Pottery Tools for Beginners 

Awesome, congrats!!!

Seriously, love getting new tools!

I've been curious about the kind of clays he uses too! John, do you recycle/reuse trimmings? I've seen some pretty complicated ways to turn them back into useable clay, and I'm wondering if it's truly worth all the time and effort. Some people's methods seem to take weeks.

I just watched one of his other vids and he said he said he uses Montana clay (clay from where he is) and he does reuse.

Hi I'm a potter, I own a pottery studio where I teach classes and have memberships. if you're making pottery maybe throwing 100 lbs a month then reclaiming clay should be pretty easy take your scraps and a 3 gallon bucket throw everything in there and I would recommend making a plaster slab, dump the bucket on there when you have a bunch it will dry out to the consistency you like and wedge it up reuse. in the last 3 days I personally threw 90 mugs and some large planters some plates and other small things I go through a lot of clay personally and with my classes I can have 50 lbs of scraps so reclaiming is a must and with stuff that dries out I have probably have 400 lbs of bone dry clay. I pour the throwing water in a 5 gallon bucket and siphon the water off every day till it's full of clay then I put bone dry clay in that that takes about a week to break down and dry out on plaster bats. really it comes down to this #1 use less water that will break down the clay less and be less saturated which you will be able to reuse the clay faster. #2 don't let the clay scraps sit in your splash pan with water any whole scraps take out and let them dry asap #3 use enough clay to make what your making, not pulling clay from the bottom of the piece will make it so you have to cut more off weather its when your done throwing or when your trimming but the goal should be you have about the same amount of clay when the piece is finished as when you started.

OH EM GII well using clay from the ground is like making your own glazes. Potters in the days of yore might locate where the clay is good. I have tried it and have found it to fire low. I painted it on a tester bowl on the inside. Potters want clay that is also plastic so that when you roll a coil and bend that coil into a u shape it doesn't immediately crack. Sometimes ingredients are added to change firing temp or plasticity. Some artists were using this to create organic looking pots. More work but worth it to get your own unique effects. Mostly if you dig it from the ground you won't know what's in it unless it gets tested. Or did you mean just buying bags ingredients. Some potters do have it mixed to their formulas but just getting a clay for beginners might be the best way to go to start. Master that first then try clays. Then you will know what you are looking for.

Hoping you are willing to share your application process... would love to try them out in my studio. Thx

Changed my bisque fire to 04 (1945 degrees) SLOW and have virtually eliminated my pin holes problems.

You think the 4x speed is too fast? should I do more normal speed throwing? Thanks for the comment, I do love my little basement/dungeon studio:)

Jonthepotter For me the 4xs speed is too fast, but mostly I miss you talking about the project, the clay, and basically the process. I can relate to the other response you received about how your videos are different and I watch for the same reason. Art is an extension of the artist. The pots take on that life. You have an energy, sincerity and joy that comes out in your work and I think that’s why people like to hear you express your thoughts as you work. You are sharing your life not just your work. Your willingness to share the source of your glazes, clay and technique have an openness about them that encourages other potters to try. No one can truly copy another because your hand has left its mark on that pot. Just so you know I am pushing 70 and only 5 years ago started working with clay. I was a textile major and taught sewing for 30 years, dabbled in oil and pastels but I think clay is my favorite. We have clay here on our ranch and I have fired some and would like to build a wood fire kiln. My grandkids love your videos. We watch and then “go play in the mud”. I started them on pinch pots. We’re doing some of your glass coasters now. I agree with another post that requested more variations on using the recycled glass on non food surface areas.

Yes you can cook with pots in the oven, just don't go straight from freezer to oven or vice versa, the quick change in temp can crack it. But typically it does fine!

It's coming!

That's interesting! I always felt like it a was sharper when I got new tools, must be in my head

Jonthepotter I think they do get duller with use as sharpening is done at a twenty degree angle not straight on the cutting edge.I think as experts from clay art said so.

If you leave them till they’re dry the bottom will probably develop a crack. Wire cut under the pot right after it is thrown, and cut again and get it off the batt as soon as it’s stiff enough to pick up without distortion.

I love my new Skutt Wheel!

My automatic kiln does everything for me ! haven't used cones since I got my new kiln a few years ago

Clay ❗️

Thanks for the comment, not sure I understand what you mean tho? sorry wish I could help!