Check out options below for various key components for the studio
01 Wheel
There are two popular types of wheels used by artists: a kick wheel and an electric wheel. A kick wheel is a non-motorized wheel been used for centuries which operates from a foot kick to spin the wheel. It’s a durable and low-maintenance option to go with. But it takes up relatively larger space than a typical electric wheel. Variable-speed electric wheel is the most preferred option for a home studio since it is easy to operate, compact and noise-free.
Good electric wheel should run trouble free for decades and it is a life time investment for an artist. Hence it is worth taking time to explore all key considerations listed below.
For a beginner setting up a home studio space, Shimpo RK-55 wheel can be considered a good option. It is a belt-driven lightweight wheel which comes with a remote pedal, two-piece splash pan, workspace, 100-watt reversible motor, an automatic belt-tensioning system.
Wheel throwing process can be tiring and therefore a chair of comfortable height or a height adjustable stool should be used while working on the wheel.
Some tips on maintaining your electric wheel
02 Wheel Bats
Bats are attachments to the pottery wheel head and they are extremely useful tool. An artist using a bat can easily remove the bat from wheel and transfer the piece without touching and hence no disturbance to shape or form. Using a bat also prevents any corrosion to wheel head that could be caused by certain minerals in the clay.
Bats are available in MDF, plastic and foam material. Each has its pros and cons.
03 Clay
Choosing the right clay plays an important role in your practice. Our recommendation is for you to use a stoneware or earthenware clay for wheel throwing. There are many brands including Claystation that offer different variations. You need to look for a clay which has two important characteristics- plasticity and strength. Plasticity refers to how easily you can throw and more importantly the tendency of the clay to retrain the shape. Also, you can check if the clay bends without developing any cracks.
Strength is the next important factor and this refers to how much the clay can hold itself up once it is shaped. Clay that is strong will be able to support itself well and a less strong clay will buckle and slump. Most of the suppliers will provide these details for the clay they supply. So, you can try out different clay before you finalize on few to work with.
Claystation’s Sandalwood, Coffee Brown and Ivory clay can be used while exploring wheel throwing. These clays have a certain level of strength, which makes working with them enjoyable and the process quite creative. They can take a little bit of rough usage and won't lose their plasticity quickly.
Once you have identified and purchased the clay, below are few tips for managing the storage.
04 Wedging table/board
A heavy wooden board with a canvas cover is ideal to wedge clay and you can use C-clamps to secure the board from any movement while wedging. Alternatively, you can purchase premade wedging boards. Claystation offers in two sizes 1.5 ft X 1.5 ft and 2 ft X 2 ft.
It is advisable to weigh the clay lump before throwing it on the wheel. You can use a weigh scale (can be purchased from Amazon) to weigh your clay and then wedge it into lumps for throwing.
05 Basic Tools
Choosing the right set of pottery tools could be daunting as there are so many options available. Here is a list of basic tools you might need for wheel throwing.
06 Storage
As you start making articles, a regular open rack can be used to keep the covered articles for drying. Choose the shelf size according to the article size and the board holding the article as well. Try assigning different racks or shelves for fired and unfired articles to avoid any confusion while handling.
07 Plumbing
t is quite important to avoid clay and other ceramic materials to go through your home plumbing system as it could clog your drain. The best way to avoid clogging is by cleaning your hands and tools thoroughly in a tub or a bucket of water first. The clay particles will settle down overtime and the water that remains in the top can be removed. The clay that settles down can be recycled.
It is advisable to rinse the apron and the hand towel thoroughly to remove access clay before putting them for machine wash to avoid the clay particles settling in the machine.
08 Other Essentials
09 References
https://potterycrafters.com/home-pottery-studio-set-up-guide/
https://www.homesteadpottery.com/articles-homestead-pottery/setting-up-a-pottery-studio/
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/set-up-your-pottery-studio-2746268
https://www.thestudiomanager.com/posts/best-throwing-bats-for-the-pottery-wheel
]]>It all starts with first identifying a space which is well ventilated and has good natural lighting. If natural lighting is not an option, then a good tube light would be the next best option. Check out options below for various key components for the studio
A clean 3’x3’ table space would work initially to start with. The table height should let you keep your spine straight while working. A canvas cloth (without primer coating) can be used to cover the table top to avoid any clay sticking to the table surface.
A wooden board with a canvas cover is ideal to wedge clay and you can use C-clamps to secure the board from any movement while wedging. Alternatively, you can purchase premade wedging boards. Claystation offers in two sizes 1.5 ft X 1.5 ft and 2ft X2ft.
Choosing the right clay plays an important role in your practice. Our recommendation is for you to use a stoneware or earthenware clay for hand-building. There are many brands including Claystation that offer different variations. You need to look for a clay which has two important characteristics- plasticity and strength. Plasticity refers to how easily you can shape and more importantly the tendency of the clay to retrain the shape.
Strength is the next important factor and this refers to how much the clay can hold itself up once it is shaped. Clay that is strong will be able to support itself well if not, it will buckle and slump.
Claystation’s Sandalwood and Coffee Brown clay are ideal for beginners exploring hand-building. These clays have relatively good strength, which makes working with them enjoyable.
Once you have purchased the clay, below are few tips for managing the storage.
Choosing the right set of pottery tools could be daunting as there are so many options available. Here is a list of basic tools you might need for hand-building. Some of the tools listed below can be easily replaced using day to day objects that are found at home. So, consider creative alternatives before you purchase them.
Pottery tool Kit: First and foremost, on the tools list is a beginner pottery toolkit. This includes a wire cutter, needle tool/toothpick, a sponge, metal rib, wooden knife, trimming tool and a loop tool.
Scoring tool: For scoring and attaching two hand-built pieces a needle tool can be used initially to start with but a scoring tool is much more useful and efficient
Clay knife/hacksaw blade: These work perfectly while cutting soft clay into various shapes as well as for detailed cutwork at the leather hard stage.
Rolling pins and guides: These are ideal for a beginner to make slabs. One should initially invest in them before investing in an expensive slab roller.
A bevel cutter can serve as an essential tool while working with clay slabs to get precise angular edges especially while building geometrical forms.
Paddle tool is useful in shaping objects or to strengthen attachments. Initially, you can also start off with using a wooden spoon too.
Banding Wheel: As your hand-building practice matures and involves lot of surface decoration, carving and sculpting then it is recommended to invest in a good banding wheel or turn table.
As you start making articles, a regular open rack can be used to keep the covered articles for drying. Choose the shelf size according to the article size and the board holding the article as well. Try assigning different racks or shelves for fired and unfired articles to avoid any confusion while handling.
It is quite important to avoid clay and other ceramic materials to go through your home plumbing system as it could clog your drain. The best way to avoid clogging is by cleaning your hands and tools thoroughly in a tub or a bucket of water first. The clay particles will settle down overtime and the water that remains in the top can be removed. The clay that settles down can be recycled.