This book brings together texts, extracts, and other pieces of writing on the field of ceramics. Covering past and present, it’s recommended for serious hobbyists, ceramic students, professionals, or anyone that wants to read more about this amazing medium. At 616 pages long, there’s something in there for everyone. Don’t read it front to back—just flip it open and find what interests you.

The Ceramics Reader, paperback, $36.

Shop Ceramics Reader at Amazon

Shop Ceramics Reader at Bookshop.org

Anker Soundcore P2 Earbuds

These Anker earbuds have an absolutely amazing 40-hour battery life, above-average sound, and are cheap enough that they’re suitable for studio use and possibly getting dirty with clay. I’ve had a pair for almost a year and they are the best wire-free earbuds I’ve ever had.

Anker Soundcore Life P2 earbuds, $45.

Shop Anker Earbuds at Amazon

Gifts Under $100

Nidec-Shimpo Banding Wheels

Banding wheels are very useful for coil building, sculpting, and decorating. Nidec-Shimpo Banding Wheels are the best on the market, made of cast iron with sealed bearings. They are on the heavy side, but this added weight gives the wheels a smooth, even spin. Shimpo banding wheels come in five different sizes ranging from $60 to about $120. The 8 3/4” wide x 2 1/2” tall model ($80) is an all-purpose size that should work for most studios. For more info, read our complete review of banding wheels.

Shop 8 3/4" Shimpo Banding Wheel at Amazon

Shop Shimpo Banding Wheels at Blick

Stadea Adjustable Diamond Hand Pad Set

Stadea is a go-to brand for quality diamond tools, and this new option is great for potters! It features a 5 inch long foam pad with velcro and 6 different diamond pads, ranging from 50 grit to 1500 grit. It’s perfect for light-duty cleanup such as smoothing the bottom of pots and sculptures. And the adjustable pads means you just have to store one foam block, not six, so it can save space too.

Stadea Adjustable Diamond Hand Pad, $54.

Shop Stadea Diamond Hand Pad at Amazon

JBL Bluetooth Speaker

It’s always great to have tunes in the studio, and a portable bluetooth speaker makes it easy to play anything from your phone, tablet, or laptop. The JBL Flip 4 is slightly older (meaning it’s available at a discount) but is still a great option that sounds great, is easy to pair with devices, and comes with long-lasting build quality. For something bigger and louder, check out the JBL Charge line of speakers. The JBL Flip 4 is waterproof, available in a variety of colors, and usually retails for around $80.

JBL Flip 4, $80

Shop JBL Flip 4 at Amazon

Magna Cart

Potters need to move heavy stuff all the time. Whether it is boxes of clay, packaged ware for shipping, or large sculptures, the Magna Cart is an invaluable tool that folds up for efficient storage when not in use. The cart can hold 150 lbs, has 5” rubber wheels, a 15” wide base and the handle can extend to 39” tall. There are a lot of folding carts on the market now in all shapes and sizes, but the classic Magna Cart is still the best option.

Magna Cart collapsible rolling car, $60-$65.

Shop Magna Cart at Amazon

Nidec-Shimpo Handheld Extruder

Shimpo Handheld extruder with dies — The Nidec-Shimpo Handheld Extruder comes with 5 dies and a blank die, which can be drilled to any shape.

A handheld extruder is one of the best ways to make handles or other shapes in a quick, efficient way. Clay is placed in the barrel, a die is screwed on, and through squeezing, the plunger pushes the clay through the die. There are a variety of handheld extruders—all about the same—but the Nidec-Shimpo Handheld Extruder is compact and well built and comes with a few dies. The key is getting dies that work for. In addition to the basic dies, a great add-on is the hollow-form dies (at Blick via link below) and the Scott Creek Handle Die kit, which should match up with any small handheld extruder.

Shimpo Handheld Extruder, $58, extra die sets $40-$45.

Shop Handheld Extruder at Blick

Nidec-Shimpo Potter’s Stool

Shimpo Potter’s Stool, 16 x 16 inches and ranges up to 26 inches tall. It generally costs around $90.

Shop Pottery Stool at Amazon

Sony Bluetooth Boombox

Sony Portable Bluetooth Boombox: $90-$99
Power: AC cord or 6 C batteries

Shop Sony Boombox at Amazon

Shop Sony Boombox at Best Buy

Mudtools Rib Set

Mudtools ribs:
Red — very soft
Yellow — soft
Green — medium
Blue — firm

Mudtools Rib Set, $51 for six ribs at Amazon, or individual ribs at Blick, $9 each.

Shop Mudtools ribs at Amazon

Shop Mudtools Ribs at Blick

Gift Ideas From $100 to $250

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Drill

Milwaukee M12 Drill kit, typically retails for $125-$140.

Shop Milwaukee Drill at Amazon

Shop Milwaukee Drill at Home Depot

Recommended drill accessories for ceramics:

Jiffy LM Laboratory mixer for mixing small glaze cups.

Plastic helix mixer for mixing 1-2 gallon glaze buckets.

Jiffy ES Mixer for mixing 2 to 5 gallon bucket.

Dewalt 14 piece bit set for drilling holes and the Dewalt 45 piece screwdriver set.

My Weigh iBalance 5500 Scale

My Weigh iBalance 5500 Scale, $249

Shop My Weigh scale at Amazon

Gift Ideas $250-$550

Giffin Grip trimming tool

Giffin Grip trimming tool, $270

Shop Giffin Grip at Amazon

Speedball Artista Tabletop Wheel

The Speedball Artista is a great tabletop wheel that is strong enough for most potters but is also portable and can be stored with ease. It’s the perfect option for an at-home practice wheel or for someone looking to try out pottery with a professional machine. It has an 11” wheelhead, a 1/3 horsepower motor, is compatible with standard 10” bats, and weighs just 26 pounds, so it can easily be put away when not in use. You can also add an optional foot pedal or legs. For a complete overview, check out our guide to tabletop wheels.

Speedball Artista Tabletop Wheel, $520

Shop Speedball Artista Wheel at Blick

Gift Ideas $550 and up

North Star Portaroller

For a complete guide to portable rollers, click here.

North Star Portaroller, 16” wide slabs, $726
North Star Polaris, 22” wide slabs, $829

Shop Polaris Roller at Blick

Full Size Pottery Wheel

Here’s a quick overview of a few wheels that would be great gifts.

Nidec-Shimpo Wheels

Nidec makes three full size wheels:

VL-Lite is a motor-driven model that retails for $793

RK-Whisper has the classic Shimpo metal body and fixed foot pedal, 12” wheelhead, and the ultra-quiet magnet driven wheelhead. It retails for $1,208

VL-Whisper is many potter’s favorite with a 14” wheelhead, the same ultra-quiet magnet drive as the RK, and a moveable foot pedal. It retails for $1,399

Shop VL-LIte at Blick

Shop RK-Whisper at Blick

Shop Speedball Clay Boss at Blick

Brent Pottery Wheels

Brent Model B, 1/3 HP motor, $1,660
Brent Model C, 1/2 HP motor, $1,740

Shop Brent Model B at Blick

Shop Brent Model C at Blick

Speedball Wheels

Speedball Clay Boss 1/2 HP wheel, $989
Speedball Big Boss 1 HP wheel, $1241

Shop Speedball Big Boss at Blick

Other Gift Ideas

Kilns: Read our guide to Skutt kilns here.

Tools: We’ve got a lot more ideas in our tool guides such as:

Scales for glaze mixing

Accessories for glaze mixing

Tools that can be used in the kitchen or the studio.

Classes: A set of classes at your local ceramics studio can be a great gift. If you can’t find a studio, ask a local clay supplier if they can recommend local studios.

Magazine Subscriptions: Magazines are great sources of ideas and inspiration. Check out The Studio Potter, Pottery Making Illustrated, or Ceramics Monthly.

Tours, Trips, or Conferences: Look for pottery-specific travel tours, retreats, or conferences.

What ideas do you have for pottery gifts? Let us know in the comments.

Gift Guides

Posts that may interest you:

Gift Guide for Young Artist and Creative Kids

Gift Guide for Artists Who Paint and Draw

The Best Boomboxes with Bluetooth and FM/AM for Your Studio or Workspace

August 11, 2022 Matt M-H

Portable bluetooth speakers are great, but sometimes it’s nice to have a small system that can play the radio, stream via Bluetooth, and maybe even do more, such as play tapes, CDs, or MP3s from a USB stick.

This post will cover the best options for small units that can do it all with these criteria:

Priced under $100
Bluetooth capability
Digital AM/FM tuner
Corded AC plug

Note that for under 100 bucks you are not getting audiophile quality. These units sound ok, maybe even above average, but the main goal was to find a small workshop / garage / studio boombox for playing the radio and streaming tunes from a device via Bluetooth.

Top Pick: Sony Portable Boombox with Bluetooth and Digital Tuner

Sony Bluetooth boombox black — The Sony Bluetooth boombox has good sound and a digital FM/AM tuner with up to 30 presets.

This little Sony unit has everything: Bluetooth, digital AM/FM tuner, USB playback, along with features such as a CD player and “mega” bass. It also has a dedicated button for each mode (Bluetooth / FM / USB / etc) along with plenty of other buttons, making it very easy to use and operate. This is the boombox I use in my own studio.

It has great FM reception, pulling in every low-power station in my area along with all the big stations, easy Bluetooth pairing, and decent sound. As other reviewers have noted, it doesn’t get super loud and the “mega” bass leaves a bit to be desired. You may find Bluetooth speakers with better sound (such as JBL speakers) but I wanted a radio and Bluetooth and this delivered on that. It’s a great addition to my studio and it sounds way better and louder than streaming music through my phone speakers, plus I can tune into the radio stations I enjoy. This unit seems to be the market leader for small, plug-in Bluetooth boomboxes priced at $100 or less.

Sony Portable Bluetooth Boombox: $95-$99
Power: AC cord or 6 C batteries

Shop Sony Boombox at Amazon

Shop Sony Boombox at Best Buy

Table of Contents

Top Pick: Sony Bluetooth Boombox with Digital FM/AM Tuner
Budget Pick: Megatek Bluetooth Boombox with Digital FM/AM Tuner
Alternate Pick: KLIM B4 Bluetooth Bombox
Throwback Pick: Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Bluetooth Boombox
Other options
Summary

BUDGET PICK: Megatek Bluetooth Boombox with Digital FM/AM Tuner

The Megatek portable bluetooth boombox in black.

Coming in at about half the price of the Sony Boombox, the Megatek Boombox has many of the same features at a budget price, including bluetooth connectivity, digital AM/FM tuner with 30 presets, MP3 playback via USB, an auxiliary-in port and it’s available in black or red. It’s a decent option but some reviewers mention the sound isn’t quite as good as the Sony.

Other drawbacks are that there aren’t as many dedicated buttons, so you’ll be pressing the mode button to switch between functions. But at $45, it’s a price that can’t be beat.

Megatek Bluetooth Boombox: $45
Power: AC cord in or 4 C batteries

Shop Megatek Boombox at Amazon

ALTERNATE PICK: KLIM B4 Boombox with Bluetooth, FM, and Internal Battery

KLIM bluetooth boombox in black — The KLIM B4 Boombox features a clean design along with a remote.

KLIM makes a variety of Bluetooth boomboxes but the most interesting option is the B4 model which has all the same features as the Sony but with an internal rechargeable battery and a remote. It also has more powerful 3 watt speakers as opposed to the 2 watt on the Sony. It’s a great package with clean design that is listed at $70 but can often be found on sale for less, and is available in white or black.

KLIM B4 Boombox: $70
Power: AC cord or with internal rechargeable battery with 6 hour run time.

Shop KLIM B4 Boombox in Black

Shop KLIM B4 Boombox in White

THROWBACK PICK: Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Bluetooth Boombox

Ion Audio 1980s Street Rocker boombox — The Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Boombox features a cassette deck, bluetooth, and lots of old-school charm.

If you are looking for an old-school boombox with new features, Ion Audio has you covered. This unit features a cassette deck, bluetooth, AM/FM tuner (not a digital tuner though). The boombox has a variety of switches and dials that give that old-school feeling.

In theory I love manually scrolling through radio stations but at this point, the lack of a digital tuner is a real drawback for me (I know, I know…I’m complaining about a throwback style). But that aside, this is a cool option that would look great in any workspace.

Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Boombox: $95
Power: AC cord or 6 D batteries

Shop Ion Audio Boombox at Amazon

OTHER OPTIONS

There are quite a number of Bluetooth-enabled boomboxes in the under-$100 category. Most seem to be around the $50-$60 range and are similar to the Megatek option listed above. In general, they don’t have quite the functionality / ease of use as the Sony because they have fewer buttons.

Insignia Portable CD Boombox with Bluetooth

Insignia silver CD cassette boombox with Bluetooth — The Insignia boombox has Bluetooth, CD, and a cassette deck.

Insignia, the house brand of Best Buy, has a $60 boombox option that has Bluetooth, digital tuner, CD player and a cassette deck. If you still use CDs and cassettes, this is the boombox for you.

Shop Insignia boombox at Best Buy

KLIM B3 Boombox

If you want more flare, the KLIM B3 Boombox has speakers that light up along with Bluetooth, digital tuner, CD, and USB playback. It also comes with rechargeable batteries, although it’s not a built-in battery. It’s a fun little unit that retails for around $60.

Shop KLIM B3 Boombox at Amazon

AUDIOFILE UPGRADE

If you are willing to spend more than $100, you can get a nice workshop system that will have great sound for around $500 and up by pairing a receiver with quality bookshelf speakers such as the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5 pair of speakers. There are plenty of affordable receivers that will work with these speakers, which are known for their combination of great sound and relatively low price.

If you’re the type of person who wants great sound but at a price that still makes sense for a studio / workshop / garage, this is the set up for you. One drawback of receivers is they often don’t have great AM/FM tuners—plan to install the long antenna cord but even then, it may not have great reception.

Sony STRDH190 stereo receiver with bluetooth — The Sony STRDH190 stereo home receiver with bluetooth is an entry level priced receiver that is great for a studio or workshop.

There are lots of receivers out there but one of the best cheap receivers at the moment is the Sony STRDH190. It’s listed at $200 but can often be found on sale for less.

Shop Sony Receiver at Amazon

For entry level speakers, you can’t go wrong with the ELAC Debut series. Try the 5 inch 5.0 speakers or if you want more power, the slightly larger 6.0 speakers. These are corded speakers and they sound great. Expect to pay $285 to $315 for the pair.

Shop ELAC Debut 2.0 B5 Speakers at Amazon

Summary

This post has covered a variety of options for a small boombox that can stream via Bluetooth and play the radio. Focusing on the units for $100 or less, these are simple devices to add some audio to your studio or workshop at a budget price. The top pick is the Sony Bluetooth Boombox for it’s ease of use and functionality, but there are other options. If you are an audiophile, check out the upgrade ideas which will deliver great sound but at a price that still works for a workshop.

What is your favorite device that can stream via Bluetooth and play the radio? Let us know in the comments.

Review: Western Digital My Passport SSD External Hard Drive

July 9, 2022 Matt M-H

Western Digital My Passport external hard drives — A Western Digital SSD (solid state drive) at left, and an older Western Digital HDD (hard disk drive) at right. Both external drives have 1 terabyte capacity and have worked flawlessly for me. The SSD drive at left is about the size of a credit card and barely weighs anything at all. (shop at Amazon)

An external hard drive is a must have these days for backing up your hard drive and storing large files. This is especially true for artist and creatives, who probably have higher than average storage needs for photos and videos. (You are documenting and archiving images of your work, right?)

The good news is that an external hard drive doesn’t have to be a huge expense and when handled carefully, they are durable and will last for years.

Western Digital SSD vs HDD Hard Drive comparison — In a 1 to 1 comparison, the SSD drive at left is much smaller than the HDD drive at right. Both drives have 1 TB capacity.

This review is not a comprehensive look at external hard drives, but I wanted to share my years of experience using Western Digital external hard drives with no issues. More than a decade ago, I used other brands (cough cough LaCie cough cough) only to have one hard drive overheat and fail. At that point I moved on to Western Digital and am now on my third external hard drive from WD. I have not had any problems with any of the WD external hard drives I’ve owned and they are all still working.

My most recent upgrade was to a 1 terabyte Western Digital My Passport SSD or solid state drive (shop at Amazon). It’s essential like a huge thumb drive that you plug in to your computer or laptop, and it runs off the power from this connection. While I’m usually in no great rush, file transfers are much faster with the SSD drive. I’d say at least 50% faster to almost double the speed of my older WD MY Passport Ultra HDD. (This older drive has been going strong for 6 years now and is also pictured here in this post.) The WD My Passport SSD has one USB-C port and it comes with two cables, a USB-C to USB-C (perfect for Mac laptops) or a USB-C to USB-A.

With no moving parts, smaller size, and faster speeds, I’d recommend an SSD drive to anyone looking for an external hard drive. The only drawback is they are more expensive. For comparison sake, at the time of this writing the WD My Passport SSD 1 TB external drive was around $130 while a comparable WD Elements HDD 1 TB drive was around $50.

Shop WD My Passport SSD at Amazon

Shop WD Elements HDD at Amazoon

More Info on External Drives

External hard drive are available in all sorts of configurations and storage sizes, including powered models that will back up wirelessly, and smaller plug in models. For space considerations, I’ve switched to the smaller plug in models. The are powered via the USB plug, and have worked great for regular back ups and file storage, including with drive partitions.

SSD vs HDD

A HDD or hard disk drive has a spinning platter where information is stored. You will feel slight movement when the drive is active and hear a humming sound. These hard drives have a long history and are more economical. There is some concern that the drive can be damaged, especially if dropped when in use. (Often the comparison is to moving a record player while it is in use). Because it has moving parts, there is also more of a concern with heat. My one experience with an external hard drive failing was a HDD drive that overheated in summer heat.

Shop HDD External Hard Drives at Amazon

An SSD or solid state drive uses flash memory, similar to what you find on a thumb drive. There are no moving parts so the drives are smaller, lighter, and hopefully less likely to be damaged. This is the same memory storage you find in smartphones, hence the small size. You will pay more, but an SSD drive is much faster and lighter.

Shop SSD External Hard Drives at Amazon

Storage Needs for Artists

As an artist, it’s important to document all your work with high quality images, and store those files along with having a backup. One option is an online backup, or you can back up the files to an external hard drive. Or both! Yes, there is an expense involved but you need your files.

When storing files, it’s good to make a robust file management system. A simple method is by year and month, or by type of work.

Summary

Backup storage of your important files is vital, and an external hard drive is an easy, affordable solution. An HDD drive is economical and effective. An SSD is faster, lighter, and the best option in my opinion. Whatever you use, just make sure to back up your important files!

What back up system or external hard drive do you use? Let us know in the comments.

Posts that Might Interest You:

Heavy Duty Shipping Scales review

The Best Scales for Ceramic Studios

How to Screen a Glaze with a Brush Head

Review: MyWeigh HD-300 Shipping Scale and other Heavy-Duty Scales

May 15, 2022 Matt M-H

A shipping scale is great for, well, shipping! But it’s also useful if you weigh heavy materials such as plaster or make large batches of clay or glaze. There are quite a few smaller shipping scales but if you want something with a large, sturdy platform and a detached display, it’s generally $100 or more. These large platforms not only allow you to accurately weigh large boxes, but also big buckets of any sort of material or liquid.

In my studio, I recently got the MyWeigh HD-300 Heavy Duty Shipping Scale. It has a sturdy, well-built platform, detached digital display, and four adjustable legs.

This scale can weigh up to 300 pounds (136 kilos) and is accurate to 0.1 pounds or 0.05 kilos. For me, this is accurate enough for shipping and weighing plaster. It can also run on batteries or plug in, and if desired, you can sync it with shipping software. It also has an incredible 30 year warranty. Based on this personal use, experience with other scales, and combing through online reviews, it’s my top pick for a heavy duty shipping scale.

All in all, this is a great deal at around $115.

Shop MyWeigh Shipping Scale at Amazon

Keep reading for more pics and info about this machine and other shipping scales.

For recommendations on a smaller glaze mixing scale, click here.

MyWeigh HD-300 Shipping Scale
Rubbermaid Commercial Food / Receiving Scale
Accutek Heavy Duty Shipping Scale
Accutek Ship Pro
Summary

More info on the MyWeigh HD-300

A view of the bottom metal platform on the MyWeigh HD-300.

The MyWeigh scales all seem to hit the balance of affordable price point along with well built quality, and the HD-300 is no different. It has a combination of a metal base, adjustable feet, metal platform, and detached digital display that is accurate to 0.1 pounds. It’s not suitable for weighing small batches of glaze, but it might work for large batches of glaze along with weighing out clay, plaster, and boxes.

The scale can accommodate up to 300 pounds. A HD-150 model that goes up to 150 pounds is also listed online but I couldn’t find it available, so I went with the HD-300.

Shop MyWeigh HD-300 at Amazon

More pics of the MyWeigh HD-300

MyWeigh Hd-300 digital display — The MyWeigh HD-300 has a detached digital display.

The MyWeigh HD-300 with a large box on it. The digital display is plugged in to an outlet in this pic, but it can also run on batteries.

Unboxing the MyWeigh HD-300 — Unboxing: the MyWeigh HD-300 comes securely packaged and ready to use.

Other Heavy Duty Shipping Scales

The MyWeigh HD-300 is one of a few quality options for a heavy duty shipping scale. Before switching to the MyWeigh, I had long used he Rubbermaid Commerical heavy duty food / receiving scale, but it continues to get more expensive, now around $181, and it is only accurate to 0.5 pound. I’ve also been in studios where they have used the less expensive Accutek scales and while they are not as heavy duty, they get the job done, especially if used carefully.

The following reviews cover other options that meet the criteria of a shipping scale with a detached display so that you can weigh large boxes. For smaller scales, check out this review of scales for glaze mixing.

Rubbermaid Commercial Heavy Duty Food and Receiving Scale

The Rubbermaid Commercial Heavy Duty Scale used to be my go-to recommendation for a heavy duty scale. I’ve used these in a variety of studios, usually for mixing plaster, but at $181 it’s very expensive for what you get. Essentially, it’s a similar scale to the much cheaper MyWeigh but it’s less accurate, only measuring to 0.5 lbs. This is really not very accurate! Older models of this scale used to be more accurate.

But with this scale, you do get a metal platform and base, detached digital scale with a 9 foot cord, and ability to use via 9 volt battery or plug in. If you have one, it’s an ok scale, but if you are buying new, go with the cheaper and more accurate MyWeigh.

Shop Rubbermaid Heavy Duty Scale at Amazon

Accutek Heavy Duty Shipping Scale

The Accutek Heavy Duty Shipping Scale is a great value (under $40 at the time of this writing) and features a metal platform, detached display, and is accurate to 0.05 pounds or 50 grams. That’s pretty incredible! Friends have used these for measuring clay and glaze materials to good results, although it’s only accurate enough for large batches of glaze. As opposed to the MyWeigh or Rubbermaid heavy duty scales, it doesn’t have adjustable feet but otherwise, it’s a solid effort from Accutek. (Accutek also makes a small scale that is our budget pick for weighing clay)

Shop Accutek Heavy Duty Scale at Amazon

Accutek Ship Pro

Accutek also makes the ultra budget Accutek Ship Pro, which can weigh up to 110 lbs at an accuracy of 0.1 pounds. Not bad for a unit listed at $24! It’s an all plastic construction, but does have a remote display so that you can easily read the weigh of a wider box or bowl of material.

I’ve had good luck with the $20 Accutek 50lb all in one scale, so I don’t want to discount this particular model just for being cheap, but I went with the more expensive MyWeigh HD-300 for the metal construction and super long warranty. This Accutek may serve your needs, but as with all super budget electronics, results may vary. More than any other scales mentioned in this post, this model has a mix of negative reviews on various consumer sites.

Shop Accutek Ship Pro at Amazon

Summary

This post has covered a variety of shipping scales with detached displays so that you can easily read the weight on wider objects like shipping boxes. When considering all the factors, the best quality for the prices is the MyWeigh HD-300 Heavy Duty Shipping Scale. It has metal construction, a detached digital display, and can weigh up to 300 lbs. The Rubbermaid Scale is more expensive and less accurate, while the cheaper Accutek models will get the job done but they are not as robustly built. If you want a long-lasting, hardworking studio tool, go with the MyWeigh HD-300.

What scales do you use for shipping and other heavy-duty uses? Let us know in the comments.

Shop MyWeigh HD-300 at Amazon

The Best Full-Size Slab Rollers for Ceramic Studios

April 19, 2022 Matt M-H

Bailey DRD / II ceramic slab roller machine — The Bailey DRD / II gear reduction slab roller pictured here with the shorter 51” table.

Slab rollers are great for slab-built pottery, tiles, and sculptures. While you might be able to get by with a rolling pin, if you use slabs regularly, a slab roller should be an integral part of your studio And while full-size slab rollers can take up a chunk of space, having the ability to easily make slabs is worth it.

This post covers all the full-size slab rollers on the market from five manufacturers: Bailey, Nidec Shimpo, North Star, Brent, and the Hi Roller. For a guide to smaller portable or table top slab rollers, click here.

Top Pick: Bailey DRD / II Gear Reduction models

Bailey DRD / II slab roller with 69 inch table — The 24 inch wide Bailey DRD / II slab roller pictured here with the 69” table. Note the two wheels for ease of moving the table.

The Bailey DRD / II slab rollers with the gear reduction feature are the best slab rollers on the market. These slab rollers are a joy to use, can quickly take up to 2 inches of clay down to an even slab, and are extremely durable and long lasting, suitable for a professional, academic, or personal studio.

The machine features steel rollers, a large 34” wagon wheel handle for easy turning, and one adjustment knob that raises and lowers the top roller. The slab roller can be adjusted from an ultra-thin 1/16” up to 1 1/2” .

This machine feature a reverse-thread handle adapter to prevent damage to the machine, but be careful—what this means in practice is that you can unscrew the wagon wheel handle and it will fall off. (Make sure students are trained on this machine.) On the shorter 51” table, the 34” handle is quite large but it is easy to use and turn, even with large amounts of clay.

The only other (small) drawback is that if one is not careful, canvas can be pulled under the feed table and ends up wrapping around the bottom roller. But once one is accustomed to the roller, it becomes second nature to avoid this.

Bailey makes a few different rollers, but the DRD / II gear reduction models are what you want. The cost about $100 extra for the gear reduction but they are simply the best slab roller on the market.

The Bailey DRD / II gear reduction models are available in a 24” width as a machine only ($1,380), with a 51” table ($1,780), or a 69” table ($1,999). The 30” models have the same option and generally cost about $200 more.

Shop DRD / II Slab Roller at Bailey

Budget Pick: Nidec Shimpo SR-3050 Slab Roller

Nidec Shimpo ceramic slab roller machine — The Nidec-Shimpo Slab Roller

The Nidec-Shimpo SR-3050 slab roller is a studio workhorse that will turn out great slabs. It features a double roller that sits in the middle of a 30 x 50 inch table with a wagon-wheel handle. Slab thicknesses can range from an ultra-thin 0.1” up to 3 inches, and the top roller is adjusted by moving the two handles.

Adjusting the two rollers can be a bit annoying and the table is somewhat small, but all things considered, this is a great roller that is listed around $1,100 and often can be found for around $900. The short feed area can be fixed by adding a wing or placing the machine next to another table.

Shop Shimpo Slab Roller at Clay King

The Bailey DRD II and the Shimpo slab roller are just two of many full-sized slab rollers on the market. Keep reading for a complete guide, or click here to read about small and portable table top rollers.

Table of Contents

Top Pick: Bailey DRD / II Gear Reduction Roller
Budget Pick: Shimpo Slab Roller
How to Shop For a Slab Roller
North Star Slab Rollers
The Hi Roller Vertical Slab Roller
All Bailey Slab Rollers
Brent Slab Rollers
Slab Accessories
Summary

How To Shop For A Slab Roller

It can be confusing to shop for a slab roller, as Bailey and North Star in particular make a variety of slab rollers that can be ordered with a variety of table sizes and features. Here’s a guide of how to shop and pick out rollers.

1. Start With Roller Width

Full size table top rollers range from 24 to 40 inches wide. In practice, your widest slab will probably be about 2 inches less than that. Even a 22 inch wide slab can be quite large! But if you are doing large tile projects, the 30 or 40 inch models will be needed. For an individual studio, a 24 inch roller might be quite large—maybe a table top roller is what you need.

2. Table Size

The important considerations here are the size of the table where you feed in the clay, the size of the “output” area, and the total size of the table. In addition to width, the table size will determine how long of a slab you can make. Once again, I’d suggest that a 22” wide slab by say 24” long is quite large! But if you have a larger table, you have more working area.

Shimpo, Brent, and the Hi Roller machines come in one size. But Bailey and North Star let you choose the table size. With Bailey it’s a 51” or 69” long table, and North Star options are 48” or 72” inches, and North Star also sells prop-up “wings” that extend the table. With Bailey and North Star, you can also buy the machine only and build your own table.

With any roller, measure the complete table and make sure it is suitable for your studio.

3. Rollers

Most high-quality rollers have a double roller. This will give your slab pressure from both sides, and results in a more even slab. Brent Rollers just have a roller on one side, which along with the heaviness of the table is why we don’t recommend Brent rollers.

4. Handle / Crank Mechanism

Most of these large rollers come with a wagon wheel handle, but some have a crank. A wagon wheel makes it easy to turn, but does take up more room. Consider the Bailey rollers with the short table: a 34” wide wagon wheel handle is paired with a 51” table. It’s a bit crowded. Smaller table top rollers generally have a crank rather than a wagon wheel.

5. Gear Reduction / Safety Mechanisms

Any slab roller should be treated with respect and they can be damaged if they are turned the wrong way or too much clay is forced through the rollers. Bailey makes a gear-reduction model that is even easier to turn, and also has a reverse-threaded wagon wheel so that you can’t turn the gears the “wrong” way and damage the machine.

6. Durability

All of the machines reviewed here are well built and will be long lasting if not abused. In my experience, the Bailey, Shimpo, and North Star machines hold up best under intense use in academic or community studios. The Hi Roller is fussy but can make nice albeit small slabs. The Brent rollers are extremely heavy and basically bomb proof welded steel, but if the shims get wet they can warp and the wires can snap if used improperly. So many academic studios have Brent rollers but the other four manufacturers make machines that are simpler, lighter, and easier to maintain.

North Star Slab Rollers

The North Star 30 inch wide Super Roller with table.

North Star makes two styles of slab rollers: the “standard” line has crank-driven 2 1/2” double rollers available in 18”, 24”, and 30” width as machine only, table-top portarollers, or in 48” long tables. (Our top pick for a portable roller is the 18” Portaroller from the North Star standard series.) The two larger rollers in the standard line can also be ordered with wagon wheel handles.

The “super” series features wagon-wheel driven 4” wide double rollers with a gear reduction in 24”, 30”, or 36” width in 72” long tables. If you are a production shop or a busy academic studio, the Super series is what you want, whereas the standard line is great for individual studios.

North Star also makes a variety of accessories, such as fold-out wings to extend the length of tables, and extra shelves for the roller table.

These are great rollers. The only drawback compared to the Bailey DRD / II models is that North Star has two height adjustment knobs, rather than one that moves the entire top roller. North Star mentions that this makes “tapered slabs” possible, but truth be told, that’s a concept I’ve only heard mentioned in their marketing copy.

North Star Standard rollers range from around $1100 to $1200 for a roller and table.
Super series rollers start at around $1500 for the 24” roller and table, and go up to $2355 for the 36” roller and table. All the models are available for less as machine only, if you want to build your own table.

Shop North Star 24” Slab Roller at Blick

Shop Slab Rollers at North Star

The Hi Roller Vertical Slab Roller

The Hi Roller vertical clay slab roller machine — The Hi Roller Vertical Slab roller is a space-saving machine that is easy to crank.

The Hi Roller is an interesting entry for the full size slab roller because it can be wall mounted or stand on its own, taking up very little space while providing great (if somewhat small) slabs. The rollers can be adjusted easily with a dial, clay is placed near the rollers, and a small crank easily moves the clay down between two pieces of canvas. Then, the clay is cranked back up, often sticking just enough to the canvas until you remove it.

This all sounds great, but in practice, this is a fussy machine. Sometimes the clay drops below the rollers and won’t come back up, and it’s hard to make large slabs. So there is some trade off but if floor space is a premium in your studio, this is the roller for you.

The Hi Roller is generally available for around $1,450-$1,500.

Shop at Hi Roller

Bailey Slab Rollers

Bailey makes a somewhat confusing array of slab rollers so hopefully this outline of their product line will help.

The Bailey 40” DB Drive Board roller with electric motor.

The DRD / II slab roller from Bailey is the top pick for a slab roller (see top of post) and is available in a 24” or 30” model in either direct drive or gear reduction models. It’s worth the extra $100 for the gear reduction—why not make it easier to crank out slabs? The DRD / II models have 2 1/2 inch diameter rollers.

The original DRD model is still in production, and is available in 30” or 40” width. The DRD features 4” diameter rollers, designed for professional studios or heavy use by academic studios. These are amazing, big rollers. They are also available with electric motors.

Finally, Bailey also makes the DB or Drive Board rollers in 30” or 40” widths. These machines have a single roller on top and a drive board that travels with the slab, allowing for more even compression and protecting the slab from bunching or bogging down in the machine. These are best for tile and architectural tile work.

Shop Slab Rollers at Bailey

Brent Slab Rollers

Brent makes three slab rollers with a wagon wheel (the SR-14, SR-20, and SR-30) and one model (the SRC) with a crank handle. All are rather overbuilt with heavy steel bases, and single wheels that move over the top of the slabs, and have wires underneath the roller table covered in sticky grease. The slab thickness is adjusted by adding or removing canvas-covered shims.

These slab rollers are quite common but I would avoid them whether new or used. Here’s why:

> Adding or taking out shims is a pain. Also, this process generally results in a lot of dust being created.

> Single roller, only pressure from the top rather than a double roller.

> Heavy. So heavy. You’ll need a forklift or about 6 people to move these. They are unnecessarily heavy.

> Hard to maintain. Have fun repairing the guide/crank wire when it snaps! (Misuse by students can easily break this wire)

> Warped shims: I once used a Brent roller that had water damage and all the shims were warped, resulting in uneven slabs.

And finally, expensive. All that metal costs money. These rollers ranged from $2,000 up to $3,700. Sure, if properly maintained and used you will get fine slabs, especially if you never change the slab thickness. But any other machine will be better.

Shop Brent Slab Rollers at Blick

Slab Accessories

A few things that will make working with slabs easier:

Slab Mats

Slab Mats are a plastic fabric with one side smooth and the “working” side has a bit of a fuzz. They are less flexible than canvas, but are also great for putting through rollers, moving slabs around, or just as a working surface to protect your table tops. Most normal clay uses (fettling knives, craft knives, needle tools, etc) won’t cut through these. Small sizes can also be used as small bats for handbuilding, or get a larger piece to run through your roller.

Shop Slab Mats at Blick

Canvas

For slabs, unprimed canvas is also great for rolling and moving around the studio. With a canvas blanket, you can cut to your desired shape and either hem or leave the edges unhemmed. Canvas can be washed over and over again by hand or in the washing machine. Frequent washing will help keep the dust down, and does soften the material over time. #12 / 12 oz canvas is a great place to start, or go slightly thicker with #10 / 15oz canvas.

Shop Canvas Blanket at Blick

Rolling Pin

A solid maple rolling pin is a must-have for any ceramic studio, even if you have a slab roller. For small things, it’s usually easier to roll by hand. Pair this with a few wooden slats or yard sticks, and you’ve got an adjustable slab rolling system.

A solid rolling pin is better than a rolling pin with bearings or moving parts, because there is nothing to break and it is easy to clean the entire rolling pin with water. Rolling pins come in a variety of sizes but a 24” wide rolling pin is still easy to maneuver but large enough to make really big slabs. At around $30, this is an affordable studio tool that will last forever.

Shop Rolling Pin at Blick

Summary

This post has covered every large or full-size slab roller on the market, including models from Bailey, North Star, Nidec-Shimpo, Hi Roller, and Brent.

The top pick is the DRD/II gear reduction slab roller from Bailey, but there are lots of options for a wide variety of budgets. All of these rollers, if properly used, will make great slabs but there are some superior options (Bailey, Shimpo, North Star) based on price, weight, and quality of features.

What slab roller do you use in your studio? Let us know in the comments.

Red Gorilla Tubs, a review and appreciation

October 15, 2021 Matt M-H

Gorilla Tubs are an instant studio upgrade. Pictured from left: shallow small 3 gallon/15 L, Small 3.5 gallon / 14 liter, and the mini shallow 1.3 gallon / 5 L tubs.

Gorilla Tubs are amazing buckets, especially for mixing plaster, gathering clay chunks, or as a wide trough for pouring glazes. Designed for gardening, stables, and construction sites, these flexible buckets are equally at home in art studios. They are affordable, long-lasting, easy to clean, and just great to use. The only drawback is they aren’t as good for moving large amounts of liquid—stick to a rigid bucket for carrying water or ceramic slip.

Earlier this year, I purchased the Small 3.5 gallon / 14 L blue bucket pictured above, for mixing and pouring plaster. It’s just the right size for most of my plaster pours, and the flexible edge makes it super easy to pour. And when I’m done, the flexible sides make it easy to pop the plaster off and clean it for the next use. If you mix plaster, you definitely need to get one of these buckets.

After using and loving the first bucket, I recently added the shallow sizes, including the mini shallow 1.3 gallon / 5L and the shallow 3 gallon / 15 L tubs. They stack easily when not in use, and are so useful for glazing, mixing clay, gathering odds and ends together, or a variety of other tasks. They are quickly becoming my favorite buckets in the studio. (For throwing, I only use the Argee 5 qt Big Mouth Bucket (shop at amazon) )

Formerly known as Tub Trugs, Gorilla Tubs are manufactured in Spain by Red Gorilla. The buckets are easy to find on Amazon in the U.S., but two that I ordered shipped directly from Spain and arrived in a few weeks. Definitely check the shipping and vendor location etc, but these should be an affordable upgrade to your studio. The buckets are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Included here are links to the three buckets pictured in this post.

Shop Small Gorilla Tub at Amazon

Shop Shallow Gorilla Tub at Amazon

Show Extra Small Shallow Gorilla Tub at Amazon

More Images of the Gorilla Tubs

The bottom of the tubs is slightly reinforced with thicker rings of plastic, but still flexible.

The inside of the Gorilla Tubs is smooth and flexible. Easy to clean!

In conclusion, without being too over the top, these are great buckets and are perfect for anyone who mixes plaster. But once you get one, I’m sure you’ll find that you’ll use it all the time for a variety of tasks.

Do you have a favorite bucket for the studio? Let us know in the comments.

Shop Gorilla Tubs at Amazon

The Best Small, Portable Slab Rollers for Ceramic Studios

October 1, 2021 Matt M-H

A North Star Portaroller in action. A small slab roller fits in most studios, can be packed up, but can still make professional-grade slabs that are even and less likely to warp.

The North Star Portaroller is our top pick for a small / portable slab roller.

A slab roller is very useful tool and a small or portable slab roller can make professional-grade slabs while still being able to fit in just about any studio. You’ll find that the uniform results will help you with making slab forms, tiles, or any shape where you roll out clay. This guide covers all the small slab rollers on the market.

Reasons to choose a portable slab roller:

Even slabs for tiles and slab building
Save space by not having a dedicated table for slab rolling
Portability and ease of storing when not in use

TOP PICK: North Star Portaroller

The Portaroller in action, rolling out a 16 inch wide slab.

The North Star Portaroller is the top pick for a small slab roller. It features a metal roller housing with two 2.5” rollers! These double rollers will quickly and evenly roll out clay, and your slab is less likely to warp because it is getting even pressure from the top and bottom. These rollers are 2.5 inches in diameter and feature North Star’s signature “knurled” or diamond-textured surface, which helps grab the canvas or slab mat. The rollers are turned by a detachable hand crank, similar to an old-fashioned wringer washing machine. And the two melamine support tables latch on by gravity (no tools) and stay in place firmly while you are rolling, but can be easily removed for storage.

Pros:
> Double rollers for compressed, even slabs
> Easy to change slab thickness with two knobs
> Great build quality
> Easy to store and move

Cons:
> 16 inch slabs may not be wide enough for some projects
> On the heavy side (but…double rollers are great!)

The Portaroller is 18 inches wide and can make 16” wide slabs up to 2 3/4” thick. The length of the slab can be as long as your canvas but in reality, it’ll probably be about the size of the melamine tabletop, which is approximately 24 inches long on either side of the rollers.

The Portaroller disassembled: Rollers, crank, and two table top pieces. No tools are required for assembly or disassembly.

The three pieces of the Portaroller can be quickly taken apart and put away on a shelf, making these ideal for home studios or small spaces, but with the quality of the North Star rollers, you could also put this roller to use in an academic or studio environment.

The only drawback of the Portaroller is it is somewhat heavy, with a total weight of around 60 pounds. The two table top pieces are sturdy and light, but the roller housing is probably around 30 pounds. North Star advertises this as a roller that teachers can move around and yes, it can be put in a car and taken places (you’ll probably want a Magna Cart to carry it around) but for me, I like the Portaroller because it can be quickly broken down and put on a shelf when not in use.

Overall this is a great slab roller and will be a wonderful tool for most studios. It’s small, but well built and if you need slabs up to 16 inches wide or less, this is the perfect slab roller for your studio. The Portaroller retails for around $660 to $700.

Shop Polaris Roller at Blick

UPGRADE PICK: North Star Polaris Roller

The North Star Polaris slab roller makes 22” wide slabs. Note that some stores sell this roller and table tops separately. Make sure to order both.

The North Star Polaris is the same as the Portaroller in every way, except that it is 24 inches wide and can make a slab that is 22 inches wide. If you have the space, order this roller and the matching table pieces for a larger portable roller that disassembles into three pieces with no tools.

The North Star Polaris typically retails for around $860 to $900.

Shop Polaris Table Tops at Blick

BUDGET PICK: Solid Maple Rolling Pin

The 24” solid maple rolling pin is 3 inches in diamter.

Shop Maple Rolling Pin at Blick

Top Pick: North Star Portaroller
Upgrade Pick: North Star Polaris Roller
Budget Pick: Solid Maple Rolling Pin
Other Small Rollers
Slab Roller Accessories
Summary

Other Small Rollers

In addition to the North Star rollers and a simple rolling pin, there are small rollers made by Bailey, Brent, Shimpo, and AMACO.

The Bailey Minimight 16 is a crank slab roller that can make 16” x 18” slabs up to 3/4” thick.

Bailey Minimight Slab Rollers

Bailey Ceramics makes two small slab rollers, the Minimight II 16 and the Minimight II 22. The models are the same build quality and style: the smaller can make 16” x 18” slabs, while the larger can make 22” x 24” slabs. The 22” model can also be paired with leg extensions, for a standalone small slab roller.

The Bailey Minimight 22 can be used as a table top or with optional legs (as pictured here) and can make slabs up to 22” x 28”.

This is a cheaper and more compact roller than the North Star Portaroller, and it does have two rollers. However, the rollers are much smaller in diameter, so it is harder to roll clay through. Plan to thin your slab considerably before running it through these machines, so as to not stress the rollers and crank. The rollers are also not adjustable, instead different shim thicknesses are used to create slabs ranging from 1/8” to 3/4” thick. It’s not a terrible design, but not as easy as adjusting the knobs found on other rollers.

Overall, this is a simple, quality roller that is cheaper and smaller than the North Star Portaroller, but is harder to use and not as flexible in slab thickness and length. But it’s perfect if you make small slab projects.

Minimight 16: weighs 36 lbs and typically retails for around $485
Minimight 22: weighs 87 lbs and typically retails for around $560.
Minimight 22 with legs: weighs 103 lbs and typically retails for around $850.

Shop Minimight 16 at Blick

Shop Minimight 22 at Blick

Brent Mini SRC Slab Roller

The Brent Mini SRC is a really strange slab roller: it’s basically a scale model of Brent’s much larger slab rollers and it really seems like overkill for a small roller. The Mini SRC is overbuilt and tough, just like all Brent products, and it employs the same moving rollers and wires as other Brent rollers. The roller can make slabs up to 14” x 15”, and is adjustable from 1/8” to 3/4” with a series of shims.

I’ve always found all the Brent slab rollers to be confounding machines and this is no different. For what you get, it is heavy at 63 lbs, hard to adjust, doesn’t make very large slabs, and has the wires that can snap and need to be repaired. I would steer clear, unless you are some kind of masochistic diehard Brent-head.

The Brent Mini SRC weighs 63 lbs and retails for around $850.

Shop Brent Mini SRC Slab Roller at Blick

Shimpo Mini Slab Roller

The Shimpo Mini Slab Roller is an interesting entry that is similar in many ways to the Bailey Minimight, but with lighter weight and can make slabs up to 16” wide by 24” long. It features an adjustable top roller and can make slabs up to 1 inch thick, and it has a board and canvas that moves through the bottom of the unit. It weighs just under 38 pounds and measures 19” wide by 28” long. The one piece design makes storing a bit harder, but this is definitely something that could be put away when not in use.

The Shimpo Mini Slab Roller is a bit harder to find, but it is stocked at many ceramic suppliers. It typically retails for $575 to $615.

Activa Slab Roller

This is another model that I would definitely pass on. The Activa Slab Roller is a small plastic board with different size rails and a plastic tube for rolling. Clay sticks to plastic so you’ll need to use canvas or corn starch or something with this, and it is quite small, at about 10 x 10.5”. You’d be better served by getting a piece of canvas or slab mat, and a wooden rolling pin. But, if you only do small things or maybe you are looking for something to use with polymer clay, this might be just what you need.

The Activa Slab Roller typically retails for around $30.

Shop Activa Slab Roller at Blick

Slab Rolling Accessories

Here’s a few things that will help you work with clay slabs in your studio.

12 oz Unprimed Canvas

For slabs, there’s nothing better than unprimed canvas for rolling and moving. With a canvas blanket, you can cut to your desired shape and either hem or leave the edges unhemmed. Canvas can be washed over and over again by hand or in the washing machine. Frequent washing will help keep the dust down, and does soften the material over time. #12 / 12 oz canvas is a great place to start, or go slightly thicker with #10 / 15oz canvas.

There are also a wide variety of texture mats designed for clay, or look for burlap, lace, or any other interesting textural pattern that can create a low relief in the clay.

Shop #12 Canvas Blanket at Blick

Slab Mat

Slab Mats are a plastic fabric with one side smooth and the “working” side has a bit of a fuzz. They are less flexible than canvas, but are also great for putting through rollers, moving slabs around, or just as a working surface to protect your table tops. A sharp knife will go through this material, but most normal clay uses (fettling knives, craft knives, needle tools, etc) won’t cut through these. Small sizes can also be used as small bats for handbuilding, or get a larger roll to run through your roller. Slab Mats are just awesome and you should have them in your studio.

Shop Slab Mats at Blick

Summary

This post has covered a wide variety of portable or small ceramic slab rollers. The top pick is the North Star Portaroller because it provides a combination of top-quality rollers with a design that makes it easy to take apart and store. But there are a variety of options. At the very least, consider getting a solid maple rolling pin for rolling out slabs by hand.

What do you use for small or portable slab roller? Any favorite slab rolling accessories? Let us know in the comments.

Gift Guide for Artists who Paint and Draw

July 30, 2021 Matt M-H

This guide has more than 30 ideas for artists who paint, draw, and create. Most suggestions are priced between $25 and $100, along with a few higher ticket items. There are plenty of ideas for the painter or artist in your life, or perhaps you’ll find a gift for yourself. In general, this guide focuses on high-quality art supplies, equipment, and books.

Note: This site uses affiliate links for sites such as Amazon and Blick. If you click the links and complete a purchase, we may receive a percentage at no extra cost to you.

Blick Noir French Easel

Perfect for in the studio or on the go, this black French-style wooden easel from Blick is stylish, functional, and a great deal. The easel combines a sketchbox, easel, and canvas carrier into one unit. Folded, it measures a compact 22 x 16 x 6.5 inches, and it can extend up to 73” tall and accommodate canvases up to 34” tall. It weighs about 10 lbs. This is a great easel for someone setting up an at-home studio and can be carried or folded down for painting in plein air. It retails for around $100.

Shop Noir Easel at Blick

Golden A-Z Acrylic Explorers Kit

This popular set introduces artists to a variety of products Golden Acrylics—the company bills it as a workshop in a box and it basically is. It includes heavy body (i.e. thick) acrylics, fluid acrylics, high flow acrylics as well as pastes, gels and mediums. It’s a great intro to Golden’s high quality product line, and can really expand an artist’s skill set. The kit retails for around $28 and includes 4 tubes of paint, 5 small bottles of paint, 4 tubes of different mediums and a bottle of clear painting medium.

Shop Golden A-Z Kit at Blick

Aquabee Super Deluxe Sketchbook

The Aquabee Super Deluxe Sketchbook from Bee Paper is a favorite mixed media pad that came out on top in our recent review of mixed media pads. It can do everything from light watercolor to ink to marker, colored pencil, and anything else. The sketchbooks are available in a variety of sizes (9x12” is a great option) and has a stiff cardboard back and a leatherette cover with a wire binding for easy turning of pages. The 93 lb / 150 gsm paper is light cream color and is a pleasure to use, and the books range from 6x4 inches to 14x17 inches, with 50 or 60 pages per book.

Williamsburg Oil Paint Sets

The Williamsburg Oil Paint Signature Series has 9 colors in 11 ml tubes.

Williamsburg is known for its intensely pigmented, handmade oil paints that are the favorite paints of many professional artists. Available individually or in a variety of sets, try the Signature Series set of 9 for an introduction to these wonderful oil paints. An oil painter will appreciate this, or any set of the high quality Williamsburg paints. The Signature Series set has 9 tubes with 11 ml of paint each, or about 1/3 of an ounce.

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

This classic, first published almost 30 years ago, helps artists, writers, and creative types unlock their full potential. Through a series of exercises, such as a letter to yourself and the famous “morning pages” of free writing (visual artists can just substitute sketching) everyone can discover their creative path in an open-ended way that accommodates everyone. At times a bit new age-y, this book is still worth a read for the ideas and exercises. The book grew out of a series of workshops that Cameron ran, and the book feels like you are in the room with Cameron’s gentle but insistent guidance.

Shop at bookshop.org

Faber-Castell 9000 Series Drawing Set

Faber-Castell makes some of the best pencils and is the choice of professionals and serious artists. It’s easy to just reach for the signature green pencils first. This set of 12 pencils from F-C’s signature 9000 series has one pencil each ranging from the soft and dark 8B up to 2H. There’s also a set for designers that ranges from 5B to 5H. The sets come in a hinged metal tin or a soft bag and usually retail for around $15-$20. This is the perfect set for anyone who loves to draw. Pair it with a sketchbook and a sharpener for a perfect gift.

Tote Bag for Tools, Pencils, and Brushes

Every artist can use a little organizational help, and a tote bag keeps everything is at hand and easy to find. The JJRing nylon art/craft bag is has a 16 pockets, is available in eight colors, and is a great value, typically priced at $15 to $25.

Caran D’Ache Luminance Colored Pencils

The Caran D’Ache Luminance pictured here in the 20 pencil box.

The ultra-premium Luminance colored pencils are a joy to use and the entire set is 100 percent lightfast, which means that the pigments are designed to withstand UV rays. Under museum conditions, these colors will hold up for at least 100 years. The Luminance (and the Derwent Lightfast) were our top picks in a recent test of colored pencils based on the color intensity, quality, and the lightfast ratings. The Luminance also has an easy-to-use cardboard box where each pencil is inset into foam, so the pencils don’t jumble around. Prices range from a set of 20 pencils for $55 to a set of 76 pencils for around $225.

The Story of Painting: How Art Was Made

This 2019 book covers the entire 25,000 year history of painting with illustrations, texts, and guides to technique, composition, and subject matter. It’s a great overview for a beginning painter, or a wonderful reference book for the more experienced artist. The details, images, and texts make this more than just a coffee table book. It’s available in hardcover for around $25.

The book includes detailed examinations of numerous paintings.

Utrecht Artists’ Watercolor Paint Box

The Utrecht Watercolor Box is a complete painting kit.

This set has everything an artist needs to get started with watercolor painting and it’s made by Utrecht, the Brooklyn, NY company known for high quality, artist-grade paints and mediums. It comes in a beechwood box and includes a 9x12” watercolor block, four brushes, a flat knife, a needed eraser, plastic palette with 24 wells, and 18 tubes of watercolor paint. The box usually retails for around $225.

Utrecht also sells smaller sets of just watercolor paints.

Anker Soundcore Q20 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Over-ear noise cancelling headphones can really help you focus on your work, especially if you work in a shared or noisy environment. There are a lot of options for this type of headphone, but the Anker Soundcore Q20 strike a balance between quality and affordability, especially considering they will probably get covered in paint at some point. These headphones have an impressive 40 hour playing time, and a dynamic sound quality that while not quite audiophile level, really deliver a lot for the $50 price tag.

Liquitex Acrylic Gouache

Gouache is a type of opaque watercolor paint, and the Liquitex Acrylic Gouache is an interesting twist on this product that is really nice to use. Think of it as a matte acrylic paint that is fluid right out of the bottle and will result in a matte finish that doesn’t show brush strokes or cracks. It’s become a favorite acrylic paint of many. It’s available in small squeeze bottles—to use, just press out what you will need on a tray or palette. The colors are available individually or in a variety of sets. Try the 12 color essentials set for around $55 or the fluorescent set is also fun.

Blick Super Value Bulk Canvas Pack

Almost a gag gift for the extreme size, this bulk pack of 40 stretched canvases are great for anyone who paints a lot. These 16x20” canvases are pre-primed with acrylic gesso on 5/8” thick stretcher bars. At around $120, these canvases work out to about $3 each—an incredible value. And a gift like this will provide plenty of surfaces for an artist to get to work.

Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint

Water mixable oil paint is an interesting innovation made by a variety of manufacturers. It allows you to thin paint with water (although most companies do make some mediums as well) but more importantly, you can clean up this paint with water and soap. This makes it so much easier to keep hands, brushes, palettes, and everything clean, especially if you are painting at home. Winsor & Newtown makes a great line of water mixable oil paint called Artisan, and it’s available individually and in sets. The set of 10 colors in the smaller 0.7 ounce tubes is a great introduction to this line.

Foam Daubers

These sponges on a stick are a fun craft tool for artists of all ages. Variously known as spouncers, daubers, or stick sponges, these are a great way to add polka dots and round shapes to any surface. Use with acrylic, watercolor, or inks. Available in bulk packs for around $10–20, they are a great tool for any artist.

Create Dangerously: The Power and Responsibility of the Artist by Albert Camus

Create Dangerously by Albert Camus. — *Create Dangerously* by Albert Camus.

This 1957 speech by the Nobel Prize winner was first published as a standalone text in 2019 in this small, pocket-sized book. A call to arms for artists to participate in society, it’s an interesting read for anyone considering a career in the art or who is interested in what role artists might take in civic discourse. The paperback usually retails for $8.

Canson XL Black Drawing Pad

A sketchbook with black paper is a fun way to mix things up in the studio. Pair it with opaque colors from pens or pencils, and you’ve got a whole new way to approach color and design. A studio favorite is the student-grade Canson XL Black Drawing Pad. Each pad features 40 pages with 92lb black paper, with micro-perforations at the side if you want to remove a drawing for framing or other purposes. Available in 7x10” or 9x12”, expect to pay $7 to $10 for these pads. For a great gift, pair this with gel pens or colored pencils.

X-Acto Basic Knife Set and Case

Every artist needs X-Acto knives at some point, and this basic set of 3 knives and 10 replacement blades is a great introduction to the variety of blades from this venerable company. Use this for trimming watercolor paper, collages, or any art and hobby purposes, these will get used all the time. This set typically retails for around $23. Pair it with a cutting mat (see below) for a great gift.

Shop Self-Healing Mat at Blick

Self-Healing Cutting Mat

Self-healing cutting mats are a great way to protect both your tables from cuts and it helps your knife blades stay sharp longer. Available from a variety of manufacturers (Alvin, Blick, Cricut, X-Acto etc) the main thing is to pick the size and color that works for your space. Traditionally available in green and black from Alvin, there are now a variety of colors and sizes. For at-home use, an 18x24” mat or 24x36” sizes are usually best, but you can go bigger or smaller. In addition to cutting, these make great surfaces for using liquid or hot glue, or for moving around drawings or paintings that are not yet dry. The larger sizes are also useful for covering tables used for drawing, painting, and crafts.

Shop Alvin Mat at Amazon

Arches Watercolor Blocks

Arches makes some of the best watercolor paper and watercolor blocks are a great way to try out their paper. Sealed on the side with glue, each sheet stays in place and won’t warp, and can then be cut off using a dull knife. Then the next sheet is ready to go. These come in hot and cold press in a variety of thickness. Cold press paper has a bit more texture and the mid-weight 140 lb / 300 gsm paper is a good place to start, such as an 8x10 block of 20 sheets that retails for around $33. Pair this with a high-quality set of watercolors (such as Sennilier, Utrecht, etc) and you’ve got a great gift for a watercolor artist.

Sennelier Watercolor Travel Set

Sennelier La Petite Watercolor Travel Set

Sennelier makes some of the best watercolors that are rich in hue, depth, and just enough transparency. They are a pleasure to use and when paired with a watercolor block (see above) make a great gift. This travel set includes 12 tubes of watercolor paint and a small palette for adding water. The tubes hold 10ml or .33 oz of watercolor paint, which can go a long way—especially if they are mixed with water and used wet on wet. It’s a great introduction to the Sennelier line of watercolors, and generally retails for $35-$40.

JBL Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Flip 4 portable bluetooth speaker.

It’s always great to have music or podcasts in the studio, and a portable bluetooth speaker makes it easy to play anything from your phone, tablet, or laptop. The JBL Flip 4 is slightly older (meaning it’s available at a discount) but is still a great option that sounds great, is easy to pair with devices, and comes with long-lasting build quality. For something bigger and louder, check out the JBL Charge line of speakers. The JBL Flip 4 is waterproof, available in a variety of colors, and usually retails for around $90.

Studio Designs Fusion Center Drafting Table

Studio Designs Fusion Drafting Table and Stool. (Cabinet is not part of the set).

Studio Designs is known for high quality but affordable studio furniture (I’ve been using the Graphix II Workstation for years) and the Fusion Center is a great introductory table and stool for artists who draw, paint, or craft. Featuring a work area that is just under 24 x 35 inches, the table can adjust from flat to a 60 degree angle. There’s also a pencil and brush rack, and a slide-out side table, giving the table an overall potential footprint of 24x48 inches, and the table is adjustable from 26.75 to 35.35 high. It’s a great first desk for the serious hobbyist or art student who is ready for their own dedicated table. It typically retails for around $125.

Daybook: The Journal of an Artist by Anne Truitt

An older edition of Daybook by Anne Truitt.

This classic journal by the American sculptor has been in print continuously since it was published in the early 1980s. In it, Truitt details her daily observations about artmaking as well as her history as an artist and mother. It’s an enlightening read that ranges from the mundane, to money concerns, to the theoretical underpinnings of her works and how she made them. It’s available new and used, including a recent digital edition that includes Daybook and two more books of Truitt’s journals. For more, check out this excerpt of the book. Daybook is available in paperback for around $15.

Holbein Artist’s Gouache Set

The 12 color set of Holbein Artists’ Gouache.

Gouache is the opaque version of watercolors and Holbein makes some of the finest gouaches around. These professional grade paints are vibrant, dry to a matte finish, and can be thinned with water if less intensity is desired. The colors are available individually or as sets, ranging from five colors for around $30 to all 84 colors for over $700. A set of 12 or 18 colors makes a great introduction to this line of colors and in the smaller .2 ml tubes, these sets range from $44 to $53.

Pentel Pocket Brush

The Pentel Pocket Brush is a portable, easy-to-use, and refillable brush pen that can lay down a super-fine line or a heavier stroke. Perfect for travel and on the go ink sketches, it can also be used in the studio for finished work. It’s good for painting, cartooning, and more, and is available with gray, black, or sepia-colored ink. The brush and two refills typically retails for around $13, and refills are about $3 for a two pack. Pair this with a mixed media sketchbook (such as the Aquabee Super Deluxe Sketchbook) and you’ve got a great gift.

Alice Neel: People Come First

This 2021 monograph focuses on Neel’s history, social activism, and portraits. Published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and based on the blockbuster exhibition there, the hardcover book includes high-quality reproductions and essays on Neel and her work. A sense of life was in every mark that Neel made and this book is a deep look into a fascinating artist and her body of work.

Sennelier Abstract Kit

The Sennelier Abstract Acrylic Paint Kit with 8 tips.

Sennelier Abstract acrylic paints are a new twist on painting. The paint can be squeezed out on a palette like any other paint, or try the various tips directly on these plastic pouches to squeeze paint right out of the bag. It makes the act of painting physical and immediate, and can open up a new way of working for any artist. The set includes 5 paints and 8 tips, and typically retails for around $35.

Blick Studio Black Cotton Canvas

Black primed canvases are a completely different way to approach painting, and these pre-primed and stretched cotton canvases from Blick allow you to get right to painting in acrylic or oil. Available in 5 sizes ranging from 8x10 inches to 20x24 inches, these canvases have a traditional 3/4” deep stretcher bar and are suitable for hanging or framing. Pair these with an acrylic or oil painting set for a great gift.

Golden Fluid Acrylics Set

The Golden Fluid Acrylic Set includes 10 paints.

Golden fluid acrylics are high flow, thin paints for artist that spray, brush, stain, or paint. They are highly saturated with pigment and they are almost ink-like in how they lay down and dry. They are a great way to mix things up and can be used with various mediums or thinned even further with water. The set of paints includes 10 colors in 1 oz jars and usually retails for around $42

Blick Super Value Hardbound Sketchbook

Hardbound sketchbooks are great ways to keep all your sketches, thoughts, and notes in one place and this 2 pack is simply an incredible deal. At around $12 for two sketchbooks, it’s the same price you’ll pay for one hardbound sketchbook at other stores. The 65 lb paper measures 8.5x11 inches and is smooth, white, and acid free.

Caran D’Ache Pablo and Supracolor Gift Box

The Caran D’Ache Pablo and Supracolor box set.

This handsome wooden box has a full set of Caran D’Ache Pablo colored pencil and Supracolor water-mixable colored pencils. The two lines blend together easily, giving you an unlimited range of possibilities for drawing, shading, blending, and working wet. At $464, it’s quite the statement gift but it includes 180 pencils, for an average cost of $2.58 each.

Gift Guide for Young Artists and Creative Kids

Other Gift Ideas

Classes: A set of classes at a local studio or art studio can be a great gift.

Magazine Subscriptions: Magazines are great sources of ideas and inspiration.

Tours, Trips, or Conferences: Look for painting-specific travel tours, retreats, or conferences.

What are your favorite gift ideas for artists? Let us know in the comments.

Gift Guides

Check out these posts:

Gift Guide for Potters

Sink Trap Buyer's Guide for Art Studios: For Ceramics, Sculpture, Plaster and More

July 20, 2021 Matt M-H

A sink trap is a vital tool for keeping clay, plaster, and other heavy particles from clogging your plumbing. If you are working with these materials, don’t just assume your plumbing will be fine; be proactive and install something! This guide will cover a variety of sink traps, and touch on DIY methods.

The first step for clear drains is to keep clay, plaster, and heavy particles out in the first place.

Let me repeat: pre-clean everything to keep clay and sediment out of the sink. And never pour wet plaster down a sink.

But it’s inevitable that some particles will go down the drain, so you will need some sort of trap. Many plumbers will simply install a grease trap or other system that is more appropriate for restaurants. But do know there are a few products designed especially for clay, plaster, and other sediment, and they are much easier to use and clean than a grease trap.

The Gleco Trap System, pictured here with 64 oz jars.

TOP PICK: Gleco 64 oz System

The top pick for a sink trap is the Gleco 64 oz Sediment Trap System. The Gleco is similar to other systems with an inlet and outlet pipe and a screw-top bottles that act as a settling tank. When full, the bottles can be disposed, or cleaned and reused. But the side drain is the big extra feature with the Gleco system. This valve allows you to drain standing water before removing the bottle. This feature really help keep your sink area clean and allows you to quickly and efficiently swap out the bottles as they fill.

Shop 64 oz Gleco Trap at Amazon

The clearance needed for the different size Gleco Systems.

The Gleco System has five jar sizes: 19 , 32, 43, 63, and 128 oz. All the jars are interchangeable. Due to the weight of the jars as they fill, many users recommended that the two larger sizes sit on something—plan to add wood shims or support underneath the jar. You’ll also need to measure your undersink area before selecting a jar size. The minimum clearance between the floor and outlet pipe ranges from 11.5 inches to 20 inches, depending on the bottle size. You may also need to get extra plastic piping to fit the system into your sink.

For more info on keeping your pipes clean and other sediment trap systems, keep reading.

Shopping links: The Systems come with the pipes and two bottles, and replacements jars are available.

Gleco 43 oz System | Gleco 64 oz System

Gleco 32 oz jars | Gleco 64 oz jars | Gleco 128 oz / Gallon Jars

Table of Contents

Top Pick: Gleco Sediment Trap System
Buffalo Trap-Eze System
Keystone Metal Sink Trap
Rohde Sediment Tank
DIY Systems
Recommendations for keeping your sink clog-free
Summary

Buffalo Trap-Eze Systems

The Buffalo Trap-Eze 64 oz bottle system.

Designed for dental offices, these are also ideal solutions for pottery and craft studios. There are two basic models of this system: the 64 oz bottle system which is very similar to the Gleco system but without a side drain valve, and then a few simple bucket systems that attach to your plumbing with flexible hoses.

The Buffalo Trap-Eze 64 ounce system is a decent option, but if you were to get this style, I would choose the Gleco system.

The Buffalo Trap-Eze bucket sediment trap.

But where the Buffalo Trap-Eze system really shines is the larger systems with 2, 3.5, or 5 gallon buckets. This is a super simple settling tank that connects to your existing plumbing with flexible hoses. Easier to install (and cheaper) than the Gleco system, it’s a great option that just about anyone should be able to install without too much trouble. Just make sure you have enough clearance under your sink for the buckets and for the attachment to your outlet pipe.

These buckets don’t contain baffles or separate compartments, but if you make sure to preclean all your tools and hands, these will work well to trap those fine particles that do make their way down the drain. And the full buckets can be disposed, or cleaned and reused.

Some users report problems with these leaking. Make sure to tightly seal the lid to the bucket for this system to work. If you read clay forums, many potters use these traps without any problems.

Shop 3.5 Gallon Buffalo Trap-Eze at Amazon

Shop 5 Gallon Buffalo Trap-Eze at Amazon

Keystone Metal Sink Trap

The Keystone Metal Sink Trap is a 2 gallon metal canister-style sink that also accommodates disposable liner bags. This style is somewhere in between the Buffalo Trap-Eze bucket systems and a regular grease trap. The metal fittings may be more long-lasting and durable than a plastic bucket, but you’ll also have to factor in the time of opening and cleaning. In general, if your system is easy to clean (like the Gleco) you’ll be more likely to do it often.

The Keystone Metal Sink Trap is available at a variety of ceramic suppliers.

Rohde Sedimentation Tank

Available in Europe, the Rohde Sedimentation Tank is a three-chambered plastic tub on a wheeled, stainless-steel base. It’s an ideal solution for any pottery studio, especially a busy community or academic studio. It measures 450 x 603 x 520 mm (17.7 x 24.8 x 20.5 inches). To my eye, it looks like a commercial version of many of the DIY settling tanks people make out of storage tubs and buckets. Rohde—if you are reading this, please start distributing worldwide!

DIY Sedimentation Tanks

Practically any ceramic forum has guides and instructions on how to build a DIY settling tank. While these may not be appropriate or up to code for a commercial or academic studio, these will work for home or private studios.

The basic idea is running your drain into a bucket or two for settling. These buckets are inside a larger storage tub, which has an outlet. And definitely build a small platform or casters so this can be moved for cleaning.

With the right tools, parts, and caulk, anyone can build a system like this. However, it might be easier to just order something like the Gleco or Buffalo trap system…but you’ll know what is right for your studio. Personally, I use a trap system along with extra-careful pre-cleaning (read below) and never have a problem.

Click here for a great guide to a DIY sediment trap system.

Clean Up Tips and Tricks

With just a bit of planning, you will never have a problem with your sinks or drains clogging from clay or other heavy particles. The solution: pre-clean buckets. Make it a goal to never have clay chunks come anywhere near your sink!

The Three Bucket System

A prewash bucket or three will give you plenty of space to wash and clean clay tools, splash pans, and dirty hands before using the sink. For an individual studio, this can be a simple tub or 5 gallon bucket. For a busy studio, it could be a trash can full of water. Or try a “three bucket system” where you progressively move from dirty to clean water. With a system like this, you might not even need to use the sink except to rinse off your hands. It is also very efficient, as the dirty water is constantly reused, which is definitely a concern for any area affected by drought.

The Carlisle Bronco 32 Gallon Waste Container, an ideal size for pre-cleaning.

In a personal studio, I still prefer to use a big, wide trash can of water as that allows me to dip splash pans and other large tools in the water for pre-cleaning. If this bucket gets smelly, use the method described here for sanitizing.

My favorite option for clean up is the Carlisle Bronco 32 Gallon Waste Container. It’s tall enough that you don’t have to bend over to clean, and it’s not super huge like a 44 gallon. You can also get a wheeled caster dolly, which makes it easy to move around the studio. These cans are the same style as the older Rubbermaids, and they are thicker walled and stronger than the current models of Rubbermaid waste containers.

Shop Carlisle Bronco 32 Gallon at Amazon

Shop 32 Gallon Lid at Amazon

Shop Carlisle Dolly at Amazon

A drain cover / strainer will help catch large chunks.

Sink Strainer

Your final defense before your trap is some sort of sink strainer. Get the size that fits your drain. This will keep any chunks of clay or bits of hard plaster from going down the drain.

The 4 pack pictured here should cover most sink sizes.

Shop sink strainer at Amazon

Summary

This post has covered a variety of options for sink traps and sedimentation tanks for pottery, sculpture and craft studios, but these same systems will work in dental offices or anywhere that is using heavy particles that will sink and potentially clog pipes. The top pick is the Gleco system for it’s ease of use and innovative side valve. The Buffalo Trap-Eze system is also a great option because it is so easy to install. You can also make your own system. The main thing, though, is to follow best practices of keeping clay, plaster, and other heavy stuff out of the sink in the first place. Setting up your studio with a pre-clean bucket or trash can is an easy solution that will pay off in clean pipes and help you avoid costly plumbing bills or problems down the road.

What do you use in your studio for a sediment trap? Let us know in the comments.

Gift Guide For Potters and Ceramic Artists

July 12, 2021 Matt M-H

Note: Click here for the updated 2023-24 gift guide!

The Shimpo VL Whisper, a top pick for a full sized potters wheel.

This gift guide has more than 30 ideas of gifts for potters, ceramic artists, or anyone who works with clay. Most of these suggestions are priced between $5 and $100, along with a few higher-priced items like pottery wheels and slab rollers.

When shopping, keep in mind that most potters probably already have a basic tool kit and a few others tools. But if someone is just starting, we’ve also got a handy guide to the best tools for pottery beginners, and there are many other posts on this site with reviews of tools and books we love.

Note: This site uses affiliate links for sites such as Amazon and Blick. If you click the links and complete a purchase, we may receive a percentage at no extra cost to you.

Xiem Studio Tools BatMate

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The Claypron

The Claypron is a split-leg apron designed specifically for working with clay at the potter’s wheel. It’s available in a variety of colors, is made with high-quality, washable cotton, and is one of the most popular aprons in ceramic studios. It has ties at the neck and waist, and generally retails for around $35.

Shop the Claypron at Amazon

Shop the Claypron at Blick

Weleda Skin Food

Pottery and clay can be hard on hands and any potter will appreciate the gift of nice lotion. A favorite everyday cream is O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream (shop at Amazon), but a real upgrade is Weleda Skin Food. It’s a rich, luxurious cream that will help protect hands during a long studio session or at home. This extra thick cream smells great, melds into your skin quickly, and the squeeze tube makes it easy to use at home or studio. It usually costs around $17–19 for a 2.5 oz tube.

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Potter’s Skin Butter

Cara Mae Skincare has other lotions as well, all equally great.

Shop Potter's Skin Butter at Etsy

10,000 Years of Pottery by Emmanuel Cooper

The 4th edition of 10,000 Years of Pottery — The 4th edition of *10,000 Years of Pottery*

This lavishly illustrated book is a great addition to any potter’s bookshelf and will provide years of inspiration. It’s 360 pages long and there are full-color pictures on almost every page. Tracing the history of ceramics from the Ancient Near East through contemporary times, the book covers all parts of the globe along with the arts and crafts movement, ceramics and industry, studio ceramics, and more. Originally published in 1972, the book has been updated continuously since. The most recent 4th edition is available as a paperback for $40.

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Speedball Artista Tabletop Wheel

The Speedball Artista Wheel (top) pictured here with Speedball bats.

The Speedball Artista is a great tabletop wheel that is strong enough for most potters but is also portable and can be stored with ease. It’s the perfect option for an at-home practice wheel or for someone looking to try out pottery with a professional machine. It has an 11” wheelhead, a 1/3 horsepower motor, is compatible with standard 10” bats, and weighs just 26 pounds. It’s usually available for $450-$500. For a complete overview, check out our guide to tabletop wheels.

Shop Speedball Artista at Blick

Diamond Hand Polishing Block

The Stadea diamond hand polishing foam blocks.

Diamond hand pads are the perfect way to sand away burrs, small glaze drips, and rough patches on pots, sculptures, or kiln shelves and posts. Made of industrial-grade diamonds embedded in plastic, these are available from a variety of manufacturers such as Stadea as either soft, flexible pads or semi-hard foam blocks. The foam blocks are my favorite because they provide structure and support your hand, but the flexible pads are useful for sanding more complicated shapes. Available as sets or individual pads, it’s recommended to get four individual pads in the range of 50 grit, 100 grit, 200 grit, and 400 grit.

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Shimpo Banding Wheels

Banding wheels are very useful for coil building, sculpting, and decorating. Nidec-Shimpo Banding Wheels are the best on the market, made of cast iron with sealed bearings. They are on the heavy side, but this added weight gives the wheels a smooth, even spin. Shimpo banding wheels come in five different sizes ranging from $60 to about $120. For more info, read our complete review of banding wheels, but of the options on the market, there is no doubt that these are the best.

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Shop Shimpo Banding Wheels at Blick

Nidec-Shimpo Handheld Extruder

A handheld extruder is one of the best ways to make handles or other shapes in a quick, efficient way. Basically a specialized version of a caulking gun, soft clay is inserted in the 2” wide barrel, a die is placed at the end, the cap screwed on, and you can pull the trigger and the plunger begins pushing clay through the die. You can also use hollow dies to make small forms that would be almost impossible to make by hand.

There are a variety of handheld extruders, which are all about the same, but the Nidec-Shimpo Handheld Extruder is compact and well built. The key is getting dies that work for. In addition to the basic dies, my favorite add on is the Scott Creek Handle Die kit, which should match up with any small handheld extruder. The Shimpo Handheld Extruder is usually around $60 and extra die kits generally cost around $40.

Shop Handheld Extruder at Blick

MudTools Essentials Kit

MudTools makes innovative tools such as their beloved flexible plastic ribs, and this MudTools Essential Starter Kit includes nine of their most popular tools. A great gift for beginners, experienced potters will also appreciate this kit. Included are three flexible polymer ribs, the Mudshark cutting tool, a cut-off wire with polymer handles, a long plastic scraper/rib, a sponge, the MudTools all-in-one trimming tool, and the MudTools shredder. The kit typically costs around $70.

Note: Some marketing describes this as a 10-piece kit, but I wouldn’t classify the plastic box/holder as a “tool.”

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Speedball Underglaze Sample Pack

The Speedball Underglaze Sampler includes 12 colors in 2oz bottles.

Speedball Underglazes are studio favorites and are great way to get vibrant, saturated colors on ceramics. They can be applied by brush, sponge, or spraying. Use alone for a matte finish, or in combination with a clear glaze for a glossy finish. Sample packs are a great way to find the underglaze colors that work best, and are available from Speedball and a variety of manufacturers. The Speedball sampler pack includes 12 colors in 2 oz bottles, and typically costs around $42.

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There are a lot more underglaze options. Here are a few that are recommended:

AMACO Velvet Underglazes are available in 4 different sampler sets of 2 oz jars for $52 each. Shop at Blick

Mayco has a 10 pack underglaze sampler for around $40. Shop at Amazon

Sax True Flow Underglaze has a 12 pack sampler set for around $43. Shop at Amazon

Bluetooth Speaker

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Mastering Ceramics book series

The books include

Mastering the Potters Wheel by Ben Carter, published 2016

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick | Shop at Bookshop.org

Mastering Hand Building by Sunshine Cobb, published 2018

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick | Shop at Bookshop.org

Mastering Kilns and Firing by Lindsay Oesterritter, published 2019

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Bookshop.org

Shop Mastering Ceramics at Amazon

Tote Bag for Tools

This nylon tote bag is great for ceramics, pottery, art, and craft tools.

Potters and ceramic artists usually have a variety of tools and an open-top bag is the best way to store them. It allows tools to dry out without rusting, and provides easy access to grab what you need. The JJRing nylon art/craft bag is has a variety of pockets, is available in eight colors, and is a great value, typically priced at $15 to $25.

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Revco Green Split Leg Apron

This green split-leg apron is popular with many potters and has a few features that make it a nice upgrade from a standard kitchen apron. Made from cotton, it has an adjustable, clip-on neck strap and it also has clips to attach the split legs to either leg. Some may prefer a longer apron (such as the Claypron) but this apron covers the thighs and the split-leg design makes it perfect for sitting at the pottery wheel. Usually available for $20 to $25, the Revco green apron is available in 36”, 42”, and 48” lengths. The 36” will work for most, or pick 42” for someone around 6’ tall.

For our complete guide to aprons, click here.

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Xiem Studio Tools Precision Applicator

The 3 oz Precision Applicator from Xiem Studio Tools.

A great decorating tool is the Xiem precision applicator, available in 1 and 3 oz sizes. These applicators have a soft, flexible rubber bulb with a variety of screw-on metal tips. Mostly used for slip trailing and slip-decoration techniques, these bulbs can be used to apply just about any type of thicker, viscous liquid. The larger 3 oz size will be the best option for most. There are cheaper slip-trailing options that are a plastic bottle with similar metal tips, but the rubber bulb in the Xiem applicator provides steady, even pressure that is just easier to use. For around $22, this is a quality tool.

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Magna Cart

If you work with clay, you need to move heavy stuff all the time. Whether it is boxes of clay, packaged ware for shipping, or large sculptures, the Magna Cart is an invaluable tool that folds up for efficient storage when not in use. Store it in a closet or the trunk of a car, it’s a handy tool that will get used all the time. The cart can hold 150 lbs (I’ve pushed it to 200 and that can be too much), has 5” rubber wheels, a 15” wide base and the handle can extend to 39” tall. There are a lot of folding carts on the market now in all shapes and sizes, but the classic Magna Cart is still the best option.

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Azul Board Game

Azul, a tile-based strategy game for 2-4 players.

This tile-based strategy game is fun for the whole family, but may be particularly enjoyed by fans of Portuguese ceramic tiles or azulejos. To play Azul, tiles are selected and arranged on the game board to score points. Once a player completes a horizontal row of tiles (typically after multiple rounds or 20–40 minutes of play) points are scored and a winner crowned. It’s an award-winning game that was first released in 2017. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Shop Azul at Amazon

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Drill

The Milwaukee M12 3/8” cordless drill kit.

The Milwaukee M12 compact cordless drill is a studio favorite. It’s strong enough for most jobs, but small and light so that it’s comfortable for just about anyone. Paired with the right mixer blade, this is an ideal drill for mixing glazes, plaster, or other tasks in a ceramics studio. Quality tools are always appreciated in the studio, and a cordless drill like this just gets the job done. Milwaukee also makes a wide variety of tools that fit the M12 battery. This kit typically retails for $99.

Click here to read more on cordless drills.

Recommended drill accessories for ceramics:

Jiffy LM Laboratory mixer for mixing small glaze cups.

Plastic helix mixer for mixing 1-2 gallon glaze buckets.

Jiffy ES Mixer for mixing 2 to 5 gallon bucket.

Dewalt 14 piece bit set for drilling holes and the Dewalt 45 piece screwdriver set.

Shop Milwaukee Drill at Amazon

Shop Milwaukee Drill at Home Depot

Carve Your Clay by Hilda Carr

This recently-published book gives a lot of ideas for surface decoration including carving, inlay, scraffito, wire cutting and more. With easy-to-follow instructions and great illustrations, it’s an inspirational book. Based on Hilda Carr’s signature style but with variations and ideas for every potter, the book is available in hardcover or paperback.

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Giffin Grip Trimming Tool

The Giffin Grip in use. The tool comes with arms of various sizes.

The Giffin Grip is a trimming tool that can really upgrade a studio. It attaches to any sized pottery wheelhead, and various arms allow you to easily grip vases, tall pots, or any pot really. It sure beats trying to attach pots using small bits of a clay. It’s not cheap—typically around $250—but it lasts for ever and once a potter has one, they’ll use it all the time.

Shop Giffin Grip at Amazon

Wooden Rollers and Stamps

These sets of wooden rollers and stamps allow potters to quickly and easily add relief textures and patterns to slabs, pots, or any piece of clay. The wood is long-lasting, durable, easy to clean, and can really add that extra-special touch to elevate handmade work.

The set of 5 wooden texture rollers is available from a few different sellers and typically retails for around $30.

The set of 16 stamps typically retails for around $20-$23.

Shop Wooden Stamps at Amazon

Shimpo VL-Whisper Pottery Wheel

The full-sized Shimpo VL-Whisper pottery wheel is a top pick and one of the most popular wheel models on the market. Made by Nidec-Shimpo, it features an innovative magnet-driven wheelhead that is virtually silent. It also has a 14 inch wheel head, can center just about any amount of clay, and has adjustable legs. You can even remove the legs and have the wheel sit flat, converting it to a tabletop or standup wheel if desired. All around, it’s our favorite wheel and top pick in our pottery wheel buyer’s guide.

The VL-Whisper is reversible, has a detached foot pedal, and a removable splash pan. It typically retails for around $1,500 plus shipping.

Shop Shimpo VL-Whisper at Amazon

Shop Shimpo VL-Whisper at Blick

Small Tools

These small tools are all great additions to any potter’s tool kit. Get one or all to make a great gift.

Kemper Clay Drill

Shop Kemper Clay Drill at Blick

Mini Ribbon Tool Set

This set of 6 tools is great for detail work, decorating, and finishing a piece of pottery or a sculpture. At 5 1/2” each, the metal tools don’t take up much room but they can do a lot, especially for detail work or scraffito. For around $13, it’s a great addition to a potter’s tool kit.

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Neiko Diamond Bits

Shop Neiko Hole Bits at Amazon

Metal Rib Set

Shop Metal Rib Set at Amazon

Fettling Knife

A good quality clay knife is so useful in the studio. The best option is the Kemper F97 Hard Fettling Knife. The blade is not “hard” but is just the right stiffness for cutting or turning the knife at an angle to use for smoothing or other detail work. The F96 Soft Fettling Knife has a more flexible blade that is not as useful or durable in the studio. Both Kemper knives are way better than the various generics as it the blade is attached to the handle with high quality glue. Generic fettling knives often fall apart with even the most basic use.

Shop Fettling Knife at Amazon

Shop Fettling Knife at Blick

Anker Soundcore Q20 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Over-ear noise cancelling headphones can really help you focus on your work, especially if you work in a shared studio environment. There are a lot of options for this type of headphone, but the Anker Soundcore Q20 strike a balance between quality and affordability, especially considering they will probably get covered in clay at some point. These headphones have an impressive 40 hour playing time, and a dynamic sound quality that while not quite audiophile level, really deliver a lot for the $50 price tag.

Shop Anker Headphones at Amazon

3M Respirator

Shop 3M Rugged Comfort Respirator at Amazon

Shop 3M Respirator at Home Depot

Zebrawood Carving Tool

The P1 Zebrawood Carver from Diamond Core Tools.

The Zebrawood Carvers from Diamond Core Tools are functional, long-lasting (replaceable blades!), and beautiful. At 5.5 inches long, they feel like a pencil and can be used for sharp, even cutting tasks such as scraffitto and other forms of decoration. Diamond Core makes these with a wide variety of cutting blades—the P1 is a great carver to start with. At $37 each, these are on the expensive side for a ceramic tool but the adjustable blade and beautiful wood makes this a great gift.

Shop Zebrawood Carver at Diamond Core

The Ceramics Reader

Available in hardcover or paperback for around $50.

Shop Shimpo Potter's Stool at Amazon

Shimpo Pottery Stool

The Shimpo Potter’s Stool is the most versatile, comfortable, and functional pottery stool on the market. It has four adjustable legs with nine adjustable slots on each leg, with a range of 19 to 26 inches high. The legs can be adjusted independently, allowing for the stool to be set at an angle if desired. It also has a comfortable, padded seat. It’s a great upgrade for any potter.

The Shimpo Potter’s Stool measures 16 x 16 inches and ranges up to 26 inches tall. It generally costs around $90.

Solid Maple Rolling Pin

This solid maple rolling pin is 24” wide and 3” in diameter with handles. Pair it with a few wooden shims or rulers, and you’ve got a quick adjustable height slab roller that will make wonderful slabs. And best of all, there are no bearings, gears, or internal parts that will break down. And since it is solid, it’s easy to just wipe down and clean with a sponge. At $30, it’s a great value and is a studio tool that will last forever.

Shop Rolling Pin at Blick

Slab Mats

Slab Mats are great working surfaces for handbuilding, can be cut up and used underneath wheelthrown pots, and are also a canvas alternative for use with slab rollers. Slab mats are a plastic kind of fabric, with one smooth side and one side that is slightly fuzzy and ideal for working with clay. You can cut with clay knives on them and not worry about damaging your table top surfaces. They are easy to clean, just wipe down with a sponge, and seem to generate much less dust than canvas. They are available in a variety of sizes but the larger 22 x 50” size really allows you to spread out.

Shop Slab Mats at Blick

North Star Portaroller

The North Star Portaroller is an amazing machine that can instantly upgrade any studio. Designed for artists who are on the go, it’s also ideal for home studios because it quickly breaks down into three pieces that can be stored when not in use. The Portaroller has two metal rollers, a crank, and two table top pieces that fit on either side of the roller. The top roller can be adjusted for slab thicknesses up to 2.5 inches. The roller can make slabs that are 16 inches wide. It’s a well thought out piece of equipment that is backed by North Star’s impeccable record of quality. It typically retails for around $600.

Accessories for glaze mixing

Other Gift Ideas

Pottery Wheels

Thinking of getting a new wheel as a gift? Check out our guide to table top wheels here, and our guide to full-size wheels here.

Or maybe you were thinking of a kiln? Read our guide to Skutt kilns here.

We’ve got a lot more ideas in our tool guides such as:

Scales for glaze mixing

and tools that can be used in the kitchen or the studio.

Other Ceramic Gift Ideas:

Classes: A set of classes at your local ceramics studio can be a great gift. If you can’t find a studio, ask a local clay supplier if they can recommend local studios.

Magazine Subscriptions: Magazines are great sources of ideas and inspiration. Check out The Studio Potter, Pottery Making Illustrated, or Ceramics Monthly.

Tours, Trips, or Conferences: Look for pottery-specific travel tours, retreats, or conferences.

What ideas do you have for pottery gifts? Let us know in the comments.

More Gift Guides

Gift Guide for Young Artist and Creative Kids

Gift Guide for Artists Who Paint and Draw

Best Glues and Adhesives for Ceramics

July 6, 2021 Matt M-H

E6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive, our top pick for a studio glue.

Glues and adhesives are a vital part of any ceramics studio. Used for repairing and creating, it’s important to have the right glue for the job. This post will cover a variety of glues and adhesives, each with their own features and drawbacks. There’s no shame in using glue, some prominent ceramic artists are even known to say that epoxies and glues are “one of their mediums.”

TOP PICK: E6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive

E6000 is the one glue that should be in every studio. It’s ready to use right out of the tube, dries in a relatively short amount of time, and can be used with ceramic, metal, wood, fabric, glass, and polymer clay. It’s equally at home for making jewelry as it is for repairing things like ceramic mug handles. And it can often be found with precision tips so you can apply just the right amount.

E6000 also dries quickly, staying tacky for 4 to 5 minutes. Then, allow at least 24 hours to cure to full strength. When fully cured (may take as long as 48 to 72 hours) it has a strength of 3,500 PSI or pounds per square inch. E6000 also can be painted, sanded, or scraped away, and it is resistant to water upon application. It’s also available in a variety of sizes, including small 1 oz tubes suitable for precision work.

Shop E6000 Glue at Amazon

Shop E6000 Glue at Blick

Shop E6000 at Home Depot

Shop E6000 at Lowes

For info on more glues and adhesives, keep reading.

Top Pick: E6000
Devcon and other 2-part epoxies
PC-7 and PC-11
JB Weld
Magic-Sculpt
Gorilla Glue
Modge Podge

Devcon 2 Part 5 Minute Epoxy

Devcon 5 Minute Clear epoxy is a two-part adhesive that can be found in plungers (pictured) or larger volumes in separate bottles.

Two-part epoxies are strong and are a better option than the various “super glues” found everywhere. The clear versions of these epoxies also do a great of mimicking the shiny look of a fired glaze, although they are available in off white as well. My go to brand is Devcon, although any clear two-part epoxy will get the job done. Look for plunger barrel option (pictured) although some come in larger sizes in two bottles. Also be sure to pick a “5 minute” epoxy. Some have longer set times up to 30-60 minutes, and than can be frustrating to use with a runny glue.

To use, squeeze out equal amounts of the resin and hardener on something disposable such as a piece of scrap paper, and mix with a kraft stick or even just a twisted up piece of cardboard. Then apply to what needs to be glued and press together. You may need to hold it in place for 5 to 10 minutes (tape or rubber bands can help) and then you should be good. The pictured Devcon Home 5 Minute Epoxy has a 5 minute handling time, an 8-10 minute set time, and a 60 minute curing time, with a strength of 1500 PSI when it is cured. Fast and strong! That’s why 2-part epoxies are handy to have in the studio. Below are links to the Devcon (pictured) and Gorilla 2 part clear epoxies.

Shop Devcon 2 Part Epoxy at Amazon

Shop Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy at Amazon

Shop Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy at Blick

PC-7 and PC-11

PC-7 is a charcoal gray 2 part paste epoxy. The smallest 2 oz (56g) option is pictured.

PC-7 and PC-11 are really interesting two-part paste epoxies that bond to ceramic along with wood, metal, glass, tile, masonry, rubber, fiberglass, and some plastics. PC-7 is charcoal gray, while PC-11 is white and rated for underwater uses. (PC-11 will even cure underwater.) Both are great options for working with sculpture as they will fill gaps, hold things in place on a vertical or upside down surface, and just do things that other adhesives won’t do.

PC-11 is a two part white, marine-grade paste epoxy.

Described by the manufacturer as “thicker than peanut butter but less thick than bubble gum,” these products can be a bit of a pain to work with because they are so sticky. My technique is to scoop out equal parts (eyeball measure) with kraft sticks and mix on a piece of cardboard until the colors are homogenized, wait a bit for the epoxy to thicken, and then apply. For cleanup, I’ve found that a small bowl of vinegar with quickly clean up any PC-7 or PC-11 on my fingers, although be careful to not get vinegar on your working surfaces or the adhesive won’t stick as well. If you have excess epoxy on a sculpture or anywhere, it can be wiped away with a cloth or paper towel.

Both epoxies have a working time of about 30 minutes, and will fully cure in 12 to 24 hours for a strength of 2150 PSI (PC-7) or 1710 PSI (PC-11).

I stock both of these in my studio, usually in the small 2 oz package. They always come in handy and can be used to attach tiles to mounting wire or cleats, and are paintable when cured. I even had a friend who (not recommended!) bisque fired PC-11 as a gap filler and then would glaze over it. It’s a crazy adhesive that you can push to the limits.

PC-7 and PC-11 are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 2oz to 10 gallons.

Shop PC-7 at Amazon

Shop PC-11 at Amazon

Shop PC-7 at Home Depot

Shop PC-11 at Home Depot

J-B Weld

J-B Weld is similar to PC-7 (both are made primarily with bisphenol-A) but it is a bit runnier when mixed and has a much higher strength, rated at 5020 PSI. Invented as an alternative to welding plumbing, it bonds to ceramic, metal, wood, plastic, PVC, fiberglass, and more. It also has some metal in the mix, so it can withstand temperatures up to 550 Fahrenheit when fully cured. For many, it’s their favorite epoxy.

After mixing, J-B Weld has a set time of 4 to 6 hours, a cure time of 15-24 hours, and is dark grey, just a bit darker than PC-7. J-B Weld is a paste epoxy but it’s a trade off between it’s much higher strength versus PC-7, while having a slightly less pasty quality and a longer set time. But for the right job, there’s nothing better.

Shop J-B Weld at Amazon

Shop J-B Weld at Home Depot

Shop J-B Weld at Lowes

Magic-Sculpt

Magic-Sculpt is truly magic. A two-part epoxy, when the resin and hardener are mixed you have a non-sticky, almost clay-like substance that can be sculpted, be used as a gap filler, or even be used to attach cleats or other attachment. Once mixed, the working time is 45 minutes to an hour and in 12 to 24 hours, the material will be rock hard.

The material can be smoothed with a bit of water while it’s soft, and once hard, it can be painted, sanded or even drilled through. Magic-Sculpt is available in seven colors, including natural (gray), white, tan, light brown, dark brown, green, and black.

See below for pictures of how the natural gray color is mixed and the sculpting potential.

Shop Magic-Sculpt at Amazon

An example of how Magic-Sculpt can be mixed:

The resin and hardener in the tubs

Equal amounts are mixed by volume

Mixing the two parts together

After mixing, the color is still light gray

The material can take any shape

Gorilla Glue

Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane adhesive that is most commonly used in woodworking but can bond a wide variety of materials, is waterproof, and expands after application, making it an excellent gap filler. Note that Gorilla now makes a wide variety of glues, but the original Gorilla Glue is what is being reviewed here. It’s a pretty original product that can bond wood, stone, metal, ceramic, foam, glass, concrete, and more.

Because Gorilla Glue expands after application (up to three times) it does take a bit of work. You’ll need to wipe away excess glue as it expands for about 15 minutes. As it expands, excess glue can be chipped or sanded off, and the object being glued should remained clamped for at least two hours, and a full cure is reached after 24 hours.

The original Gorilla Glue has a honey color, but it is also now available in clear. (Some reviewers have noted that the clear Gorilla Glue has less stickiness, so make sure to clamp pieces tightly.) Gorilla Glue can harden when exposed to air, so make sure to keep the glue squeezed to the top of the bottle and only buy the size needed.

Shop Gorilla Glue at Amazon

Shop Gorilla Glue at Blick

Summary

This post has covered a variety of adhesives and epoxies that are useful in ceramics studios, but can be used for sculpture, crafts, really just about anything. You may find that one glue, such as E6000, will cover most of your studio needs but you never know, the right glue or the right tool can make all the difference when you need it.

What adhesives do you use in the studio? Let us know in the comments.

Skutt Kiln Buyers Guide for Potters and Ceramic Artists

June 25, 2021 Matt M-H

The Skutt 1027 Kiln, our top pick for an electric top loader Skutt kiln.

Skutt Kilns are some of the most popular and dependable top-loading electric kilns on the market. Manufactured by Skutt in Portland, Oregon, the company has a variety of kilns to suit just about any size studio and budget. The following guide will cover all the features of current Skutt kilns, along with tips and suggestions on how to buy a kiln.

Top Pick: Skutt 1027-3 with KMT Touchscreen Controller

The Skutt 1027-3 is the top pick for a Skutt electric kiln. Featuring upgraded, 3-inch-thick bricks, it’s an efficient workhorse of a kiln that is also Skutt’s most popular model. It’s a great size for any studio, with an interior chamber measuring 22.5 inches in diameter by 27 inches tall, for a total of 6.4 cubic feet of loading area.

The kiln is small enough that an individual potter can fill it with some frequency, while it also has enough capacity for an academic or shared studio. It can easily fire to cone 10, along with mid range or low fire temperatures. And the KMT Touchscreen Controller makes for an easy and efficient user interface.

It’s a great kiln package that is listed around $4000 but can sometimes be found for as low as $3100 to $3200.

Shop Skutt 1027-3 at Blick

There are a lot more sizes of Skutt kilns. Keep reading for a complete buyer’s guide to Skutt kilns.

Table of Contents

Top Pick: Skutt 1027
Choosing a Top Loader Electric Kiln
Skutt Controllers
Skutt Product Number Explainer
Electrical Requirements
Lid Lifters
Venting Options
Kiln Furniture
Sectional Design
What To Expect with Ordering and Delivery
Skutt Kiln Models
Summary

Choosing a Top Loading Electric Kiln

Choosing an electric kiln is a big decision. You’ll want to consider power availability, the size of your studio, the size of the work that you make, and your budget. It can be a commitment: with care and proper maintenance, an electric kiln can easily last 30 years or more. But where to start? There’s a lot of options, sizes, and a confusing array of product numbers. This guide will help you understand the models in the Skutt product line.

Front Loader vs Top Loader
Electric kilns can be broken down into two main categories, front loaders and top loaders. While Skutt has occasionally made a front loader, at the time of this writing, the entire Skutt product line was top loading kilns.

Top loaders are usually smaller, have thinner walls, and generally are made in sections that allow for easier transport. Top loaders can be harder to load, although they are available in a variety of heights. Top loaders are usually the kiln of choice for home studio and for individual studios.

Front loaders are heavier and not made in sections, as the entire kiln frame needs to support the weight of the door. There are some small front loaders, but generally you will find these types of kilns in production studio or larger spaces. Front loaders can often accommodate taller firing chambers.

Electric vs Gas
Skutt only makes electric kilns, so this post won’t cover any gas kilns. But in general, think of an electric kiln as a big, insulated incandescent bulb. The inside walls of an electric kiln are lined with “elements” made from nichrome wire, i.e. nickel-chrome wire. Electricity is run through these elements at a rate determined by the controller, and over time, heat builds up inside the kiln. When properly installed, electric kilns are safe and easy to operate, and typically there is little to no odor or anything noxious coming out of the kiln.

The Skutt KilnMaster Touchscreen Controller

Skutt Controllers

Skutt makes kilns with two types of controllers, which are both dependable and allow you to program and run the the kiln by itself. (It is always recommended that you be present when the kiln finishes firing to check that the program runs correctly.)

The KilnMaster Touchscreen Controller is the latest and greatest controller technology, featuring built-in WiFi and a free app, so that you can connect your device to the kiln and monitor the firing. The Touchscreen Controller features the same ramp and firing modes found on previous Skutt kilns, but with added features including a program library, help screens, diagnostic tools, and much more. It costs more, but this is a recommended upgrade. For an added fee, you can upgrade to a premium account with more features including text or email alerts, multiple users on one account, and more.

The KilnMaster Controller is the standard controller on Skutt kilns with a button pad and small, one-color display. This controller has the same ramp and on-board programming capabilities as the touchscreen model, but with fewer bells and whistles. It’s a sturdy, dependable controller that itself was an upgrade from the older kiln sitter models. If you currently have an older kiln sitter kiln, check and see if you can upgrade it to a computerized model.

Skutt Product Numbers

Skutt kilns are numbered based on this system, and we’ll use a KMT-1027-3-PK as our example.

Controller type (KM = KilnMaster, KMT = KilnMaster Touchscreen)
Sides of the kiln are indicated in the first one or two numbers (the 1027 is a ten-sided kiln)

Depth of firing chamber is indicated by the final two numbers (the 1027 is 27 inches deep)
Any kiln with a “3” after the kiln number is a model with the 3 inch brick upgrade as opposed to the standard 2.5 inch bricks
PK stands for Production Series Kilns, an upgrade in wiring gauge and other features found in four kilns models that are appropriate for extremely busy studios.
LF is only found on one large oval kiln, and it stands for a Low Fire only rating.

Electrical Requirements

Electric Kilns need to be properly installed and it’s best to check your power situation with an electrician before ordering a kiln so that you know exactly what type of power you have and how large of an amperage draw and breaker box you can install.

Types of Power: 208 or 240 and single phase or three phase
Generally, residential power in the United States is 240 volt and commercial and school buildings have 208 volt, and these can be available in either single phase or three phase. You’ll need to pick a kiln model that matches the power you have available as the elements and other features are fitted to match your power.

Amperage
Amperage measures the draw of electricity, and Skutt kilns range from 20 amps to 79. It’s recommended to have a breaker box with a fuse that is about 25 percent higher than that. Having an electrician check what you have available will help narrow down your choices, especially if you are considering a larger kiln. Larger kilns have bigger amperage draws that may require running new wires or breaker boxes.

Plug or Direct Wire
Smaller kilns will plug in and Skutt ships them with the most appropriate plug. Your electrician may need to install or change the outlet to match this plug. Larger kilns need to be “hard wired” or have wires directly connected to the power cutoff box.

Lid Lifter

All the 10- and 12-sided Skutt kilns now come standard with spring-loaded lid lifters. It makes the kilns easy to lift with two fingers and reduces the chance of slamming a lid down, which can damage the bricks. The Skutt lid lifter attaches just to the top ring, making it simple to take your kiln apart if necessary. It’s a great upgrade and if you have an older kiln, you might want to look into a lid-lifter upgrade.

Venting Options

The Skutt EnviroVent 2 consists of a spring-loaded pressure attachment at the base of the kiln, metal hose, and squirrel cage type blower.

An optional kiln vent helps remove gases while the kiln is firing and will help even out the firing temperature inside the kiln. In top loading kilns, a small hole about the diameter of a pencil is drilled in the floor of the kiln and the vent hose is mounted below this hole with a simple spring mechanism. At the end of the hose, a blower is connected to move the air towards an outlet vent. Skutt’s current vent model is the EnviroVent2. Another optional upgrade to this system is the Envirolink, which connects to the kiln controller and can be programmed to shut off when the kiln cools to a certain temperature, such as 200 degrees F.

A vent is definitely needed if your kiln is located in your house or in an enclosed studio space. If your kiln is in a semi-open space, such as a garage with the door open, you may not need a vent. Consider your space and how much airflow there is to determine if you need a vent.

Finally, some spaces may choose to install an exhaust hood above the kiln. This can really help remove excess heat from your kiln room.

Shop Kiln Vents at Blick

Kiln Furniture

Select a furniture kit that matches the size of your kiln.

Kiln Furniture refers to the kiln shelves and posts that you will put inside your kiln. Unless you have these, you should plan to order the basic kit that comes with your kiln. Some retailers sell a kiln and furniture kit as a package, but if you are buying this separately expect to add $300 to $1,500 or more getting all the shelves and posts that you need. Think about what you fire: if you mostly make tall pots or big sculptures, you won’t need a lot of shelves. If you make shorter pieces, you’ll need more shelves to make use of the firing chamber.

Shelf size by Kiln Model

Skutt 614 9.25” x 5” half shelves, or 9.25” x 10” full shelves
Skutt 714 13” x 6.5” half round, or 13” full round
Skutt 818 15” x 8” half shelves, or 15 x 16” full
Skutt 818-3 15” x 8” half shelves, or 15” full round
Skutt 1027 22” x 10 5/8” half shelves, or 19.5” full round
Skutt 1027-3 20” x 9 7/8” half shelves, or 19.5” full round
Skutt 1227 26” x 13” half shelves
Skutt 1627 26” x 13” half shelves for ends, 13” x 16” shelves for center

Shop Skutt Furniture Kits at Blick

Shop Skutt Kiln Shelves at Blick

Sectional Design

The Skutt 1222 picture here consists of a top lid, two rings, and a floor that all latch together. The floor sits on a metal stand to elevate the kiln.

Most top loading kilns are designed to be taken apart in “rings” or sections that clamp together. This allows you to get the kiln pieces through doors and into spaces where a large front loader can’t go. When you receive your kiln, there will be instructions on how to take apart the kiln. Generally, this includes removing screws and undoing some of the wires inside the control panel. Smaller kilns may just come apart into the body and lid, while the largest kilns have separate top and bottoms, and up to 3 middle rings.

What to Expect With Ordering and Delivery

Skutt Kilns can be ordered directly from Skutt, via an online retailer, or through your local ceramic supplier. In general, the kilns will ship directly from Skutt. In the past, it was typical to wait 10 to 12 weeks for delivery, but since the Covid epidemic, production times have stretched as long as four to six months due to socially-distanced manufacturing along with increased demand for kilns. It can be a long wait but it’s worth it!

As the kilns are all basically coming straight from Skutt, it pays to shop around and find the best deal. To compare, calculate the cost of the kiln, furniture package, and cost of delivery. If you are in a building with a loading dock, any truck can deliver to you. But for a residential building, you will need a delivery truck with a lift gate, and this service may cost extra.

When the kiln is delivered, the delivery driver will take it as far as the curb, or possibly up to your garage or studio building. It will be up to you to then get it inside. Be ready with help, and/or screwdrivers, electrical pliers, and other tools to take your kiln apart if needed. Then it’s simply a matter of getting your kiln hooked up to begin firing.

Skutt Ceramic Kiln Models

This guide will cover Skutt ceramic kilns starting with the smallest sizes first. The kilns are all made with the same controllers, bricks, metal, and other high-quality parts. The difference is mostly in the size of the kiln and firing chamber. In addition to the size and model of kiln, with Skutt there is often an option for an upgraded 3 inch thick bricks in the wall. Also make sure to select the correct phase (single or three phase) and voltage (208 or 240) for your studio.

Skutt 614-3

The Skutt 614-3 is the only Skutt kiln that can be fired while connected to a standard household current but it will need a modified outlet for a NEMA 5-20 plug. This is a great kiln for porcelain jewelry, doll heads, or glaze tests. It’s small, but has all the same features as larger Skutt kilns including 3 inch thick bricks. It’s available with the KilnMaster (KM) or Touchscreen (KMT) controller.

Skutt 614-3
Phase: 1
Volt: 115
Amperage: 20
Recommended Breaker: 30 amp
Max Cone: 6
Chamber: 11” diameter by 13.5” deep (0.8 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 5-20
Outside dimensions: 17” wide plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 29” x 28” x 28”
Weight: 88lbs
Typical Price: KM-614 $1243–$1640, KMT-614 $1537–1975

Shop KM 614-3 at Blick

Shop KMT 614-3 at Blick

Skutt 714

The 714 model is almost the same as the 614-3, except that it has a wider diameter, seven sides as opposed to six, and only comes with the 2.5 inch thick brick. It has a larger 1.4 cubic foot firing chamber, but the same depth as the 614. Think of this as a jewelry or test kiln but on the big side.

Skutt 714
Phase: 1
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 20
Recommended Breaker: 30 amp
Max Cone: 8
Chamber: 14.3” diameter by 13.5” deep (1.4 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 14-30
Outside dimensions: 20” wide with control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 29” x 28” x 28”
Weight: 95lbs
Typical Price: KM-714 $1323–$1740, KMT-714 $1616-2075

Shop KM-714 at Blick

Shop KMT-714 at Blick

Skutt 818

The Skutt 818 is a small studio kiln. It’s available with the standard 2.5 inch thick bricks, or an upgraded 3 inch thick brick. The 818-3 with the thicker walls has a slightly smaller firing chamber. This kiln is around 17 inches wide by 18 inches deep.

Skutt 818
Phase: 1
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 26.7
Recommended Breaker: 40 amp
Max Cone: 10
Chamber: 17.5” diameter by 18” deep (2.6 cubic feet)
818-3: 16.5” diameter by 18” deep (2.3 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50
Outside dimensions: 22.5” wide plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 32” x 32” x 32”
Weight: 145 lbs (818-3 weighs 160 lbs)
Typical Price: KM-818 $1,586–$2,075
KMT-818 $1,882–$2,400
KM-818-3 $1,642–$2,170
KMT-818-3 $1,938-$2,495

Shop KM-818 at Blick

Shop KMT-818 at Blick

Skutt 822

The Skutt 822 is another small, eight-sided studio kiln. It’s available with the standard 2.5 inch thick bricks, or an upgraded 3 inch thick brick. The diameter is the same as the 818, but this kiln has a firing chamber that is 4.5 inches taller, at 22.5 inches deep.

Skutt 822
Phase: 1
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 33.4-38.5
Recommended Breaker: 50 amp
Max Cone: 10
Chamber: 17.5” diameter by 22.5” deep (3.2 cubic feet)
822-3: 16.5” diameter by 22.5” deep (2.9 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50
Outside dimensions: 22.5” wide plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 32” x 32” x 37”
Weight: 170 lbs (822-3 weighs 180 lbs)
Typical Price: KM-822 $1,694–$2,230
KMT-822 $2,005–$2,555
KM-822-3 $1,864–$2,330
KMT-822-3 $2,100-$2,655

Shop KM-822 at Blick

Shop KMT-822 at Blick

Skutt 1018

The Skutt 1018 is wide but short kiln that is easy to load. It features a 23 inch wide firing chamber that is 18 inches deep. It’s also available with the 3 inch brick upgrade, which results in a slightly narrower firing chamber.

Skutt 1018
Phase: 1
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 39.4-40
Recommended Breaker: 50 amp
Max Cone: 10
Chamber: 23.4” diameter by 18” deep (4.6 cubic feet)
1018-3: 22.5” diameter by 18” deep (4.2 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50
Outside dimensions 28.5” wide with control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 37” x 40” x 35” high
Weight: 250 lbs (1018-3 weighs 275 lbs)
Typical Price:
KM-1018 $2,216–$2,910
KMT-1018 $2,525–$3,235
KM-1018-3 $2,300–$3,020
KMT-1018-3 $2,609-$3,345

Shop KM-1018 at Blick

Shop KMT-1018 at Blick

Skutt 1022

The Skutt 1022 is exactly the same as the 1018, but it’s 4.5 inches taller with a 22.5 inch deep firing chamber. This brings the volume to 5.7 cubic feet on the 1022, or 5.25 cubic feet on the 1022-3 model. If you love the taller 1027 but find it hard to load, the 1022 might be the best kiln for your studio. The 1022 is also the smallest Skutt kiln that is available with three phase wiring.

Skutt 1022
Phase: 1 and 3
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 34.6-48
Recommended Breaker: 50 to 60 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 10
Chamber: 23.4” diameter by 22.5” deep (5.7 cubic feet)
1022-3: 22.5” diameter by 22.5” deep (5.25 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50 for single phase, 15-50 for three phase
Outside dimensions: 28.5” wide plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 37” x 40” x 41” high
Weight: 270 lbs (1022-3 weighs 298 lbs)
Typical Price: *add $150–$200 for 3 inch brick option
KM-1022 1 Phase $2,447–$3,230
KM-1022 3 Phase $2,999–$3,280
KMT-1022 1 Phase $2,776–$3,555
KMT-1022 3 Phase $2,836–$3,605

Shop KM-1022 at Blick

Shop KMT-1022 at Blick

Skutt 1027

The Skutt 1027 is the company’s most popular model and also the top recommendation if you were to choose just one kiln. The kiln chamber is about 23 inches wide by 27 inch, for a total of 7 cubic feet of firing space (or 6.4 cubic feet for the 3 inch brick model.) This depth and width is big enough for most pots and sculptures, but not so huge that it is impossible to fill. Many busy studios rely on 1027s too, as they are quick to fire and affordable, with a few models coming in right around $3,000.

Skutt 1027
Phase: 1 and 3
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 29.3-48
Recommended Breaker: 50 to 60 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 10 (note: the 208V 1 phase model can only go to cone 6)
Chamber: 23.4” diameter by 27” deep (7 cubic feet)
1027-3: 22.5” diameter by 27” deep (6.4 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50 for single phase, 15-50 for three phase
Outside dimensions: 28.5” wide plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 37” x 40” x 44” high
Weight: 290 lbs (1027-3 weighs 320 lbs)
Typical Price: *add $100 to $150 for 3 inch brick upgrade
KM-1027 1 Phase $2,687–$3,860
KM-1027 3 Phase $3,380–$3,585
KMT-1027 1 Phase $3,667–$3,860
KMT-1027 3 Phase $3,714–$3,910

Shop KM-1027 at Blick

Shop KMT-1027 at Blick

Skutt 1218

Skutt makes four options for the wider 12-sided kilns, ranging from an 18 inch firing chamber depth to 31 inches. The shortest, the 1218-3, has a 28 inch opening and an 18 inch depth for a total of 6.6 cubic feet of firing space. This is almost as much as the 1027, but it will only accommodate shorter pieces. But if that works for your studio, this is much easier to load.

The 1218-3 and all the larger Skutt kilns are only available with 3 inch bricks in the walls.

Skutt 1218
Phase: 1 and 3
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 29.3-48
Recommended Breaker: 40 to 60 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 10 (note: the 208V 1 phase model can only go to cone 8)
Chamber: 28” diameter by 18” deep (6.6 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50 for single phase, 15-50 for three phase
Outside dimensions: 34” wide plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 42” x 45” x 35” high
Weight: 330 lbs
Typical Price:
KM-1218 1 Phase $2,691–$3,575
KM-1218 3 Phase $3,307–$3,625
KMT-1218 1 Phase $3,705–$3,900
KMT-1218 3 Phase $3,705–$3,950

Shop KM-1218 at Blick

Shop KMT-1218 at Blick

Skutt 1222

The Skutt 1222-3 is the same width as the 1218 but with a depth of 22.5 inches, for a total firing chamber of 8.1 cubic feet. Like other larger Skutt kilns, it’s only available with the thicker 3 inch thick bricks. The kiln will fire to cone 10, except for the the 208V 1 phase model, which tops out at cone 8.

Skutt 1222-3
Phase: 1 and 3
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 34.6-48
Recommended Breaker: 50 to 60 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 10 (note: the 208V 1 phase model can only go to cone 8)
Chamber: 28” diameter by 22.5” deep (8.1 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50 for single phase, 15-50 for three phase
Outside dimensions: 34” wide with control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 42” x 45” x 41” high
Weight: 330 lbs
Typical Price:
KM-1222 1 Phase $2,922–$3,850
KM-1222 3 Phase $3,586–$3,900
KMT-1222 1 Phase $3,966–$4,175
KMT-1222 3 Phase $4,013–$4,225

Shop KM-1222 at Blick

Shop KMT-1222 at Blick

Skutt 1227

The Skutt 1227 is a big barrel kiln that is often found in academic studios or is favored by production potters and sculptors. It’s 28 inches wide and 27 inches deep, for a total firing chamber that is 9.9 cubic feet. Like the other large Skutt kilns, it’s only available with 3 inch thick brick in the walls. There’s also an upgraded “PK” model, which stands for production kiln. These kilns have heavier gauge wires, more robust relays, and a slightly different wiring configuration. The PK models cost about $500 more, which is probably worth it if you are planning to fire the kiln more than a few times a month.

The standard 1227-3 models can be plugged in, while the PK models require a direct wire into the cutoff box. For max temperatures, these kilns have a range: the PK models can all achieve cone 10 while the regular 1227-3 are cone 8, except the 208V 1 Phase, which has a maximum temperature of cone 5.

Skutt 1227-3
Phase: 1 and 3
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 29.3–69 (PK models have a higher amp draw)
Recommended Breaker: 40 to 90 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 1227-3-PK models: 10
1227-3: Cone 8, except 208V 1 phase model can only go to cone 5
Chamber: 28” diameter by 27” deep (9.9 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50 for single phase, 15-50 for three phase, direct wire for PK models
Outside dimensions: 34” wide with control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 42” x 45” x 44” high
Weight: 400 lbs
Typical Price:
KM-1227 1 Phase $3,166–$4,220
KM-1227 3 Phase $3,884–$4.270
KM-1227 PK models $3,639–$4,870
KMT-1227 1 Phase $3,530–$4,545
KMT-1227 3 Phase $3,530–$4,595
KMT-1227 PK models $3,596–$5,195

Shop KM-1227 at Blick

Shop KMT-1227 at Blick

Shop KM-1227-PK at Blick

Shop KMT-1227-PK at Blick

Skutt 1231

The Skutt 1231-3 is the tallest kiln in Skutt’s product line. It’s 28 inches wide with a depth of 31 inches, for an 11.6 cubic foot firing chamber. This added height is great, especially if you make sculptures or taller pots, but it can be very hard to load. Even the tallest people with longer arms may want a small step stool on the side to make it easier to load.

The 1231 comes standard with the 3 inch bricks and the “PK” production kiln upgrade of thicker gauge wires and improved relays. This kiln is most commonly found in academic and community studios, or production studios. But based on the difficulty in loading this kiln, I would advise getting a 1227 barrel,a 1627 oval, or look into front-loading options for taller kilns.

Skutt 1227-3-PK
Phase: 1 and 3
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 46–69
Recommended Breaker: 60 to 90 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 10
Chamber: 28” diameter by 31” deep (11.6 cubic feet)
Connection: must be direct wired
Outside dimensions: 34” wide with control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 42” x 45” x 49” high
Weight: 450 lbs
Typical Price:
KM-1231 1 Phase $3,639–$5,000
KM-1231 3 Phase $3,789–$5,000
KMT-1231 1 Phase $3,979–$5,325
KMT-1231 3 Phase $4,122–$5,325

Shop KM-1231 at Blick

Shop KMT-1231 at Blick

Skutt 1627

The 1627 is Skutt’s largest kiln with 18.5 cubic feet in the oval firing chamber. Inside, the chamber is 30.75 wide, 46 inches long, and 27 inches deep. This is a big top loader! It’s a great option for academic or production studios, or an individual sculptor or potter with a high rate of production. It comes standard with the 3 inch bricks in the wall and the PK production kiln upgrades of heavier wires and more robust relays. The standard model is only available in 3 phase power and can fire to cone 10, while the 1627-3-PK-LF “low fire” model is available in single or three phase, but can only fire to cone 1.

The lid is lighter than you think but it still takes some strength to get it up. While lid lifters come standard on the new 10 and 12-sided kilns, in the case of the 1627 the lid lifter upgrade is only available in combination with the integrated rolling stand.

Skutt 1627-3-PK
Phase: 3 (1627-3-PK-LF is available in 1 and 3)
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 46–69
Recommended Breaker: 60 to 90 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 10 (Cone 1 for LF models)
Chamber: 46” length x 30.75” wide by 27” deep (18.5 cubic feet)
Connection: must be direct wired
Outside dimensions: 36” deep by 52” wide, plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 58” x 50” x 54” high
Weight: 535 lbs
Typical Price:
KM-1627 $6,259–$8,050
KMT-1627 $6,259–$8,375

Shop KMT-1627 at Blick

Summary

This post has covered all the models, features, and accessories for Skutt ceramic kilns. These are America’s most popular kiln for a reason: they are dependable, well made, and available to fit almost any sized studio and budget. And with upgraded features like the standard lid lifter on 10 and 12-sided kilns, options such as the touchscreen controller, and Skutt’s stellar reputation for quality and customer service, you can’t go wrong with a Skutt kiln.

Any thoughts on this buyer’s guide or Skutt kilns? Let us know in the comments.

Nidec-Shimpo Pottery Wheels Buyers Guide

April 26, 2021 Matt M-H

The VL-Whisper, the flagship wheel in the Nidec-Shimpo line and one of the best wheels on the market today.

Note: Updated pricing and info as of October 2023

Shimpo makes four different wheels ranging from the tabletop Aspire to the ultra-quiet VL-Whisper. The wheels are beloved, especially the classic RK style, and the four wheels do a great job of covering the prices and features that will work for any potter. The company also makes a variety of attachments and add-ons that make these wheels some of the most popular with professionals and production potters.

This post will cover all the models, features, and accessories in the Shimpo product line. For other manufacturers, check out our 2023-24 Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide and our Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart.

Top Pick: VL-Whisper

The VL-Whisper is our top pick in the Shimpo product line, and it’s also the top pick in our Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide. It has an innovative, magnet-driven wheel that doesn’t make any sound while still supplying great power, torque, and control. It can switch easily between forward or reverse. The adjustable legs can also be removed or lowered, and the plastic box covering the magnets and controls will sit flat on a tabletop, allowing you to easily convert this model into a powerful tabletop wheel.

This VL-Whisper has been on the market for about 10 years and has quickly become one of the most popular wheels among professionals and anyone looking for a quiet wheel.

Shop VL-Whisper at Amazon

Keep scrolling for a complete overview of Shimpo pottery wheels.

Overview of Shimpo Wheels
Aspire Tabletop Wheel
VL-Lite
RK-Whisper
VL-Whisper
Shimpo Pottery Wheel Accessories
Notes on repairing Shimpo wheels
Summary

Overview of Shimpo Wheels

Founded in 1952 in Tokyo, Japan, Shimpo wheels are distributed worldwide. North American operations opened in Chicago, Illinois in 1974 as the Nidec-Shimpo Corporation. Increasingly, Shimpo products are branded with just the Nidec name but for this guide I will continue to use Shimpo as that is what most people call these wheels.

Shimpo also makes high quality pugmills, ball mills, slab rollers, banding wheels, and handheld extruders. There are also a variety of pottery wheel accessories (see below) that will work with the pro-level RK-Whisper or VL-Whisper. Shimpo also has a tabletop wheel and a budget model, the belt-driven VL-Lite.

Shimpo wheels have long been studio favorites for many potters. They are high quality, long lasting, easy to adjust and there is truly no other wheel quite like the little turtle-shaped RK models. With the newer offerings such as the VL-Whisper, Shimpo has opened up to a larger audience and to my eye, is about equal with Brent in terms of popularity in studios, community centers, and academic institutions.

The next sections will cover Shimpo wheels from cheapest to most expensive.

Notes on buying wheels online:

Wheels are available from a variety of vendors, and it’s good to shop around. Some stores will include shipping in the price, while other stores add shipping, which can cost $200 or more. With this in mind, it’s important to compare the total cost including shipping and delivery.

Aspire

The Shimpo Aspire tabletop wheel has a 1/3 horse power motor and 7 inch wheelhead. It is belt-driven and is rated to a 20 lb centering capacity. There is also an optional foot pedal. The unit weighs 31 lbs, making it a truly portable wheel that can be put away when not in use. The bat pins have a 6 inch spacing, and there are a variety of bats available for this size.

Shimpo Aspire features
Motor: 1/3 horsepower
Wheelhead: 7 inch diameter
Reversible: No
Dimensions: 14 x 20 x 9 inches tall
Weight: 31 lbs
Speed: 0 to 230 rpm handheld, 0 to 250 rpm with foot pedal
Warranty: 5 years
Centering Capacity: 20 lbs
Price: Listed at $569

Shop Shimpo Aspire at Blick

VL-Lite

The VL-Lite is Shimpo’s entry-level, full-size wheel. It is a strong competitor for Speedball and other budget models, with a 1/2 HP 100 watt, belt-driven motor, 12” wheelhead and is reversible. It’s relatively lightweight at 85lbs, and is rated to a centering capacity of 25 lbs.

VL-Lite features
Motor: 1/2 horsepower, 100 watts
Wheelhead: 12 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch
Dimensions: 22 x 28 x 21 inches tall
Weight: 85 lbs
Speed: 0 to 250 rpm
Warranty: 5 years
Centering Capacity: 25 lbs
Price: Listed at $860

Shop VL-Lite at Amazon

Shop VL-Lite at Blick

RK-Whisper

The classic RK-Whisper is a beloved pottery wheel with a distinctive rounded-off rectangular shape and fixed foot pedal on the right side. Previous models had a belt-driven wheel and motor, but It is now made with the same, super-quiet 1/2 HP, 400 watt magnetic “motor” as the VL-Whisper, but with a 12” wheel head. It may look like the classic model but under the hood it is state of the art.

RK-Whisper features
Motor: 1/2 horsepower, 400 watts
Wheelhead: 12 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch
Dimensions: 20 x 21 x 20 inches tall
Weight: 118 lbs
Speed: 0 to 250 rpm
Warranty: 5 years
Centering Capacity: 100 lbs
Price: Usually available for around $1310

Shop RK-Whisper at Blick

VL-Whisper

Shimpo’s top-of-the-line VL-Whisper (VL stands for Velocity) is innovative and quiet, with the same 1/2 HP, 400 watt magnetic drive as the RK-Whsper but with a 14” wheelhead. The magnetic drive is ultra-quiet, powerful, and ready with instant torque when the pedal is engaged. There are no belts or motors in the Shimpo Whisper models, making them truly distinct on the pottery wheel market. The wheel is reversible with the turn of the switch and the wheelhead will turn freely at 0 rpm for use as a banding wheel although it does not turn as easily as a regular banding wheel.

My only complaint with the VL-Whisper is the splash pan is not as durable as the Brent splash pans. This is only a concern in shared studios, such as a community center where splash pans are cleaned often and can be abused by inexperienced users. An individual potter will be able to maintain a crack-free splash pan forever.

VL-Whisper features
Motor: 1/2 horsepower, 400 watt
Wheelhead: 14 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch
Dimensions: 23 x 27.5x 22.75 inches tall
Weight: 122 lbs
Speed: 0 to 250 rpm
Warranty: 5 years
Centering Capacity: 100 lbs
Price: Usually available for $1532

Shop VL-Whisper at Amazon