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

Note: Originally published August 2022, updated and edited August 2025.

In my studio, music is almost always on. Alternating between FM radio and Bluetooth streaming, I wanted a device that could do both. Portable bluetooth speakers can sound really amazing these days, but they usually do not have FM capability. So I wanted to find one small system that can both 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 $150

• Bluetooth capability

• Digital AM/FM tuner

• Corded AC plug

Note that for under 150 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.

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Top Pick: Phillips Portable Boombox with Bluetooth

The Phillips Portable Boombox is our top pick for a Bluetooth device with a digital tuner.

This Phillips unit has everything you need in a small boombox these days, including a digital FM/AM tuner, Bluetooth connectivity, a CD player, tape deck, headphone jack, and a USB input.

This unit will give you decent audio quality for your workspace / studio / kitchen, but it may not be quite as good as a Bluetooth-only portable speaker, such as a JBL. But if you also want to listen to the radio, this is going to be an all-in-one package that will work for you.

Phillips Portable Boombox
Listed at $149.99, it’s often available for around $140.

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

Also great: (If you can find it) Sony Portable Boombox with Bluetooth and Digital Tuner

Our former top pick, this model is harder to find. It is unclear if it has been discontinued, but you can sometimes find it listed.

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

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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

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

The Megatek portable bluetooth boombox in black.

Coming in at less than half the price of the Phillips 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, red or blue. It’s a decent option but some reviewers mention the sound isn’t quite as good as more expensive boomboxes.

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 $50, it’s a price that can’t be beat.

Megatek Bluetooth Boombox: $50
Power: AC cord in or 4 C batteries

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

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 Phillips 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 Phillips. 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, grey, or black.

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

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THROWBACK PICK: Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Bluetooth 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: $130
Power: AC cord or 6 D batteries

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Upgrade Pick: Dewalt Portable Bluetooth Radio

The DeWalt Portable Bluetooth Radio features roll bars that double as handles.

At $170, this option is a bit above the $150 limit set at the beginning of the post but it does feature some interesting options along with DeWalt’s tough build. This is a job site radio boombox, and can be plugged in or will run off DeWalt portable batteries. It will also play bluetooth music from your device with up to a 100 foot range. It also has a USB port, so it can be used to charge your device as well. All in all, a nice group of features in a bomb-proof design with roll bars that double as handles for carrying around. If you already have DeWalt portable tools and batteries, this could be a good option for you, especially if you need to move a radio around to different locations.

DeWalt Portable Bluetooth Radio
Power: AC cord or DeWalt batteries

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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.

Insignia Portable CD 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.

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KLIM B3 Boombox

The KLIM B3 Boombox has bluetooth, a CD player, and light-up speakers.

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 $40.

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Avantree Boombyte

The Avantree Boombyte is a small portable FM / Bluetooth device.

This portable radio also does not meet one of our criteria—a dedicated plug—but it is an interesting little option if you want a portable FM / Bluetooth device with a long, 17 hour battery life. It doesn’t have the greatest sound, but it is a simple portable radio that can also stream music. It does not have an AM radio or an antenna, so it will only pull in strong, local FM signals. It’s listed at $60 and comes in four colors.

Avantree Boombyte
Power: internal rechargeable battery

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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.

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.

The ELAC Debut 2.0 B5 speakers are great bookshelf speakers with 5” bass drivers and 1” tweeters.

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. For the price, you won’t find better speakers.

ELAC Debut 2.0 B5 Speakers: $269

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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 $150 or less, these are simple devices to add some audio to your studio or workshop at a budget price. The top pick is the Phillips 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.

Table Top Pottery Wheel Buyer's Guide 2025

Note: Originally published 2021, most recently updated August 2025

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.

The Speedball Artista table top wheel.

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 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 is listed at $749 but typically retails for $625 to $650.

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 around $1,100. 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.

Speedball Artista Portable Pottery Wheel
List price: $749, but typically retails for $625 to $650
Available in left and right handed models

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

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Table of Contents

1. Speedball Artist Portable Wheel

2. Shimpo Aspire Portable Wheel

3. Shimpo VL-Whisper

4. U.S. Art Supply Table Top Wheel

5. Other Lightweight Wheels

6. Comparison Chart

7. Summary

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Nidec-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. It’s listed at $690 but typically available around $600 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.

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Shimpo VL-Whisper

With the legs removed, the Shimpo VL-Whisper makes a great table top wheel.

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 $1,825, 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.

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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 $400. (This model used to retail for around $600 so it has somehow dropped quite a bit in the past few years.)

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, it’s a bit of a risk compared to the Speedball Artista but with the new lower price, it is worth a second look for a small table top wheel.

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Other Lightweight Wheel Options

In recent years, a number of very affordable wheels in the $200 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 if you want to try out pottery at a budget price, these may fit the bill for that. Do your research as many of these are available in a variety of permutations and generic options online.:

Vevor 11 inch pottery wheel

At $189, 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.

VivoHome 28 cm / 11 inch Wheel

The VivoHome 28 cm wheel and tool kit.

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 $149 but it does come with a variety of tools.

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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	$625	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	$590	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	$400	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	$1,825	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. 

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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.

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

Note: Originally published 2021, updated August 2025.

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. You can pre-clean your clay and glaze tools in a bucket, bin or trash can filled with water. Let this settle over time, decant the clear water and discard the waste. Warning! It will get stinky. But so will a sink trap.

See more clean up advice and reommendations at the end of this article.

Even with pre-cleaning, 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 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: Practicon 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.

The Gleco 64 oz System is currently around $107 to $117 for the kit.

The clearance needed for the different size Gleco Systems.

The Gleco System with a drain has four jar sizes: 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.

Larger Settling Tanks: 3.5 and 5 Gallon Options

In recent years, Practicon Gleco has added 3.5 and 5 gallon settling tanks, which are simple settling tanks without a settling tank.

Practicon has added 3.5 and 5 gallon settling tank options to the Gleco line. These are simple settling tanks that are sealed into your drain system. They don’t have a release spigot, making them much cheaper, but they do have a pressure release valve that is released before changing buckets. The buckets can be discarded, or emptied, cleaned, and replaced. These are very similar to the Buffalo Trap-Eze system that has been on the market for some time, but at a slightly lower price.

The 3.5 and 5 Gallon systems cost around $60.

Shopping links At Amazon: The 43 oz and 64 oz Systems come with the pipes and two bottles, and replacements jars are available. These kits cost around $107 to $117. The 3.5 Gallon and 5 Gallon systems come with buckets and pipes, and cost around $60. Note that the 3.5 and 5 gallon systems are just settling tanks, they don’t come with the water drain valve that makes changing jars easier. But the larger systems are good for busier studios.

Gleco 43 oz System | Gleco 64 oz System | Gleco 3.5 Gallon System | Gleco 5 Gallon System

Gleco 32 oz jars | Gleco 43 oz jars | Gleco 64 oz jars | Gleco 128 oz / Gallon Jars

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick: Practicon 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

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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 Practicon 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. As of 2025, this 1/2 gallon system is still listed on the Buffalo Dental website, but it is hard to find it for sale.

The Buffalo Trap-Eze bucket sediment trap.

But where the Buffalo Trap-Eze system really shines is the larger systems with 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. In recent years, Practicon has added very similar products to their line, so there are options to consider with this style of system.

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. Both of these systems are around $65.

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Keystone Metal Sink Trap

The 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.

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Rohde Sedimentation Tank

The Rohde Sedimentation Tank, pictured here with the lid off.

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!

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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.

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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.

Amazon Basics also has a simple 32 gallon trash can.

Other options:

Generic 32 gallon trash can with caster and lid combo package. Shop at Amazon

Rubbermaid Brute 32 Gallon vented trash can. (The fluted vents make it harder to clean) Shop at Home Depot

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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.

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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.

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The Best Small, Portable Slab Rollers for Ceramic Studios

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

A slab roller is useful tool in any ceramic studio, and a small or portable roller can make professional-grade slabs while still being able to fit in just about any space. You’ll find that the uniform slab results from a roller 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:

1. Even thickness slabs for tiles and slab building

2. Save space by not having a dedicated table for slab rolling

3. Portability and ease of storing when not in use

The 18” Portaroller in action, rolling out a 16 inch wide slab.

TOP PICK: North Star Portaroller

The North Star Portaroller is the top pick for a small slab roller. It features a metal roller housing that is 18 inches wide 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. The 18 inch wide housing results in a maximum slab width of about 16 inches.

The 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.

North Star 18” Portaroller Slab Roller
18 inches wide, detaches to 3 pieces plus a crank for storage
List Price: $1016, typically available for $950

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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.

North Star Polaris 24” Slab Roller
The Polaris Roller and matching table tops are sold separately
List Price: $1,350
Typically available for $1,150

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BUDGET PICK: Solid Maple Rolling Pin

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

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 $32, this is an affordable studio tool that will last forever.

Solid Maple Rolling Pin
24” long, 3” in diameter
$32

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: North Star Portaroller

2. Upgrade Pick: North Star Polaris Roller

3. Budget Pick: Solid Maple Rolling Pin

4. Other Small Rollers

5. Slab Roller Accessories

6. Summary

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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 Tabletop roller: weighs 36 lbs and typically retails for around $493
Minimight 22 Tabletop roller: weighs 87 lbs and typically retails for around $525.
Minimight 22 with legs: weighs 103 lbs and typically retails for around $861.

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Brent Mini SRC Slab Roller

The Brent Mini SRC Slab Roller is an overbuilt little roller that can make 14” x 15” slabs.

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 $1,210.

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Nidec Shimpo SRM-1624 Mini Slab Roller

The Nidec Shimpo Mini Slab Roller features an easy-to-adjust sliding top bar and a board that moves through the roller housing.

The Nidec Shimpo SRM-1624 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.

Nidec Shimpo SRM-1624 Mini Slab Roller
List price: $750
Typically available for $640

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Activa Slab Roller

The Activa Slab Roller

This is a model of slab roller that seems really ineffective and probably would not make a good addition to your studio. 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 $36.

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Slab Rolling Accessories

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

Blick #12 unprimed canvas.

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.

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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.

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Slab Sticks

Available from a variety of generic vendors, these slab sticks are usually around 13 inches long allow you to make exact thicknesses, and include 3mm, 5mm, 7mm, 10mm and 12mm sticks. Pair these with a Slab Mat and a rolling pin, and you can make quality slabs.

Slab Sticks
various sizes and vendors
Typically $9-$11

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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.

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Best Pottery Wheel Stools

If you sit at the pottery wheel, you need a comfortable, functional stool that can be cleaned and will hold up over time. There are a few pottery-specific stools that really are best for throwing, but a basic stool will also get the job done and can double as a step-stool in the studio.

The following post covers a variety of stool options for the pottery wheel, including our top pick, the Shimpo Potter’s Stool. There are also a variety of budget options or stools with other features. In general, pottery stools range in price from about $50 to $125.

The recommendations come from decades of personal experience working with the pottery wheel, and managing academic and community studios and observing stools that have been subjected to heavy use. The following recommendations are based on that experience to give you the best option for a stool that matches your style and budget.

The Shimpo Pottery Stool has four adjustable legs and can be set up at an angle if desired.

TOP PICK: Shimpo Potter’s Stool

The 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 are adjusted by pushing a pin in and moving the leg to the desired slot and letting the pin snap back in to place. The legs also can be adjusted independently, allowing for the stool to be set at an angle if desired. (Most pictures show this stool set up at a precipitous angle but even a slight angle or flat will work for throwing) It also has a comfortable, padded seat, but the padding makes this an uneven surface to stand on so it is hard to use as a step stool in the studio.

The stool can be turned upside down on a wheelhead when not in use, and with a 16 x 16 inch footprint, it is compact and won’t get in the way. Ongoing upkeep is simple: a bit of oil on the adjustable legs when needed.

The only drawback is the adjustable pins can be a bit unwieldy to press in to change, but most potters probably don’t need to adjust their stool too often. Another drawback is that the blue seat cover can be cut or pierced if you somehow get a knife close to the padded surface. But these are relatively minor concerns. Overall, it’s compact, functional, and comfortable stool that is easy to clean and will last forever.

Shimpo Potter’s Stool
19 to 26” high, adjustable
Generally priced $100 to $130 (price seems to vary widely so shop around!)

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Shimpo Potter’s Stool

2. Budget Pick: National Public Seating 18” Stool

3. Other Pottery Stool Options

4. Discontinued Pottery Stools

5. How to Find the Best Seat Height for Throwing

6. Conclusion

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Budget Pick: 18 inch Fixed Height or Adjustable Stools from National Public Seating or OEF Furnishings

18” Stool from National Public Seating in grey.

National Public Seating’s stools are the utilitarian workhorses of studios. Sturdy, stackable, and virtually indestructible, they will last for years of heavy use, and the shorter 18” stool can easily double as a tall step stool or low pedestal for use with your favorite banding wheel. The 18” fixed height stool is a fairly good option for the pottery wheel but some may find it a little short. You can adjust the height by adding a cushion or boards.

There are also adjustable models from 18 to 27 inches however this is a screwed-in adjustment that needs a hex wrench to change. You won’t be making quick adjustments like with the Shimpo Pottery stool.

Another plus to these stools is they are available in a few colors: a basic gray, black, and a grey with a padded vinyl cushion. These stools are very common and widely carried, so it can be good to shop around and see if there’s a sale. Typically they are around $60-$75 and a bit more for the padded or adjustable models, but you might find them on sale or as a multi-pack. They aren’t as versatile as the easily adjustable Shimpo stools, but there’s a lot to be said for having a simple stool around.

National Public Seating 18” Stool in black.

You can also find these stools with a backrest option. That can be nice for taller chairs used for hand building at a table, but a backrest makes it impossible to turn the chair upside down on a wheel head when not in use.

On Amazon, very similar stools are available in many of the same options from OEF Furnishings. Do they come from the same factory? I don’t know, but you can check out the shopping links below and find what works for you.

National Public Seating 18” Fixed Height Stool with hardboard seat
Black or grey with hardboard seat
Available for $60 at Blick or $67 at Amazon

OEF Furnishings 18” Fixed Height Stool with hardboard seat
Grey or Black with hardboard seat
Available for $53 each or as 2 pack for $90 at Amazon

18” Stool in grey with padded vinyl seat from National Public Seating.

National Public Seating 18” Fixed Height Stool with padded vinyl seat
Available in grey or black, $60-$65

The National Public Seating 19”-27” adjustable height “small” stool in black with hardboard seat.

National Public Seating 19”-27” Adjustable Height Stool with Hardboard Seat
Available in black or grey
$75-$85

The National Public Seating 19”-27” adjustable height “small” stool with padded seat in grey.

National Public Seating 19”-27” Adjustable Height Stool with Padded Seat
Available in black or grey
$83-$95

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Other Options for Pottery Stools

National Public Seating Adjustable Swivel Stool

Another option is the National Public Seating Adjustable Swivel Stool. Rather than a hydraulic column that can break down over time, this seat is adjustable by turning the seat and moving what is essentially a big screw up or down.

The adjusting mechanism is housed in a steel center sleeve but the “teeth” of the swivel are exposed as you raise the seat. As long as this is kept clean, the stool should last for a long time. It’s great for academic studios, anywhere you need an adjustable stool, but it is heavier and harder to stack. The stool is available in a variety of styles including wood and hardboard seats, and can adjust from 17 3/4” to 24 1/4” high.

National Public Seating Adjustable Swivel Stool
Available in a variety of colors and styles
$125-$160

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Artisan CK-21 High Density Foam Potters Stool

The Artisan CK-21 is an adjustable stool with a wide base and high-density foam chair.

The Artisan CK-21 High-Density Foam Potter’s Stool is a comfortable and adjustable stool that can go from 15 to 20 inches in height via a hydraulic column. Speedball used to make a very, very similar chair that is no longer listed on the Speedball website, so I assume this rebranded model is about the same and comes straight from the manufacturer. The Speedball chairs were super comfortable and long lasting, although do expect the hydraulic to not work as well over time (i.e. more than a decade) but it’s great to see the Artisan model as this style is one of the most comfortable and adjustable pottery stools on the market.

There are also two upgrade models of the Artisan stool. One model is the same seat but has a tilt adjustment, or you can choose a model with a flat, round, padded seat.

It is on the heavier side and won’t stack, but otherwise it’s a great option. Available only at Clay King in South Carolina for $111.

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How to Find the Best Height for Throwing

Seated throwing at the pottery wheel can be very comfortable if you get your body positioned in the right way. I prefer to sit at least equal or higher to the wheelhead. This allows my upper body and torso to be involved in the throwing. The lower you set your seat in relation to the wheelhead, the more you will only rely on your shoulders and upper back for power, which can lead to strains and problems. You definitely want your abdomen, torso, and even your thighs to be involved in throwing.

Here’s how I suggest you find the position that is right for you. Keep in mind that every body is shaped differently. Different lengths of torsos and arms are really what come in to play with wheelthrowing:

1. Set your chair or stool to be approximately 1 inch higher than your wheelhead. Keep in mind that bats may change the height of the wheelhead. I always sit higher than the wheelhead and instruct my students to start the same way. This allows you to “lean” in and really get a lot of power simply from the weight of your torso.

2. If this is not comfortable, adjust your seat higher in lower in approximately 1/2” intervals until you find a comfortable position.

3. Feel free to move your foot pedal from left to right if possible. You can also raise the footpedal on bricks or boards.

4. Add a brick or upside down bucket underneath your non-pedal foot. Raising your leg allows your thigh to get a bit involved with adding power to your arms.

5. While throwing, try to keep a curve in your lower back by keeping your chest up. This is hard to do.

6. Take frequent breaks to stand up, stretch your arm, or move a bit so your body doesn’t get locked into a static position.

If you have aches and pains, you may need to consider switching your throwing position. It also doesn’t hurt to have a regular stretching routine, either before or after throwing. And adding core / ab exercises to your week will only improve your comfort and ability on the wheel.

If seated throwing is not working for you, keep in mind that many manufacturers make legs for wheels, or you can place a wheel on a table top or elevate it with cinder blocks. (Click here for a guide to table top wheels.) Many people find that a standing wheel is more comfortable and this is what you will find at many factories that work with jigs and molds on wheels. Keep in mind that if you are new to pottery, you may just need to develop new muscles, so start with 30 to 60 minute throwing sessions and grow from there over time.

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Conclusion

This post has reviewed the best stools for use at at pottery wheel and covered some ideas on how to find the most comfortable position for throwing. Our top pick is the economical, sturdy, and functional adjustable Shimpo Pottery Stool. But there are other options so that everyone can find the best stool for their studio.

What stool do you use at the wheel? Let us know in the comments.

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Best Bats for the Pottery Wheel

Updated for 2025

This is a complete guide to all the different types of pottery wheel bats on the market, including different materials, bat systems, and assorted tools that are useful with bats.

Bats are available in various sizes and a variety of materials, including plaster, plastic, medex, MDF, and tempered hardboard such as Masonite. In addition to individual bats, there are also bat systems with inserts that can speed up the throwing process.

This post will attempt to cover all the bats available on the market, explain the options, and help you pick the right bats for your studio. This guide is based on more than 20 years of personal experience with pottery and wheelthrowing, including managing a variety of studios and using all sorts of different bats.

A 12” Speedball Plastic Bat on a 14” wheel head.

TOP PICK: Speedball Plastic Bats

The top pick for most studios are Speedball Plastic Bats. Available in 3 sizes and a variety different colors, they have a lip that makes picking up and removing from the wheel a breeze, they don’t warp, and they are long-lasting.

Injection molded, all the bats (even the square!) have universal 9” and 10” pin spacing. They are easy to clean and store, and a good value for the money.

One tradeoff is that plastic bats are not absorbent. Absorbent bats, such as Hydrobats, are a definite upgrade but they often cost almost twice as much. But given the price, durability, and all-around functionality, the Speedball plastic bats definitely have a place in a lot of studios.

Speedball Plastic Bats
7 1/2” square, $8-$10
12” round, $11-$13
14” round, $12-$15

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The bottom of a 12.5” HydroBat, note the red rubber bat pin grommets.

UPGRADE PICK: Hydro-Bats

Hydro-Bats are made from Hydro-Stone, a gypsum compound that is harder than plaster, and feature rubber grommets cast into the bat. Most have 10” pin spacing but there are other sizes as well. The absorbent Hydro-Stone virtually eliminates the need to cut your works off with a wire, and it is more resistant to chipping and scraping than plaster. They are thicker than plastic bats, about 1/2” thick, but if you have the room, these are a joy to use.

Hyrdo-Bats are manufactured by The Ceramic Shop in Philadelphia, PA and are available there and from a variety of other ceramic suppliers.

Hydro-Bats
Available in almost 20 sizes both flat and shaped like plates, bowls and platters,
Prices range from $10 to $50 each
As an example, the flat 12.5” bats are around $21

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About Bats:

Bats are useful for a variety of reasons: they provide a platform to pick up and move your work as it is drying, they protect the wheelhead, and they might even make clean-up easier. You can throw directly on the wheel head, but for wide or flat forms, you will definitely need a bat to successfully move it off the wheel.

Scroll down for a full review of a all types of bats.

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Table of Contents:

• Top Pick: Speedball Plastic Bats

• Upgrade Pick: HydroBats

• Amaco Plasti-Bats

• Laguna Plaster Bats

• Masonite Bats

• Medex Bats

• Bat Systems

• Bat Accessories

• Summary

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The 7.5 inch square Speedball Plastic Bat

Top Pick: Speedball Plastic Bats

The bottom of the Speedball Plastic Bat.

Speedball Plastic Bats are injection molded and available in three sizes: 14 inch round, 12 inch round, and 7.5 inch square. All feature universal 9 and 10 inch pin spacing (yes, even the square!). They have a grid of support on the underside, are about 1/4” thick, and do not warp. They don’t chip, but they can be cut by sharp knives.

A side view of the lip on the Speedball Plastic Bat.

The best feature of these bats is the lip on the side. This makes them very easy to remove, as opposed to the Amaco Plasti-bats, which sit flush with the wheel head. The one drawback is with the pin opening on the bottom, you can find yourself hunting to match the bat up with pins.

These bats can be stored horizontally or vertically. The most interesting is the space-saving 7.5 inch square bat, which can really reduce storage space if you are making a variety of bowls or platters.

They are available in a variety of different colors, including brown, blue, green, orange, teal, purple, pink, and red.

Speedball Plastic Bats
7 1/2” square, $8-$10
12” round, $11-$13
14” round, $12-$15

The 12 inch Speedball Plastic Bat on a 14” wheel head.

The 14 inch Speedball Plastic Bat.

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Upgrade Pick: Hydro-Bats

The bottom of a 12.5 inch diameter Hyrdo-Bat, with the red rubber grommets that fit on standard 3/8” bat pins.

Hydro-Bats are a line of bats made from HydroStone, a U.S. Gypsum product that is harder and stronger than plaster but still absorbent. They are widely available, but are manufactured by the team at The Ceramic Shop in Philadelphia. In addition to the absorbent surface, the bats have a lip for easy removal, and rubber grommets that easily fit over bat pins.

The complete line has flat bats, hump bats, and a variety of plate and platter shapes. The flat bats have two sizes of pin spacing: the standard 10” pin spacing comes in diameters ranging from 12.5 to 28 inches, and the smaller 6” pin spacing has bats that are 8.5 and 10 inches in diameter. The 6 inch pins might fit tabletop wheels or there is also a 10” to 6” adapter available.

Hydro-Bats do take up more space, they are about 1/2 inch thick. And if they become saturated with water, they won’t be very useful until they dry out. But the absorbency of the HydroStone makes these a great option for throwing bigger forms, as you will have more even drying on all sides of the vessel. When the clay pulls away from the bat without sticking, your ware will be at the perfect dryness for trimming.

Hydrobats will chip or take cuts from very sharp knives, but from experience I can say that you can drop them without much risk of them breaking (you might get some chips though.) Overall, these are my favorite bats to use because they make trimming much easier, and they are stronger and easier to use than homemade plaster bats, or other absorbent bats without grommets. They do cost more, but it’s worth it.

Hydro-Bats
Available in almost 20 sizes, prices range from $10 to $50 each.
Flat 12.5” bats are around $21

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Amaco Plasti-Bats

Amaco Plasti-Bats are available in 12” and 14” diamater.

Amaco Plasti-Bats are 1/4” thick hard plastic with holes for bat pins drilled through. Available in 14 and 12 inch diameter, and 9 inch square, the holes are a universal 10 inch spacing. It would be simple to drill new holes if needed for alternative pin spacing. Simple, easy, and effective, these are functional bats that will get the job done.

There is also a 9” square Amaco Plasti-Bat, which also has holes for 10” pin spacing.

With no ribs or lip, either side can be used and cleanup is very easy. As with all plastic bats, they are non-absorbent.

The drawback with these is that while they are easy to attach to the wheel head because you can see the pin holes, the lack of a lip makes removal a bit hard. Some sort of tool or knife is needed to wedge one side of the bat up, so that your fingers can get underneath. Without the ribbing, these can warp if stored incorrectly. It’s best to store these horizontally, but they can be stored vertically as long as pressure is not applied.

These bats used to be some of the cheapest on the market, but now they cost almost as much as Hydro-Bats, making them a less attractive pick.

Amaco Plasti-Bats
9” square, $16.75
12” round, $25
14” round, $30

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Medex Bats

Medex Bats are a made by a variety of manufacturers including Speedball and Penguin Pottery. Medex is a 3/8” thick, engineered particle board that is made with no formaldehyde. It’s smooth, dense, and water resistant. Think of it as thicker Masonite.

With Medex, avoid soaking or long-term ware storage, or the bats may warp and/or grow mold. But if kept clean and cycling through your studio, these bats should stay flat and are cost-effective. They are more prone to warping than plastic bats, but if used correctly, they are a cost-effective option.

Potters choose these over plastic bats as the absorbency of the material will help your ware dry more evenly. Depending on the vendor, these range from half the price of a Hydro-bat to just a few dollars less, so it might be worth it to pay extra and upgrade to the Hydro-bats

Speedball Medex Bats
12” round, $12-$17
14” round, $14-$20
16” round, $17

Penguin Pottery Medex Bats
9” square, set of 5 bats: $45 ($5 each)
12” round, set of 5 bats, $65 ($13 each)

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Masonite Bats

A 12” Masonite bat with universal 10” bat pins.

Masonite bats are made by a variety of manufacturers. They are affordable, thin, and can be real workhorses if used correctly. Masonite is a 1/4” thick, tempered, water-resistant hardboard that is usable on both sides and is slightly absorbent, making it ideal for helping pots dry. Their affordability also makes these common in production pottery, but if they stay wet for a long time (such as long-term storage of wet ware) or are soaked, they will warp, break down, or get moldy. They will also scratch if metal tools are used too aggressively on the surface.

The best way to use masonite bats is to remove the pot when it is ready for trimming, then clean the bat with a minimum of water, and allow the bat to dry before using again. Also, never soak a Masonite bat or flex it when wet, and store them horizontally. With care, Masonite bats can last a long time.

Masonite bats, generic manufacturers
12” round, around $5 per bat (usually sold in multi-packs)

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Baltic Birch / Tiger Ply Plywood Bats

Plywood bats

Bailey Ceramic Supply in New York makes 3/4” thick Plywood Bats in either Baltic Birch or Tiger Ply. (Baltic Birch Plywood is hard to come by because of the war in Ukraine so they have switched to Tiger Ply.) Absorbent like plaster, these bats are lighter than plaster or Hydro Stone, and won’t break or chip if you drop them. They are also more rigid for larger forms—plastic gets floppy at larger diameters. You could make your own plywood bats but these are predrilled and ready to go.

Like Masonate / Medex / hardboard, plywood will warp and get moldy if clay and ware is stored on them for a few weeks. Clean up with a minimum of water, and remove your piece as soon as you are able. It’s also a good idea to let these dry out in between uses. If properly cared for, plywood bats are long lasting.

Plywood bats
12” round to 29.5” round, $17 to $74

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Bat Systems

Bat systems feature a large bat and smaller inserts that can be swapped out. The idea is to save space on the shelf, and not have to bother attaching bats over and over. It’s particularly ideal for smaller work such as mugs, and small cylinders and bowls. The downside is that you commit to one manufacturer if you need extra or replacement bats. Some potters make their own version of these using a drill and a jigsaw. Only commit to a bat system if you know it’s the right system for you, the size of work you make, and your studio. It can be a definite space saver, though, so it is worth considering if it makes sense for you..

The Penguin Pottery Heavy Duty Bat System is made from MDF.

Penguin Pottery Heavy Duty Bat System

This system features a 14” circular bat with 6 inch square inserts, all made of Medex / MDF. The pins on the large bat are set for a 10” bat pin spacing, and the system is made in the USA. The inner bats are easily removable via four finger holes.

The Penguin Pottery Bat System comes with the 14” bat and 5 inserts, along with 2 pins.
Listed at $71

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Dirty Girl Bat Systems

The Dirty Girl round bat system.

Dirty Girl tools makes two bat system, a square and round set. The large bat is 12.5”, and the smaller bats are 6.5 inches.

It’s not listed on the site, but it appears the larger bat is Medex or pressboard, and the inserts are thinner Masonite or some kind of tempered hardboard.

Dirty Girl Bat System
includes 10 bat inserts, $78

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Snap Bat Throwing System

The all plastic Snap Bat system.

The Snap Bat Throwing System is an all-plastic option developed by The Ceramic Shop in Philadelphia. The large bat is 11.5” round and 1/2 thick, and the smaller bats 7 x 7 inches square and 1/4” thick.

Snap Bat Throwing System
comes with 5 inserts
Listed at $83

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Generic Bat Systems

The WonderBat Square Bat System.

There are a variety of generic bat systems available on Amazon.

As with all the sort of generic “Amazon Brands,” these products seem to come and go, and are often direct copies of some of the bat systems listed above.

Buyer beware! These may be a great deal, or they might be a piece of junk.

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Bat Accessories

There are a variety of accessories and add-ons that can help with bats and the throwing process.

Xiem Studio Tools BatMate.

Xiem Studio Tools BatMate

The BatMate from Xiem Studio Tools is a 12-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. Pots will stay put just by tension, without adding little balls of clay wadding. This saves time and works just as well.

It’s probably not necessary if you get Speedball Plastic Bats or Hydro-Bats, but it may be helpful for masonite or other bats that might have a slight warp. And it’s also a great tool for trimming small pots. At around $15, this is a tool that gets used all the time once it’s in a potter’s kit.

Xiem BatMate
12 and 14 inch diameters, $11-$14

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Xiem Tools Bat Lifter

If you have bats without a lip, the Xiem Tools Bat Lifter will save your fettling knife or nails, helping you easily pick up one side of the bat. If you have Amaco Plasti-Bats, you definitely want one of these!

Xiem Tools Bat Lifter
$7-$15

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WiziWig Tools Clay Shield

The WiziWig Tools Clay Shield.

The WiziWig Tools Clay Shield is a set of 14 flexible panels that will guard your throwing area from trimming and throwing splatters. Each panel is 4 1/4” wide, 8 3/4” tall, and has a base that slides under your splash pan. When combined, the Clay Shield will cover a 20 inch diameter. Coverage varies depends on set up and your wheel, but overall, this is a simple tool that can make a big difference in cleanup. It does require some set up and can get in the way, but if you’re working in tight quarters it can really help.

If this doesn’t seem right for you, some people tape newspaper, cardboard, or even flexible cutting boards to achieve the same ends.

WiziWig Clay Shield
$35-$37

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Foam Trimming Bat

Foam Trimming Bats by StudioPro.

StudioPro and others make foam trimming bats. These are foam glued to a bat. You can make your own, but StudioPro offers two options: one has 1/4 in foam for smaller pots, and another has 3/4” foam for heavier or uneven pots. Simple, easy and time saving, if you think a foam bat is going to help you, it probably will.

StudioPro Foam Trimming Bats
14” or 18” round
1/4” or 3/4” thick foam

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Brent Batmobile

The Brent Batmobile is a mobile cart perfectly designed to hold scores of round bats. It can accommodate bats that are 12 to 14 inches tall, and has locking 4 inch rubber casters. It’s not cheap—you might try a DIY option—but Brent’s entire product line is built to withstand heavy use in a production or busy academic studio. It will last forever.

Brent Batmobile Bat Cart
$790

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Grinding Discs

There are now a variety of grinding discs that fit right on your wheel head. A great solution—you’ve already got this spinning motor with a waterproof splash pan! Some grinding discs have sticker backs that can be used with a bat. If you’re interested in this, a good place to start is with our DIY grinding disc tutorial.

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Summary

This post covered a variety of bats for use on the pottery wheel. There are bats available in plastic, HydroStone, plaster, Masonite and other hardboards, and even plywood. There’s also a variety of bat systems and other bat accessories. Overall, my favorite bat is the Speedball Plastic Bat for it’s easy to move lip and resistance to warping. Hydro-Bats are my favorite for absorbent bats.

What are your favorite bats?

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The Best Banding Wheels for Pottery and Ceramics

The Nidec Shimpo 9 1/2” wide banding wheel.

Banding wheels are one of the most useful tools in a ceramic studio, especially for handbuilding, decorating, and carving. They allow you to turn a piece while building, and can be extremely useful during the glazing process.

A good banding wheel will spin freely and with some speed, allowing you to hold a brush steady and paint a “band” or line of or underglaze glaze. But they can be so much more than that.

This post will cover quality banding wheels that can handle the weight of clay and be cleaned. You don’t want to mess with cheap plastic options, or lazy susans that aren’t designed to get dirty and be cleaned again. Those cheaper options will often break down or don’t have enough weight to spin freely.

The best banding wheels are heavy and made out of metal, but there are a variety of options to fit each studio and budget. Read below for a full buyer’s guide to banding wheels.

This guide is based on personal experience with all the banding wheels, along with observations of what works and holds up in academic and community ceramic studios, and what tends to fall apart and not be worth the money.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Shimpo Banding Wheels

2. Budget Pick: CSI Banding Wheels

3. Great option: Generic Metal Banding Wheels from Falling in Art etc

4. Other Banding Wheels

5. Summary

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Top Pick: Nidec Shimpo Banding Wheels

The complete line of Shimpo Banding Wheels. The three shorter options are 2 1/4” tall while the two “pedestal” banding wheels are 4 3/4” and 7 1/2” tall.

Nidec Shimpo banding wheels are made of cast iron and painted with rust-resisted blue paint and are heavy, durable and will last a lifetime. They have sealed ball bearings, a one-piece design that will not come apart when picked up, and the weight of the cast iron results in a smooth, even spin. These banding wheels are a pleasure to use whether you are coil building, painting, carving, or sculpting.

Once again, these are solid, durable cast iron. Take good care of this banding wheel and it you will be passing it down to the next potter in decades or longer. They are easy to clean, just don’t submerge the whole thing in water.

Shimpo banding wheels come in five sizes ranging from 7” to 11 3/4” wide. The three smaller wheels are all 2 1/4” tall, while the two taller sizes are 4 3/4” tall and 7 1/2” tall.

My preference is for the shorter, lower-profile banding wheels but a pedestal-style banding wheel may work for your studio. Some may find these banding wheels to be on the heavy side, but the weight works to your advantage to create a steady, even, long-lasting spin.

Shopping tip: These banding wheels tend to be cheaper at Blick than Amazon. Yes, the Nidec Shimpo are the most expensive banding wheels out there but they are also the heaviest, most durable, and the weight allows them to spin for much longer than other banding wheels. In the 5 years we have been maintaining this guide to banding wheels, the Nidec Shimpo banding wheel prices have only increased by a few dollars to they have remained a good value.

The Shimpo 25L Banding Wheel is 9 7/8” x 2 1/4”

Shimpo Banding Wheel Specs:
Model number, diameter, height, and weight:

18L 7” x 2 1/4”, 6.5 lbs, $66-$82 (Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick)

22L 8 3/4” x 2 1/4”, 13 lbs, $77-$90 (Shop at Blick)

25L 9 1/2” x 2 1/4”, 15 lbs, $131 (Shop at Amazon)

25H 9 7/8” x 7 1/2”, 19 lbs, $123-$148 (Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick)

30M 11 3/4” x 4 3/4”, 28 lbs, $142-$172 (Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick)

More pics of the Nidec Shimpo banding wheel

Top view

Bottom view

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Budget Pick: CSI Banding Wheels

CSI Banding Wheels come in sizes ranging from 8” to 16” in diameter.

CSI Banding Wheels are heavy-duty, economical banding wheels made from two Formica-covered particle boards with stainless steel ball bearings. They are 2 inches tall and range from 8 to 16” in diameter. These banding wheels are portable and stackable, and are lighter than cast-iron options such as the Shimpo. They have decent turning capacity but they don’t turn as readily and easily as the Shimpo banding wheels. They are great for everything except a very fast and continuous painting of a line or band.

For heavy sculptures or vessels these are great options for handbuilding where you will be turning the piece slowly. The 8” and 10” wheels have a 200 lb capacity, the 12” is rated to 300 lbs, and the 14” and 16” are rated to an 800 lb capacity.

The CSI banding wheels range in price from around $28 to about $42. That’s an incredibly great deal for a heavy-duty banding wheel, making this a great option for educational studios, beginners, or those more focused on sculpture and handbuilding rather than spinning decoration.

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Metal Wheel Budget Pick: Falling In Art Banding Wheel

These generic metal banding wheels, available under a variety of names online such as Falling In Art or US Art Supply, are highly rated and run about half the price of the Shimpo banding wheels. Available in 7” and 12” diameter, with a 4 inch pedestal, and a weight of about 10 lbs, these wheels have a set screw to hold the top and bottom pieces together. They are not quite as heavy as the Shimpo, but much heavier than other options such as the CSI Turntables or plastic wheels. For 1/3 to 1/2 of the price of the Shimpo banding wheels, these are a decent option for any studio, especially if you are on a budget.

As with all the banding wheels, do not submerge these in water for cleaning to avoid damaging the ball bearings.

7” banding wheel, generally $28

12” banding wheel, generally $38-$40

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Other Banding Wheels options:

Laguna Banding Wheels

The Laguna NL-278 Banding Wheel is 12 inches wide and 2 inches tall.

Laguna Clay makes a line of banding wheels with a cast iron base, steel bearings, and aluminum wheel head. Often, the wheel head will be very similar to the wheel head of a regular pottery wheel.

There are 6 options in the Laguna product line; 4 pedestal banding wheels that range from 5” to 6.5” tall, and 2 that are 2 inches tall. My favorite model is NL-278 which is 12 inches wide and 2 inches tall and retails for around $140. It’s basically a full-size wheel head, but as a banding wheel.

Because these are aluminum on top, they don’t spin as long as the Shimpo wheels, but they are well made and hold up. These wheels are available at a variety of ceramic suppliers, or directly from Laguna via their Axner Clay website.

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Yncotte 7” Aluminum Banding Wheel

This light duty banding wheel is 7” wide, made out of aluminum, and is ok for light duty work. It doesn’t spin very long, due to the light weight. But it can be used in either direction and it fits just about anywhere as it is small.

I have used these more recently in a number of academic studios and they are definitely better than a plastic banding wheel, but given the $32 price tag, I would go for either the Falling In Art banding wheel, or spend more and get the Nidec Shimpo Banding Wheel.

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Amaco #5 Banding Wheel

The Amaco #5 Banding Wheel is a 7” wide aluminum banding wheel that sits on a pedestal stand. Along with the Shimpo and CSI banding wheels, it’s quite common to see this in many ceramic studios. The smaller size, lighter weight, and pedestal stand makes it popular for decorating, carving, scraffitto work, and painting. It is not designed for heavy weight, but it is sturdy.

The drawbacks with this stand is that it is in two pieces and will separate if picked up by the top piece. There are also a variety of mixed reviews online, mentioning poor construction quality. AMACO may be having production issues with this unit, but in my experience, it’s a quality turntable that is great for small decorative tasks.

As of 2025, this turntable doesn’t appear to be listed on the Amaco website or at any stores. It is most likely out of production, but you may still see it for sale used.

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Shop pottery shirts and aprons at Redbubble.

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Plastic Banding Wheels

The Richeson Plastic Banding Wheel is 8” wide and 1 1/2” tall.

To be completely honest, I feel that plastic banding wheels are not worth buying. They can’t really be used for painting or banding, as the light weight doesn’t result in any lasting spin. They are also prone to breaking. You’ll be better off spending a bit more to get a CSI wheel or Falling in Art.

The only reason I can see to get a plastic banding wheel is for working with young children. They are lightweight and stackable (but not robust…treat them carefully!) Or the other reason if you just need a lightweight turntable for detail work such as carving or fine detail sculpting.

Given the price of these, ranging from $21 to $36, the money would be better used to get a metal banding wheel.

Richeson Plastic Banding Wheel
8” diameter, 1 1/2” tall, $21

The Amaco Decorating Wheel is 8” wide, all plastic, and is available in brown or off white.

Amaco Plastic Banding Wheel
8” diameter, $36

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Jack Richeson Mobile Sculpture Stand and Turntable

A mobile sculpture stand gives you the freedom to work on pottery and sculptures from all sides, and roll your work station out of the way if needed. This can be a great option for figurative sculpture, or if you want to create an additional workspace without adding another table. To work on this stand comfortably, you’ll need a tall stool or work standing up. The center shaft is adjustable for a working height of 39.5 to 44 inches. The wooden work surface is 12 inches square, and the base is 29 inches square with 4 locking caster wheels. It’s a great stand for working on sculptures, pottery, or as a display stand.

Jack Richeson Mobile Sculpture Stan
$215 to $225.

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Summary

This post has covered a variety of banding wheels, turntables, and sculpture stands. In general, the best option is the heavy-duty cast iron Shimpo banding wheels, especially if you need to get a smooth, steady spin for painting pottery. If you are working with heavy sculptures, the CSI Turntables are a sturdy, economical option. And there are other cheaper and lighter options.

What banding wheels do you use? Let us know in the comments.

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Best Masks for Silica Dust in Pottery and Ceramic Studios — updated for 2025

The 3M Half Mask with P100 particulate filters is the best mask option for ceramic studios.

Silica dust is a real hazard in ceramics studios and it’s important to have the right mask. Cloth masks or basic nuisance-grade dust mask will not offer enough protection against silica. The best options are respirators with P100 or P95 filters, or N95/KN95 masks. This is also the level of protection businesses are required by OSHA to provide to employees if silica dust is present.

Respirable silica is very fine with almost invisible particles that can stay airborne for some time, and repeated exposure can lead to silicosis or black lung. To protect against silica, it is important that masks fit correctly. If air can leak around the sides, it really defeats the whole purpose. This is especially of concern if you have facial hair, as that can cause the mask to not be properly sealed to the face. In that case, you may need a full face mask or to trim your beard.

Overall, the best mask is going to be one that you reach for and wear during dust-generating tasks. Any protection is better than none. Personally, I use a respirator with P100 filtration whenever I am working with clay, plaster, wood, or other materials that create dust.

Also consider what is causing dust in your studio and seek to minimize that activity if possible. Keep an organized studio, use wet cleaning and sanding methods, and avoid creating dust. You may want to consider adding a dust collection system. For additional recommendations, visit our guides for cleaning tools and HEPA vacuums.

The reviews in this article are based on personal experience with a wide variety of masks along with experience working in ceramic studios for more than 20 years.

TOP PICK: 3M Half-Facepiece Respirator with P100 Filters

3M 6300 Half-Facepiece Mask without filters attached.

The 3M 6300 Half-Facepiece Respirator is a comfortable, reusable mask with filters that can be replaced as needed. This facepiece will take the round P95 or P100 particulate filters, or the cartridge style filters that are rated for particulates and some types of gases. Either will work, but you might find the round particulate filters to be more breathable. 3M also makes upgraded half masks (see below for more info) but this basic model is affordable, long-lasting, and will get the job done.

The Half-Facepiece respirator can be purchased as a plain mask, or packaged with filters or cartridge filters. Amazon has a variety of options; Home Depot and Lowes and other hardware stores tend to sell the more expensive version with cartridge filters. This may be useful if you also paint or have volatile gases in your studio, but the round P100 filters are perfect for ceramic studios where silica and other airborne dust particles are the main concern.

Note: this half-facepiece mask has unfiltered exhaust valves that are not appropriate for Covid safety in shared spaces.

3M 6300 Half-Facepiece Respirator
Available in size small, medium and large
Typical price
Respirator only: $14-$21
With P100 filters: around $25-$26
With cartridge filters: around $39

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The pink, round 3M 2097 P100 filters will fit the half facepiece mask.

P100 Filters and other options

The round, pink 3M 2097 Filters rated to P100 will offer the highest level of particulate protection. You could go with the slightly cheaper, white P95 filters but in my opinion, P100 filters are the way to go.

When using these half masks, there can be some moisture buildup inside, but in general, I find them more comfortable than disposable masks.

Replacement prices:

P100 filters are around $14-$20 for a package of two sets of filters

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DISPOSABLE MASK TOP PICK: 3M 8210 N95 Masks

The 3M 8210 N95 mask has straps that go over the head.

N95 or KN-95 Masks are NIOSH rated to filter 95 percent of dust particles and are good for multiple uses if kept clean. N95 Masks have straps that go over your head, making them fit more snugly. KN-95 masks typically have ear bands and fit more loosely, however, they often seem to be constructed with a bit more breathing room around your mouth.

A solid option for an N95 is the 3M 8210 N95 Mask. It typically comes in bulk packs where each mask costs about $1 to $1.50 each or around $20-$30 for a box of 20 masks.

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ALTERNATE DISPOSABLE PICK: KN-95 Masks

Armbrust is an Austin, Texas-based mask manufacturer. Their KN-95 masks are available in a variety of colors. Shop at Armbrust

Throughout the Covid pandemic, the availability and quality of masks varied widely, with a variety of manufacturers attempting to fulfill the demand. There also have been reports of fake name-brand masks and other problems. It can be very confusing to buy a “real” N95 or KN-95 mask, as detailed in this NY Times report from 2021.

KN-95 masks, which have ear bands as opposed to the over-the-head N95 style, have become quite common but the number and variety available are confusing. One place to start is by reviewing CDC-approved mask manufacturers as explained here or listed by the CDC here.

The Texas-based, U.S. manufacturer Armbrust makes very high quality surgical masks, KN-95 masks, and kids KN-95 masks. Not only are they NIOSH approved, but the masks are available in a variety of colors and they are made in the USA.

Prices for Armbrust KN-95 range from $15 for a pack of 5 (or $3 per mask) to almost $1,000 for a pack of 540 masks. There are significant discounts if you subscribe to regular mask delivery.

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Tightest Fit: Pouch or “Duckbill” Style N95s

The Kimtech Pouch Style N95 has two soft straps that go over your head.

They may look sort of funny, but in my experience, the pouch or “duckbill-style” N95s have the tightest fit of any disposable masks. You can see the mask material move in and out as you are breathing, and it seems to provide excellent coverage for Covid and dust.

A great option for this style of mask is the Kimtech line from Kimberly-Clark. Made in the USA, the Kimtech N95s cost $50 for a box of 50 masks.

More mask reviews below:

Those are my top picks for studio dust masks that are appropriate to use for silica. Keep reading for a deeper look at various half-facepiece masks and other disposable mask options.

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Table of Contents

• Half Facepiece Masks (3M 6300, 3M 6500, 3M 7500)

• Filters for Half Facepiece Masks

• RZ Masks

• Disposable Masks

• Summary

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Half Facepiece Masks: 3M Models

As reviewed above, the top pick for a dust mask for a pottery or ceramic studio is a 3M 6300 Half Facepiece mask. It’s the basic model but will get the job done. But that’s not the only model made by 3M. There is also “upgraded” models made with softer plastic which also have a few different options for valves and latching straps.

The 3M 6300 Half Facepiece Mask.

3M 6000 series Half Facepiece Mask

The 6000 series is the standard mask in the 3M line, and seems to be readily available in the 6300 model, but you may occasionally see the 6200 or 6100. From what I can tell, these are all about the same. Made of “thermoplastic elastomer,” the masks will work with 3M filters or cartridge filters, and can be taken apart and cleaned.

The masks are available in size small, medium and large and range in price from around $14 to $20.

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3M 6500 Cool Flow Half Facepiece Mask

3M 6503QL Rugged Comfort Quick Latch model.

The 3M 6500 series is termed the “rugged comfort line” and features a softer silicone face seal, a low profile design, a “Cool-Flow” valve, and some models have a quick-latch drop down feature.

The most common and popular model in this series appears to be the 6503QL Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Model. In addition to the silicone lining, this mask features upgraded straps.

Available in small, medium or large sizes, it typically retails for $28 to $31 for the mask and filters are extra. The model sold at Home Depot is around $50 and comes with cartridge-style filters.

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3M 7500 Half Facepiece Mask

The 3M 7502 Half Facepiece Mask.

The 7500 Half Facepiece line from 3M has the same features as the 6500 line, with the silicone lining and Cool Flow valve, but it has one main difference: the exhalation valve air is routed down to reduce fogging. If you wear glasses or googles, you should consider this mask.

Available in small, medium, and large size, the 7500 line typically retails for $33 to $45 for the mask and filters cost extra. plus filters.

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3M Filter Options for Half Facepiece Masks

There are two styles of filters available for 3M masks: round particulate filters and cartridge filters, which work for particulates and gasses. For ceramics, particulate filters are adequate but if you stain wood, paint, or other activities with volatile gases, the cartridges will be a better option.

Particulate Filters

There are two options for round particulate filters: P95 and P100. The P100 offers a higher level of filtration. For a ceramic studio, the 2071 or 2091 filters are your best options. There are a few other filter options aimed at welders, smelting, and chemistry applications.

The P100 filters cost around $14-20 for a box of 4 filters.

3M Cartridge Filters

3M Cartridges are almost all rated P100 and will filter particulates, gases, and vapors. There are a variety of options but the basic 60291 should cover most art studio applications. These are a bit overkill if you are just worried about silica / particulates, but are a good option if you are painting or working with anything that produces volatile fumes. The cartridges are generally about double the cost of particulate filters. At big box hardware stores, they typically only sell the cartridge filters or mask combos, as shown below.

The cartridge filters cost around $20-$30 for a replacement pair of filters. At the time of this write, Home Depot had the best deal on replacement cartridges.

For a complete overview of all the mask and filter options available from 3M, click here or here.

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RZ Masks

The M3 Mask features 3 strap options. Pictured here is the dual strap configuration.

RZ Reusable Face Masks are an interesting mix of a disposable mask with some features of a respirator. Founded in 2010, you can now find these masks at a lot of hardware and home improvement stores, as well as online. The masks are not yet NIOSH rated but they now have some models with a European FFP2 rating. Full approval of these masks would be helpful in comparing these to other masks on the market, but in general these are great workshop masks and there are a variety of sizes and features. (For technical info on RZ masks and the testing they have undergone, click here. )

The M3 Mask from RZ is the top seller and features 3 different strap options so that you can find the perfect fit. The options include a neck strap, ear loops, or dual head strap (pictured at right). RZ claims a 50% increased airflow with their new filter options, and the same 99% filtration of particles down to 0.1 micron.

The M3 Mask retails for $40 and includes the 3 strap options, a carrying case, and 2 filters. Replacement filters cost $15 for a 3 pack.

The RZ M2.5 Two Strap Mask is an upgraded version of the M2 bask with two head straps.

The M2.5 Two Strap Mask from RZ features a mesh fabric, hook and two straps, with carbon filters that filter 99% of particles down to .1 micron. The filters are somewhat similar to a disposable mask and fit into the bigger mask housing. These masks were designed with unfiltered exhalation valves but the company now makes valve caps for use in shared environments where only filtered exhalation is recommended for the best Covid safety.

You will need to replace the carbon filters over time. Think of this mask as a more comfortable hybrid of a respirator and a disposable mask.

The RZ M2.5 retails for $30 and comes in a variety of colors. Replacement filters are available in a 3 pack for $8 to $15.

The Original M2 mask from RZ has a neck strap.

RZ makes a variety of masks with different strap configurations and colors, along with filter options.

Shop all RZ products by clicking here.

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Other Disposable Masks

The 3M N95 and KN-95 masks listed at the top of this post are great options, but there are other disposable masks.

Moldex 2300

The Moldex 2300 Mask.

The Moldex 2300 is another N95 particulate respirator that also features an exhaust valve. This helps reduce moisture buildup.

The Moldex 2300 is available in a 10 pack for around $44.

The Moldex 2200 (does not have an exhaust valve) is available in a 20 pack for around $26.

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Honeywell Nuisance Masks

Honeywell Nuisance Masks

The Honeywell Nuisance Masks are cheap and easy to find, but they are not rated for hazardous dust or particulate use. Too often, I’ve seen these as the masks offered to students in ceramic classes. I guess they are better than no mask but there’s no reason to be casual about silica dust. These might be fine in a pinch, but they are not NIOSH approved and may give a false sense of security. For art studios, it’s best to use the proper N95 or higher masks.

The reason these masks are shown here in this review is that this is what I have seen stocked in many ceramic studios for student use. They are not suitable for silica protection.

These masks cost around $15 for a 50 pack.

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Summary

This post has covered a variety of masks to deal with silica and other particulates in a ceramic studio. The first step should be to avoid making dust if possible. But to deal with silica, use a NIOSH approved half facemask respirator, or N95 rated disposable masks. Your long-term health is worth it, and investing in quality personal protective equipment is always a good idea.

What type of mask do you use to protect against silica and other particulates? Let us know in the comments.

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The Best Scales for Ceramic Studios and Workshops 2025

A scale for a studio or workshop is a heavily-used tool that needs to be accurate, easy to use, and durable. These days, you can get a great scale without spending a lot of money. This post will cover affordable but durable scales that get the job done and hold up under the heavy use of an academic or community ceramic studio, but they are also great options for a personal studio.

These scales have been tested and used in ceramic studios for measuring glaze materials, or weighing clay, plaster, water, and packed boxes for shipping. The ratings are based on personal experience and observations of scales in use in numerous academic and community ceramic studios.

An older model of the OXO 11 Pound Food Scale purchased around 2018, still going strong. It’s shown here with the Ohaus Maxi-Scoop bowl and a metal scoop.

The OXO 11 Pound Scale has a removable, metal top and a light up display.

TOP PICK: OXO 11 Pound Food Scale

The OXO 11 Pound Food Scale is the top pick for a scale in a ceramics or art studio. With accuracy to 1 gram, this scale has a large enough capacity for smaller batches of glaze or plaster-mixing needs. It’s made for home kitchen use but is super tough and has thoughtful design features such as a pull-out, light-up display. It runs on 4 AAA batteries, and is accurate to 1/8 ounce or 1 gram. It is simply incredible that a scale under $55 is this accurate. For similar or more accurate scales (options like this reviewed below) you’ll easily pay $100 or more.

The pull-out, light-up display on the OXO 11 lb capacity scale (Shop at Amazon)

The scale has two buttons: lb/kg toggle, and power / zero. It’s simple and intuitive, and the pull-out display helps if you are using wide bowls. The top stainless steel platform can also be removed for cleaning.

This scale can accommodate up to 11 pounds or almost 5 kilograms at a time. The display will help you know when you’re reaching capacity by displaying more bars on the right-hand side. When mixing glaze, the 5,000 gram capacity is definitely enough. But if you work with larger amounts of material, a higher-capacity scale is reviewed below.

Prior to working with the OXO 11 Pound Scale, I only wanted to use more professional scales with 0.1 gram accuracy. But this is an affordable, durable, well built, and most importantly, accurate scale. The 1 gram accuracy is exact enough for most purposes, and it will survive many years of use in any studio. I liked this scale so much that I bought the smaller OXO 5 Pound Food Scale for use at home in the kitchen.

A note on 1 gram accuracy: For smaller glaze batches, this may not be accurate enough. For example, if you are trying to measure 10 grams of a material for a 500 gram batch of glaze, being off by one gram might change your results. But as you mix larger batches (typically 3,000 grams of dry materials is about 1 gallon of wet glaze) the 1 gram accuracy is enough. It’s a trade off in price versus accuracy. If you need 0.1 gram accuracy, more accurate scales are reviewed below.

OXO 11 lb Scale, typically $55
OXO 5 lb Scale, typically $32
Accurate to 1 gram

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick: OXO 11 Pound Food Scale

• Budget Pick: Accuteck All-In-One 50 lb Scale

• Upgrade pick: MyWeigh iBalance 5500

• Heavy Duty / Large Pick: MyWeigh HD-300 Shipping Scale and Accuteck Heavy Duty Scale

• Manual Scale Pick: LEM Stainless Steel Scale

• Other Scale Options

• Scale Accessories

• Summary

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Budget Pick: Accuteck All-in-One Digital Scale

The Accuteck All-In-One Digital Scale

The Accuteck All-In-One 50lb Digital Scale (Shop at Amazon) is a great budget option. It can weigh up to 50lbs of material, is well-built, and is very affordable—usually priced under $20. It has been a go-to budget scale option for almost 10 years now. It’s not the most accurate, but is great for weighing clay or other general purpose needs.

This scale runs on 3 AAA batteries or an optional 5V plug-in adapter. It is accurate to 0.2 ounce, or about 2 grams. It is definitely not as accurate as our top pick, but if you need something for the occasional glaze batch, it will be ok. It is also great to keep on the wedging table for measuring pieces of clay. If used on a wedging table, it’s not a bad idea to put it in a ziploc bag to keep it clean.

When I originally purchased this, I didn’t expect it to be so well built and have been extremely happy with the purchase. In a world full of low-quality generics and knock offs, I would definitely recommend this scale if you are on a budget. The only drawback is that it is only accurate to about 2 grams. This scale wouldn’t be very accurate if you were measuring small quantities of glaze materials.

Accuteck 50lb Digital Scale, typically $19.99
Accurate to around 2 grams

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Upgrade Pick: MyWeigh iBalance 5500

The MyWeigh iBalance 5500 scale is accurate to 0.1 grams and has a 5500 gram / 12 lb capacity.

The MyWeigh iBalance 5500 (Shop at Amazon) is a great upgrade pick for a studio scale. It’s 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.

It’s a workhorse for glaze mixing that allows you to do large batches, or fine tune a small amount of material to a high degree of accuracy. You’ll pay more for this specifity — around $250 at the time of this post — but if you need the range from a few grams to larger amounts, this scale will deliver. There are other models in the MyWeigh iBalance line too, ranging up to 11,000 gram capacity.

MyWeigh iBalance 5500, $249
Accurate to 0.1 grams

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Heavy Duty Picks

You may need a few different scales for all your needs in the studio. If you weigh and ship large boxes or mix plaster, a wider heavy duty scale is what you need. The go to for this category used to be the Rubbermaid Scale, but a few years back that was changed to only be accurate to about 1/2 a lb while still costing over $200.

Previously, this guide recommended the MyWeigh HD-300 Shipping Scale. It’s a great scale and while it still seems to be available a few place, it is harder to find. It’s around $100 and is very sturdy and should last a lifetime.

This guide is now also recommending the cheaper Accuteck Heavy Duty Scale. At only $42 it is quite affordable and while it is used in many studios, it doesn’t have the overbuilt quality of the MyWeigh HD-300, so be sure to treat it carefully.

The Accuteck Heavy Duty Scale features a metal top while still maintaining a thin build.

Accuteck Heavy Duty Scale

The Accuteck Heavy Duty 440 lb Shipping Scale (shop at Amazon) is a great deal at $42, and will provide a scale that can weigh large boxes, plaster, buckets of water, or large amounts of clay or glaze materials. It runs on 4 AAA batteries or a 9V plug, which is included.

It is accurate to 50 grams or 0.05 lbs, which is quite good for a scale of this size. Just don’t use it for small batches of clay or glaze tests.

It is not the strongest build, there are tradeoffs for getting something this cheap, but it will serve you well if you treat it carefully. It is thinner and takes up less space than the MyWeigh HD-300 reviewed below, so that may be a plus if you need something like this but have limited space.

Accuteck Heavy Duty Scale, $42
Accurate to 50 grams

The MyWeigh HD-300 Shipping Scale is a workhorse of a scale with a beefy build quality.

MyWeigh HD-300 Shipping Scale

The MyWeigh HD-300 Heavy Duty Shipping Scale (shop at Amazon) is the top pick for a shipping scale, but it’s also accurate enough for large batches of plaster, concrete, or other studio materials. It can measure up to 300 pounds with an accuracy of 0.1 lbs or to within about 2 ounces. It has a steel top and a remote display on a six foot cord, so you can easily get the weight of even the largest package. It’s powered by 4 AA batteries or an optional AC power adapter. It also has a built-in USB port, if you want to set up communication with printers or other devices. Finally, it has adjustable feet and easy to clean surfaces. This is a great heavy duty scale that comes in around $130. There are plenty of cheaper shipping scales, but if you read online reviews closely, you’ll see that they fail or are inaccurate, while this scale is built too withstand the test of time.

MyWeigh HD-300 Heavy Duty Shipping Scale, 300lb limit, $130
Accurate to 0.1 lbs or about 50 grams

For a complete look at Heavy Duty Scales, click here.

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Manual Scale Pick: LEM Stainless Steel Scale

The LEM Stainless Steel Scale.

The LEM Stainless Steel Scale is a great option for weighing wet clay, plaster, or as a shipping scale. It has a 10” x 8” steel platform, and can weigh up to 44 lbs / 20 kg with an accuracy of 2 ounces or around 50 grams. It’s not accurate enough for mixing glazes, but for just about everything else, this is a great option that is affordable, durable and doesn’t need any batteries or plugs. Sometimes it’s good to keep it simple and for $50, you can’t go wrong with this scale.

LEM Stainless Steel Manual Scale, $50
Accurate to 50 grams

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Other Scale Options

Rubbermaid Commercial 150lb Scale

Rubbermaid Commercial 150lb Digital Scale

The Rubbermaid Commercial 150 Pound Scale is another option for a rugged scale that can measure packages, plaster, or any type of material.

It has a wide metal platform, and the display can be mounted on the wall or pulled to the side with a 9 foot cord. The scale has a capacity of 150 pounds or 68 kilograms, and runs on a 9V battery or option AC adapter.

The drawback of this scale is that it is only accurate to about 1/2 pound. Previous models of this scale were more accurate to around 2/10 of a pound, so it is disappointing that Rubbermaid has let the quality drop. There are also complaints online about this unit, specifically the controller, breaking after a few months of use. That hasn’t been my experience though, so I would still recommend this with the caveat that you treat the control / display panel carefully. It’s priced about the same as the MyWeigh shipping scale, or around $130.

Rubbermaid Commercial 150 lb Digital Scale, $173
Accurate to 0.5 lbs

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The Ohaus CX1201 Scale, 1200 gram capacity with 0.1 gram accuracy.

Ohaus Digital Scale

Ohaus is one of the most trusted names in scales, and the the Ohaus Portable Balance CX1201 is accurate to 0.1 grams with a capacity of 1200 grams or about 2.6 pounds. It costs almot $150 and runs on 3 AA batteries or an optional plug.

I prefer the larger capacity of the MyWeigh 5500, but this scale has a balance of accuracy, cost, and quality that is hard to beat. If you regularly measure smaller batches of glaze and need 0.1 gram accuracy, this scale will deliver.

Ohaus Portable Balance CX1201, $149
Accurate to 0.1 gram

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Triple Beam Mechanical Scales

The Ohaus Triple Pro Scale

Not as common now, but these used to be the standard for glaze labs. Now, almost everyone has switched to digital scales. I definitely have. But, if you want to go old school or want to keep it simple and not worry about batteries or breakdowns, a triple-beam scale is the way to go. They are extremely accurate, long-lasting, and durable. It just takes a bit longer to get a measurement.

There are a variety of generics out there, and Ohaus makes a few models of triple beam scales. The basic model will weigh up to 610 grams and retails for $139. That’s not much weight, but it is accurate to 0.1 grams.

For a larger capacity, look at the Ohaus Triple Pro Mechanical Triple Beam with a 2610 gram capacity that is accurate to 0.1 grams. The scale has a basic capacity of 610 grams, but you can add counterweights to increase the capacity to 2610 grams. If you want to invest in a long-term piece of equipment, this is the kind of tool you could pass down to your grandchildren. It retails for $206.

The generic brand QWORK makes a very similar scale with a 2610 gram capacity and 0.1 gram accuracy for just $60. It has a lower build quality than the Ohaus, but it is significantly cheaper.

Ohaus Triple Pro Scale, 2610 gram capacity, $206
Accurate to 0.1 grams

Ohaus 610 Gram Scale, $139
Accurate to 0.1 grams

QWORK Triple Beam, 2610 gram capacity, $60
Accurate to 0.1 gram

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Favorite Scale Accessories

A scale scoop is great for weighing dry materials.

Scale Scoop Bowl

A plastic bowl with a pouring spout, such as a scale scoop, is my favorite bowl to use on a scale. They do cost extra, but the upgrade might be worth it for your studio. Usually around 10 inches wide with a pouring spout, you can get quite a bit of dry material piled up in this bowl. Of course, you can use any sort of bowl to measure dry ingredients, but this one just seems to be ideal for scales and it’s the one I reach for first when I’m mixing glazes.

If you see the Ohaus Maxi-Scoop, that’s a great option.

Another option is the Penn Scale Scoop, which is 10 inches wide at the rim, 2.75 inches tall, and has a 6 inch wide base. It’s listed at $33.

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Metal Scoops

Metal scoops are the easiest way to pick up glaze materials, plaster, or any dry material. They are also long lasting and easy to clean. A variety of sizes works, or some people like to keep an individual scoop in each bucket of material.

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Ohaus Footed Scoop Bowl

The Ohaus Footed Scoop Bowl.

The Ohaus Footed Scoop is another great option for mixing dry materials. It doesn’t hold as much material as the Maxi-Scoop, but the design of this bowl is much easier to pour.

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Summary

This post has covered a variety of scale options suitable for a ceramics, sculpture, or art studio. Many of these will work at home too. My top pick is the OXO 11 Pound Scale for it’s combination of accuracy, durability, and price. But there are a variety of other options too, along with my favorite accessories for mixing glaze and other materials.

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

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Review: Western Digital My Passport Ultra 5 TB HDD External Hard Drive

This post is a review of the Western Digital My Passport Ultra 5 TB External Hard Drive. I have been using it for more than 3 months with no problems, and it builds on my years of experience with multiple Western Digital external hard drives, both HDD and SSD, which all still work.

An external hard drive is vital for anyone working digitally, for backing up and moving files around, and saving space if your computer drive starts to fill up. A good hard drive will last a long time and the expense of buying one is worth it when you consider all the time and effort that goes into the files you have made.

A few years ago, I reviewed the small and versatile Western Digital 1 TB My Passport SSD External Drive, and it is still going strong with no problems. But after upgrading to a laptop with a larger drive, I needed to find a larger external drive for backup files.

While I prefer SSD or Solid State Drives because they have no moving parts, the SSD drives seemed to only go as large as 2TB and I was looking for something larger than that. The Western Digital My Passport Ultra HDD or Hard Disc Drive fit the bill for me, with options from 2 to 6 TB. Based on the price break, I went with the 5TB option at around $140 as opposed to the 6TB option at almost $200.

In my time using this external drive I have found it fast, reliable and have had no problems. It just works when I need it with no issues. As I use a Mac, I partitioned the drive into two parts: a Time Machine backup and a second drive where I can drop large files

The Western Digital My Passport Ultra HDD 5TB measures around 3 by 4.3 inches and is 0.75 inches thick.

The drive itself measures around 4.3 inches x 3 inches x 3/4 inches thick, making it much larger than the WD SSD drive I had been using. But the thickness also depends on the capacity of the drive: the 2TB and 4 TB models are listed at 0.5” thick, while the 5TB and 6TB models are listed at 0.75” thick. My 5TB drive feels like a slightly large deck of cards with a boxy thickness. But the drive still fits comfortably into the side pocket of my tomtoc laptop sleeve.

As mentioned, I prefer SSD drives because they have no moving parts. But I needed a larger drive so I went with this HDD option. It is advised to be more careful with HDD drives; as they have moving parts it is best not to move them while in use. With both types of drives, do your best to not drop or let the drives overheat.

The Western Digital My Passport Ultra HDD drive ranges in price from $89.99 for a 2TB drive to $199.99 for a 6TB drive.

For a slightly cheaper option, you could also look into the Western Digital Elements HDD portable drive. It has a slightly different case and a 2 year warranty, as opposed to the 3 year warranty for the My Passport.

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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.

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 external drive is economical and effective. SSD drives are lighter and with fewer moving parts, may be more future proof. 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.

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Best Carving and Sgraffito Tools for Decorating Pottery

Carving and altering the surface of a ceramic vessel or sculpture is a great way to make the piece truly your own, and there are a variety of tools that can make this an easy process. A carving tool might be as simple as a dull pencil, something from the kitchen, or an item that you already have from a basic ceramics tool kit.

Definitely start with what you have and don’t get tools you don’t need or won’t use, but sometimes the right tool makes all the difference for carving, shaping, and faceting your pottery or sculpture.

Here’s a few great tools:

The Osti Wire Cheese Slicer has a thick and thin side.

Wire Slicer for Faceting

A double sided, stick-shaped wire cheese slicer can be a game-changer for faceting pottery. This slicer, from Osti, can be tightened at the top and has a 2mm or 4mm thickness. It retails for $13, but there are a variety of slicers out there. In a pinch, you can use a cut-off wire but a slicer like this will be more even.

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Stylus Tools

Kemper makes a few double-sided, ball-tipped stylus tools that are great for sgraffito.

Ball-tipped stylus tools are great for sgraffito work. They can be found in a variety of sizes such as the double-end tools with hardwood handles made by Kemper, which are usually available for $4 to $6 each.

You can also use a dull pencil as a stylus, but it does wear down and requires sharpening somewhat often. Or, there are plenty of generic double-ended stylus tool. Click the link below or search for “embossing stylus tool.”

DiamondCore Stylus Tool

DiamondCore makes diamond burr stylus tools that are doubled headed and have foam grips over a wooden handle. These are beautiful tools and very nice to use, but they do come at a premium price, now almost $50 each or $130 for a set of three. With a price 8 to 10 times the cost of a Kemper ball stylus, it’s a real decision to get one of these but if they are in your budget, you won’t regret the purchase.

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Scoop-Shaped Clean Up Tool

The Kemper clean up tool.

Carving tools such as the Kemper Clean Up Tool features a scoop end with a point, and another end with a blade for cutting. It can be used for cutting larger areas, scraping, or as a fine point. Kemper makes a few different clean up tools and the clean up tools are also available as generics. The Kemper model usually costs $3 to $5.

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Small Loop Carving Tools

The Kemper Wire Loop Sgraffito tool is a great option for detailed carving.

Wire Loop Sgraffito Tool

In addition to stylus tools, another great option for sgraffito carving is a small wire loop tool. Much smaller than a normal loop tool, these really help you get great lines.

The Kemper WLS “wire loop sgraffito” tool is a great option with two loops on a double ended tool. It generally retails for $4 to $6.

Other Wire Stylus Options

The Kemper WS wire stylus has one wire tip.

In addition to the the WLS, there is also the single headed Kemper WS Wire Stylus, which generally costs $6-$12.

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The Xiem Incising Pen Tool has two interchangeable tips.

The Xiem Scratch Pen Incising Tool takes the ideas of the Kemper wire tools to another level, with interchangeable tips and a silicone handle. It generally retails for $15 for the handle with two tips.

There is also an option on this tool to buy the handle plus 8 different tips. Shop this option at Etsy.

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Ribbon and Loop Tools

The Kemper R2 ribbon tool has a curved side and a flat side.

Ribbon tools and loop tools are another great carving tool. Both are a metal band or wire loop connected to a wooden handle, and often are double side. The small, curved ribbon tool is a great carving tool and there are also many options with different shapes and sizes. Loop tools are often larger and used for trimming pots.

Most introductory pottery kits come with a ribbon tool and a loop tool, but if you don’t have one, look into a Kemper R2 Double Ended Ribbon Tool. It typically costs around $6.

Mini Ribbon Tool Sets

A typical generic mini ribbon tool set includes 6 tools.

Mini Ribbon Tool Sets are made by Kemper, Xiem, and generic manufacturers and are also great for sgraffito and carving. You might find a similar product with the Xiem Scratch Incising Pen (detailed above) but having these sets will also give you the different shapes of ribbon tools, often at an affordable price. This is one product where I think the generic is almost the same as the branded product, and you can often find sets of 6 tools for $7 to $10.

The Kemper set of 6 tools is listed at $13 at Blick, and $20 or more at Amazon.

The Xiem Mini Ribbon Tools come in sets of 3 (by color) or as a set of all 9 tools.

The Xiem Tools Mini Ribbon set features 9 tools with tempered stainless ribbon blades and aluminum handles. It typically retails for $24 at Blick or you can find the tools in packs of 3 broken down by color (see pic at right), for around $14 a pack at Amazon.

Other Mini Ribbon Tools

There are a wide variety of small ribbon tools out there, some ribbon blades on one side and wooden tools on the opposite end. As always, get what is best for you!

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Larger Loop and Ribbon Tools

Larger loop tools definitely have a place as carving tools. Generally, I use the standard Kemper loop tools because they are affordable and well made.

The Xiem Pro Multi-Function Tools feature a rounded side and a square side with a smaller blade that is closer to a ribbon tool size, making them ideal for detail work.

But for an upgrade, I have really enjoyed using the Xiem Pro Multi-Function tool. It has a doubled ended ribbon tool on the end of a wooden handle, which has a rounded side and a square side. In a recent test of loop tools, it was one of my favorites. The Xiem Multi-Function tool comes in small, medium, and large sizes and generally cost around $17 each. The medium is a great place to start if you are getting one.

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Other Tools for Carving, Sgraffito, and Decoration

A 6 pack of metal decorating combs.

Combing Tools

Serrated ribs and combing tools are another great option for modifying the surface of clay. You can make these yourself, such as from metal or plastic, or there are plenty of options online for a few dollars per rib. Pottery stores carry wooden options, or you can find metal or plastic ribs by searching for “cake decorating combs.” Often, a 6 pack of cake decorating combs are around $10.

One note on these multi packs, is that you may only need one or two of these combs. Some of the smaller grooves may not be as useful for decorating ceramic surfaces.

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Pottery Knives and Scrapers

For carving and decorating, knives and scrapers are most useful for clean up, especially in the bone dry stage. If you have a basic pottery tool kit, you already should have a fettling knife and a simple metal rib. But if you don’t, definitely get at least one knife and a metal scraper for your tool kit.

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Fluting Tool

The Xiem Fluting Tool has three blades.

Our final recommendation is a bit of a specialized tool — you can get a similar effect from a rounded ribbon tool, but this Fluting Tool from Xiem is well thought out and nice to use. It’s a handle with three sizes of fluted carving tools that can be swapped out as needed. There are also replacement blades available, making this a tool set that you can keep using for a long time, even if the blades wear out. It typically costs around $18-22 for the set.

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Conclusion

This post has covered a variety of tools for carving, faceting, decorating, and altering the surface of a ceramic sculpture or vessel. There are a lot of great tools out there, but also ways to do a lot of this with tools you might already have around the house.

Do you you have a favorite carving tool? Let us know in the comments.

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The Best Loop Tools for Trimming Pottery

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.

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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.

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

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

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Table of Contents

1. Top Picks

2. How Loop Tools Were Tested

3. Kemper and Kemper Pro Loop Tools

4. Xiem and Xiem Pro Loop Tools

5. Hsin Tools

6. Groovy Tools Loop Tools

7. Diamond Core Loop Tools

8. MudTools Do All Trim Tool

9. Sharpening Stones and Tools for Ceramic Tools

10. Summary

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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.

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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.

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

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

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Xiem and Xiem Pro Loop Trimming 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.

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.

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.

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

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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

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Groovy Tools Loop 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.

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.

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.

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DiamondCore Trimming Tools

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.

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

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Mudtools Do-All 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.

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

The curved or hooked side is somewhat similar to a teardrop shaped loop tool.

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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.

The Hsin tools sharpening tool.

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

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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.

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Spray Gun Buyer's Guide for Glazing Ceramics

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

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.

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 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.

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.

I use the unit at the 3.5 setting, but not every Wagner sprayer has an adjustable fan.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Wagner Control Sprayer

2. Pro-grade set up: Spray Gun with Air Compressor

3. Stainless Steel Atomizers for small projects

4. Spray Booths

5. Tips and Equipment for Spraying Glaze

6. Professional-Grade Spray Guns

7. Summary

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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

California Air Tools 1 gallon / 0.6 HP compressor is a great option for a small 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.

Spray Guns

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.

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.

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.

Air hose

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.

Brass coupler

Here are the same links as above:

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Small Projects Option: Stainless Steel Atomizers

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.

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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.

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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

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.

Banding Wheel

A Shimpo banding wheel will spin easily and can be cleaned after use.

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.

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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

The Binks 2100 model is a traditional (not HVLP) spray gun.

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.

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.

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.

The TCP-Global Pro-88 gravity feed gun.

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.

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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.

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Review: Western Digital My Passport SSD External Hard Drive

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The MyWeigh HD-300 has a heavy duty metal platform and detached digital display.

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.

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

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

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Table of Contents

1. MyWeigh HD-300 Shipping Scale

2. Rubbermaid Commercial Food / Receiving Scale

3. Accutek Heavy Duty Shipping Scale

4. Accutek Ship Pro

5. Summary

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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.

More pics of the MyWeigh HD-300

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.

The display lights up in a backlit green when in use.

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

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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 Food and Receiving Scale features a metal platform and detached digital display.

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.

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Accutek Heavy Duty Shipping Scale

The Accutek Heavy Duty Shipping Scale can weigh up to 440 pounds with a 0.05 pound accuracy.

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)

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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.

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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.

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The Best Full-Size Slab Rollers for Ceramic Studios

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

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.

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Budget Pick: Nidec Shimpo SR-3050 Slab Roller

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.

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.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Bailey DRD / II Gear Reduction Roller

2. Budget Pick: Shimpo Slab Roller

3. How to Shop For a Slab Roller

4. North Star Slab Rollers

5. The Hi Roller Vertical Slab Roller

6. All Bailey Slab Rollers

7. Brent Slab Rollers

8. Slab Accessories

9. Summary

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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.

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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.

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The Hi Roller Vertical Slab Roller

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.

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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.

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Brent Slab Rollers

The Brent SR-30 Slab Roller

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.

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Slab Accessories

A few things that will make working with slabs easier:

Slab Mats

Slab mats are available in a variety of sizes and are great for rolling slabs or handbuilding.

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.

Canvas

Unprimed, raw canvas is a great working surface that can be laundered.

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.

Rolling Pin

A solid maple rolling pin is a useful studio tool that is easy to clean.

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.

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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.

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Red Gorilla Tubs, a review and appreciation

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.

Look at the flexibility of this bucket!

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.

More Images of the Gorilla Tubs

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

These sizes stack together nicely.

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.

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Gift Guide for Artists who Paint and Draw

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.

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Blick Noir French Easel

The 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.

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Golden A-Z Acrylic Explorers Kit

The Golden A-Z Acrylic Explorer 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.

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Aquabee Super Deluxe Sketchbook

The 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.

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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.

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The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

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.

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Faber-Castell 9000 Series Drawing Set

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.

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Tote Bag for Tools, Pencils, and Brushes

JJRing Nylon Tote Bag

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.

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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.

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The Story of Painting: How Art Was Made

The Story of Painting: How Art Was Made from DK.

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.

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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.

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Anker Soundcore Q20 Noise Cancelling Headphones

The 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.

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Liquitex Acrylic Gouache

The Liquitex Acrylic Gouache 12 color essentials kit.

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.

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Blick Super Value Bulk Canvas Pack

The Blick Super Value Bulk Canvas Pack has 40 16x20” pre-primed canvases.

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.

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Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint

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.

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Foam Daubers

Foam daubers aka sponges on a stick.

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.

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Create Dangerously: The Power and Responsibility of the Artist 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.

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Canson XL Black Drawing Pad

The Canson XL Black Drawing Sketchbook

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.

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X-Acto Basic Knife Set and Case

The X-Acto Basic Knife Set with 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.

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Self-Healing Cutting Mat

Alvin Cutting Mats are one option for self-healing cutting mats.

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.

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Arches Watercolor Blocks

Arches watercolor blocks come in a variety of paper thicknesses and finishes.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Pentel Pocket Brush

The Pentel Pocket Brush Pen with two refills.

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.

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Alice Neel: People Come First

Alice Neel: People Come First is a 2021 monograph published by the Met Museum.

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.

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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.

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Blick Studio Black Cotton Canvas

Blick Studio Black Cotton Canvas are pre-primed and stretched and ready to paint.

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.

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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

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Blick Super Value Hardbound Sketchbook

The Blick Super Value Hardbound Sketchbook two pack.

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.

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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.

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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

Gift Guide for Young Artists and Creative Kids

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Best Glues and Adhesives for Ceramics

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.

For info on more glues and adhesives, keep reading.

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick: E6000

• Devcon and other 2-part epoxies

• PC-7 and PC-11

• JB Weld

• Magic-Sculpt

• Gorilla Glue

• Modge Podge

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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.

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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.

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J-B Weld

J-B Weld is a two-part, paste epoxy pictured here with the smallest 2 oz package (I oz per tube).

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.

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Magic-Sculpt

The 5lb Magic-Sculpt kit comes with 2.5 lb tubs of resin and hardener.

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.

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

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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.

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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.

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Handheld Clay Extruder Buyer's Guide

The Shimpo Nidec Handheld Extruder comes with 5 aluminum dies and one blank.

Handheld extruders or “clay guns” are useful tools for making small runs of handles, coils, and small hollow forms. If you are looking to make a repeatable shape in a quick, efficient way, then a handheld extruder is what you need.

These extruders work like a caulk gun: you fill the barrel with clay, screw the cap over the die form, and repeatedly squeeze the trigger to push clay through the die. It can be a bit of a wrist workout, so definitely use soft clay with these.

There are four options when choosing a handheld extruder: 2 sizes from Scott Creek, and one each from Shimpo and Kemper. There are also two miniature clay extruders such as the Kemper Klay Gun, for making extremely small shapes, which I’ll cover at the end of the post.

It’s really a coin toss as all four handheld extruders are well made, but for most studios and hand sizes, I would recommend the Shimpo Handheld Extruder. For about the same price, the Shimpo Handheld Extruder comes with a few more dies than the Scott Creek, and I prefer the circular handle at the back as opposed to the bar handle on the Scott Creek models. And as this is a handheld extruder, I prefer the shorter and wider barrel of the Shimpo because it is easier to squeeze out the clay.

A full review of handheld extruders follows, including the three options from Shimpo or Scott Creek, and two options for smaller decorative clay extruders. For larger extruders, check out our guide to wall-mounted extruders here.

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Table of Contents

1. Shimpo Handheld Extruder

2. Scott Creek Super Duper Clay Gun and Clay Gun XL

3. Kemper IKEG Klay Extruder

4. Small Extruders: Kemper Klay Gun and Bailey Clay Gun

5. Summary

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Top Pick: Shimpo Handheld Extruder

The Shimpo Handheld Extruder comes with 5 dies and one blank die.

The Shimpo Hollow Die Kit has 8 shapes. The middle of each shape is screwed on to the larger piece at the bottom.

The Shimpo Handheld Extruder is a quality tool that lets you easily make shaped coils, small hollow forms, or handles. It’s basically a caulk gun with an aluminum barrel and dies. The threaded barrel is 2 1/4” wide and about 10 inches long. The entire model measures about 13 x 9 x 3 inches, weighs just a few pounds, and can easily be stored in a drawer. It can be entirely submerged in water for cleanup, but you may want to oil the hinges and moving metal parts as needed.

Shimpo 4-in-1 Die Kit has 8 shapes of varying sizes and an isolator die.

The Shimpo Extruder is the top pick because the kit comes with five dies and one blank, and I prefer the circular handle. I also find the the shorter barrel makes it easier to squeeze out the clay, even though that means more frequent refilling. But it’s really a coin toss if this is better than the Scott Creek Clay Gun and the choice really comes down to personal preference. In my studio, I use a Shimpo Handheld Extruder along with a mixture of dies from Shimpo and Scott Creek.

Shimpo has two die kits: one with a selection of eight hollow forms and another with eight “4-in-1” shapes of varying sizes. You can extrude all four sizes at once, or use the isolation die to select just one. The hollow forms are what most people go for, as those shapes would be extremely hard to make without a die, but both kits would really expand the options in your studio.

The Shimpo Handheld Extruder generally retails for around $60 and the die kits are about $40 each. You can find this tool at ceramic supply stores or online at Blick.

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Scott Creek Super Duper Clay Extruder and Clay Extruder XL

The Scott Creek Super Duper Clay Gun.

The Scott Creek XL Clay Gun has a 15” barrel.

Scott Creek makes two handheld extruders and five die kits. The Super Duper Clay Gun has a 10 inch barrel while the XL has a 15 inch barrel. Both feature a bar handle at the rear as opposed to the circular handle on the Shimpo. The barrel is 2 inches wide, which is 1/4” smaller than the Shimpo. Note that the Scott Creek die kits will definitely fit the Shimpo Extruder, but the Shimpo dies may not work with the Scott Creek guns. Both Scott Creek extruders come with one coil die and two blank aluminum dies.

The Scott Creek Handle Die Kit features 8 shapes cut out of clear acrylic. The Scott Creek Dies are compatible with the Shimpo Extruder.

Scott Creek extruders are rugged, well built, and will get the job done. They are a bit harder to find in stores, but are readily available direct from the manufacturer. Scott Creek also makes a hollow aluminum die kit with the same shapes as Shimpo, along with an aluminum die kit of small forms. There are also three die sets made out of clear acrylic including a “shape and coil” kit, tile trim kit, and handle kit. The handle kit is my most used die kit and I would recommend that kit regardless of which extruder you purchase.

Although it might seem attractive to use the larger XL Extruder, keep in mind that the longer barrel may be harder to clean and store, and it is that much harder to squeeze clay out. (Any handheld extruder really relies on wrist strength.)

The Scott Creek Super Duper Clay Extruder usually retails for around $55-60, and the XL goes for around $70, and the die kits generally cost about $40 each.

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Kemper IKEG Klay Extruder

The Kemper IKEG Klay Extruder

The Kemper IKEG Klay Extruder is an interesting offering from the venerable clay tool manufacturer. It’s even longer than the Scott Creek XL, with a barrel measuring 20 inches in length by 2 inches wide. It comes with 3 aluminum coil dies, 1 blank die, and 2 plastic spouts.

As stated above, I feel that a shorter barrel is easier to use but if you decide to go with this option, you can always just fill the barrel with less clay to make it easier to use. Aside from that, the trigger of this gun is virtually identical to the Shimpo with a circular handle. Kemper has a limited offering of dies, but Scott Creek dies will work with this extruder.

The Kemper IKEG Klay Extruder typically retails for around $60 and can be found at ceramic suppliers such as Bailey.

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Mini Extruders: Kemper K45 Klay Gun and Bailey Clay Gun

These miniature clay extruders are useful for making texture or super small coils, such as for hair. They also work with polymer clay, so if you are working in miniatures, this is the clay extruder for you. For typical clay studios, these mini guns often sit unused in studio drawers but if you need a really specific shape, they may work for you. They are virtually identical but the Bailey set also comes with a handy plastic carrying case.

The Bailey Clay Gun is a miniature extruder.

Bailey Clay Gun

The Bailey Clay Gun has 19 dies and a carrying case. It typically costs around $13. Make sure that whatever you put in the barrel is very soft.

Shop at Bailey

Kemper Klay Gun

The Kemper Klay Gun also has 19 dies and typically costs around $13. It may be exactly the same thing as the Bailey Clay Gun, but it doesn’t have a case.

Shop at Blick

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Summary

Handheld extruders are a great way to make small batches of similar shapes, such as handles or hollow shapes. For a long time, I thought of them as an extraneous tool but once I started using them, I found that I really liked the look of extruded handles. Definitely don’t get one of these if it will simply sit unused in a drawer.

With only four models on the market, all are basically the same with just a few minor differences, so you can’t go wrong. For me, I prefer the slightly wider and shorter Shimpo barrel but my favorite dies are the handle kit from Scott Creek. You will find your own combination that works for you.

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