After a couple of years working with something kind of like this that I jerry-rigged together, I bit the bullet and ordered one from potter John Fulwood.
It's really pretty. High-quality and constructed of hardwood. I took it for a spin and now it has the first of many clay splotches on it.
Though I tried first to order through John's website, I ended up giving him a call. He was in the middle of teaching a class, I think, but was super nice and happy to talk about his product.
He said he built his first one years ago for his own use and was encouraged to patent and market it. I'm glad he finally did!
I have lots of plates and bowls that are "almost" the same size. This will help me get a little closer to the mark.
13 comments:
Good for you. I'm a big believer in good tools. If it makes your job easier and, this is important as well, is easy on the eyes, then it is worth every penny. Surrounding yourself with useful and beautiful things does a lot for your work and your psyche.
Is there where we begin a philosophic discussion of the experienced potter and the "close enough" work ethic? I weigh out my clay balls if making a standard item, but measure size and shape by eye. Phhhllbbbt to my customers who get uptight about it.
That is quite the tool! I like to have a gauge as well, but mine isn't nearly as pretty to look at--tends to wiggle around on me too (bamboo stick stuck on the splash pan with clay). I like to make my sets as close to the same size, especially items that stack.
Don't you just love getting new tools? So cool.... and, by-the-way... you've been tagged!
read about it at
http://monacodesigns.blogspot.com/2008/08/ive-been-tagged.html
can't wait to read what you have to say!
Deborah - I know what you mean about good tools being worth the price, but sometimes I have to struggle with my own less efficient (and definitely less attractive) solutions before I think I "deserve" it. Crazy.
Gary - Regarding "close enough" work ethic... I sooooo like your style! And, just because I have the tool doesn't mean I'm getting things just right!
Hey Ben - Your gauge sounds like what I was doing, but mine, unfortunately, wasn't very successful!
Hi Kimberly! I love your blog and the post with the random things about you... And thanks for thinking of me!... I think...I am so swamped right now, I'll have to answer your tag challenge tonight or tomorrow.
Looks like a Great tool to make perfect size vessels every time!
By the way you have been tagged, read about it at You've been tagged!
Your 'pottery gauge' is a tool that is part of every wheel at Winchcombe, where I trained.Every pot had a given height and weight that had been determined over many years of experience. It takes a great deal of guess work out of throwing.I particularly think that is is useful while we are acquiring our throwing skills. I eventually put mine aside, but my skills are very different now then 30 years ago.
I think that's why my socks have two inch holes before I finally replace them (or that could just be laziness)
Same with me and what Dan says. I started clay 25 years ago this week! Yeow! And YES, when I was an apprentice we used a measure. I still weigh out clay as I say, but just wing it with size. The one thing I try to do is have FUN.
I really need one of those. I will add it to my wish list!
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