Ceramics

If you're already a master of the pottery wheel, or you're looking to get started, then this is a great place to be. Outlined into information about clay, tools, and wheels, this guide will give you an easy breakdown of all the supplies you need to create lasting works of art with your own hands! Generally people shape and mold their clay at home and then bring it to a professional craft or specialty store to have fired and set. But, if you're looking to do it all yourself, then check out our Kiln Buying Guide.

Clay	Tools	Wheels

Choosing Clay

There are many different types of clay out there, each with a different purpose. There is polymer clay, also known as hobby clay, as well as the more special 'real' clay. Hobby clay burns at a much cooler temperature than the more professional types of clay. Your oven at home would be great for firing anything that you were to make out of polymer clay. While it is easy to use and easy to set, polymer clay is much easier to break, and therefore makes it not as high quality as the clays that need to be fired in a kiln at very high temperatures.

If you're going to be firing high quality clay, then sooner or later you are going to come face to face with what is called a cone. A cone is both a device and a measurement, and can either be self supporting, or pyrometric. Cones measure the amount of heat needed to fire the clay, as well as the limit to how much heat the kiln can provide. All cones have a scale for their measurements. The coolest, lowest point is an 02, going up to an 01, and the hotter settings are on a 1-10 scale. This measuring scale is very useful. If you have a clay that fires at 06, but you were to use a level 5 kiln, that clay would definitely melt from much too high temperatures. You need to make sure that the measurements match up and you are using the correct type of kiln. Generally, clays known as 'earthenware' burn at the lower temperatures. 'Stoneware' clay is best for holding up in high heats.

When you go to purchase clay, make sure to take note of the cone on its label. If you are going to use someone else's kiln, you can let them know the clay's cone level and therefore they will take extra care to not destroy your pottery. If you are using your own kiln, then you will want to purchase a cone. Pyrometric cones  are placed in a kiln as they are heating up. Once the kiln starts to reach the desired temperature, the cone will begin to bend. The process usually takes about 20 minutes. After those 20 minutes have elapsed, you will be able to tell if the kiln is at the right temperature. If the cone is still straight and rigid, then the kiln is too cool. If it is completely wilted, then the cone is too hot. A proper bend in the cone should be a perfect hook shape.

Witness cones and large cones are used in the firing process as a means of telling when the heating is complete. Pyrometric cones are generally used along with a device known as a kiln-sitter, which recognizes the temperature and automatically shuts the kiln off.

Getting Started

You're going to need a comfortable and spacious location to take up this mostly messy hobby. A garage, shed, or workshop is a great place to set up. If not, then the kitchen would be ideal. Here are some guidelines to get the best out of your experience:

• A comfortable tale and chair are key.
• Cover the surrounding areas with newspaper to avoid mess and make for easy clean-up.
• Keep a sponge handy for any unexpected spillage.
• A Tupperware, glass container, or a bowl is necessary for 'slip'.
• You can get a spray bottle full of water for keeping the clay moist while fashioning it.
• Platic bags or containers are great for storing your work in between sittings so it doesn't dry out.
• An inexpensive rolling pin  is a good tool for flattening and smoothing the clay.
• You can cut, carve, slice, and slit the clay with a tool called a fettling knife.

Those are just some basics, but in reality you are going to need more tools in order to make diverse and intersting projects. If you're a beginner, you might want to purchase a tool kit, like those from Kemper  or Doo Woo,  like the mini ribbon sculpting set.  For those more advanced, consider adding clay shapers,  sculpting sets,  or wax carver sets. 

About Wheels and Throwing

It is a personal preference whether you prefer to use your hands to shape clay or if you like the fun messiness of throwing it. Pottery wheels for throwing clay are not for the one-time user. However, if you are looking to get more serious about pottery or go professional, then you should consider buying a wheel of your own. If you have a wheel in your house, there are no limits to when you can practice your craft.

There are some factors to be considered when purchasing a wheel. The first is power. Pottery wheel motors are measured in horsepower, usually from a half to one. A 1/3 hp is pretty standard, capable of spinning up to 50 pounds of clay. If you are an esteemed professional, then you can upgrade to a 1/2 hp. Don't forget that the more power, the more noisy the machine will be.

Portability-Beginner wheels are often portable.

Kickwheels-These wheels are not powered by a motor, but rather by one's own energy. They are usually very heavy and can be used alone or as a tool for trimming.

Reverse Mode- A switch from clockwise to counter clockwise is a great idea for trimming and shaping.

Work Bench-A wheel with an attached work bench is an easy way to store all of your equipment together.