Crafting often involves making your own tools. You can make a lot out of wood and metal, but I don't want wood dust in my small studio anymore, and I don't bend everything I need out of metal myself. That's why I added a 3D printer to my studio at the beginning of this year. After a bit of testing and setting it up, it started working as it should. Today, the printer has already produced several tools and aids that make throwing or trimming pottery much more convenient.
Here are three tools that I recommend to other ceramicists. More will definitely be added.
Spinner
I had a trimming spinner before, but its shape wasn't the most comfortable in the hand. So I designed my own version - a spinner that's easy to grip and comfortable to rest your fingers on while trimming. This helps keep the container stable and reduces hand strain.
Tool tray for potters wheel
When turning clay, the same question always arises: where to put the tools so that they are really at hand. To do this, I created a tool tray that attaches to the edge of the potters wheel splashpan. That way, everything you need is exactly where you need it.
Throwing gauge
I don’t have a perfect name for this tool, but the principle is simple: you set the arrowhead to the height and width of the pot you want to throw. Some people use wire or a knitting needle inside a ball of clay for this – it works, but my solution is more stable, practical and stylish too. The throwing gauge also attaches to the edge of the splash pan and the measurement is fixed with a single screw. If the arrow gets in the way while turning, it can be pushed aside with one movement and just as quickly brought back into the correct position to check the measurement.
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