The CW: What Tools Do You Use? – Brendan @indoorceramics
As someone who both throws and hand builds ceramics, I have a pretty wide range of tools that I own, however the ones that I use on a regular basis aren’t that wide ranging. Here are my go-to picks for throwing, hand-building, trimming, and glazing — each linked so you can grab them from The Clay Warehouse!
Throwing Basics
Xiem XST-15 Needle Tool
I’m gonna grab a Xiem XST-15 Needle & Scoring Tool, since it’s a single piece of metal that can really stand up to heavy use without bending or breaking.
DiamondCore "Tough" Pottery Sponge
At the wheel I always reach for a black “tough” DiamondCore Pottery Sponge — the pore size locks in just the right amount of water without dripping.
Xiem Pro-Cutting Wire (11")
After my needle tool, I slice clay off the wheel with the Xiem Pro-Cutting Wire 11", which lives in a clear case so it never gets tangled.
Garrity Tools Unfoot 3
For initial undercutting, I use the Garrity Tools Unfoot 3 — it gives a clean lift on the foot without distorting my walls.
Garrity Tools B2 Texture Rib
To finish shapes and add texture, the small curvy Garrity Tools B2 Texture Rib is perfect for smoothing or adding facets in my piece.
Hand Building Basics
Xiem Pro-Cutting Wire (11")
For clean cuts, I use the Xiem Pro-Cutting Wire 11" — it’s the perfect length so I don’t have to wrap it around my fingers.
GR Pottery Forms Sue Tool
When building cylinders and mapping out plate feet, the Sue Tool from GR Pottery Forms makes drawing perfect circles effortless.
Xiem X-Bevel Tool
To bevel slab joints for stronger attachments, I rely on the Xiem X-Bevel Tool, which cuts precise angles to create a stronger bond.
Trimming Time
DiamondCore Arc Shaver 1
For trimming off large sections of leather-hard clay, the DiamondCore Arc Shaver 1 (Clay Shredder) is my first grab — its adjustable-angle blade and hardwood handle make clay removal a breeze.
DiamondCore Fine Sponge
When I need to smooth leather-hard surfaces after trimming, I reach for a FineDiamondCore Pottery Sponge for the fine finish.
DiamondCore T5 Torch Trimming Tool
For detailed trimming and clean undercuts, nothing beats the DiamondCore T5 Torch Tool with Talon Handle — it stays sharp, comes with a spare blade, and the stainless tips never need sharpening.
Glazing
Xiem ShortCut Series Brushes
To apply glaze I love the Xiem ShortCut Glaze Brushes — their goat hair holds just the right amount of glaze for an even coat.
Well, that covers my everyday toolkit! A few others could easily make this list, but these are the core tools that keep me going. Thanks for reading!.
Written by Brendan (@indoorceramics) at The Clay Warehouse