The Three Main Pieces of Equipment for Potters
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Potters use a variety of tools and equipment in their creative process, but the three most essential pieces of equipment are kilns, wheels, and something to bring dry clay to a usable form.
It transforms clay into a ceramic material. Although firing can be done in a pit, most pottery is fired inside a kiln to ensure its quality.
Kilns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all of them serve the same purpose: to reach and maintain an incredibly high temperature so that the clay can be properly fired. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the size and type of kiln being used.
Electric or fuel-burning kilns are containers that generate enough heat to fire ceramics. If you’re considering buying a kiln, there are a few important factors to keep in mind such as the type of kiln and its purpose. Electric kilns are powered by electricity, while fuel-burning kilns use a variety of fuels such as natural gas, propane, or wood. Understanding the basics of each type of kiln will help you make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.
Potter’s Wheels
Best pottery wheel have used various kinds of wheels to create their pottery throughout the years and in different cultures. The potter’s wheel is likely the most well-known type of equipment used for this purpose.
Clay Processors
These pieces of equipment help potters to prepare clay for use. Usually, only those who are doing a large volume of work will need to invest in their own set. Clays that are available commercially have already been mixed and pugged.
The three main types of clay processing equipment are clay mixers, pugmills, and pugger-mixers. Clay mixers only mix the ingredients for the clay body, but they can also be used to recycle clay scraps. Pug mills homogenize mixed clay, while pugger-mixers can do both mixing and homogenizing.
Clay preparation equipment is used to mix and condition clay for pottery. Generally, only potters who are doing a large volume of work need to own their own clay processing equipment. Commercially available clays have already been mixed and pugged (a process of grinding and mixing clay).
The three main pieces of clay preparation equipment are clay mixers, pugmills, and pugger-mixers. Clay mixers if mixed clay body ingredients and are also used to recycle clay scraps. Pug mills homogenize clay that has already been mixed. Pugger-mixers can do both.
