Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Out of all the tools I use, it’s the spinner that has sort of quietly become one of the mainstays of my trimming process. It isn’t wildly useful, it doesn’t change things too much or make you any better, it simply allows me to apply more consistent pressure and anything within this craft that increases how consistent you are, is surprisingly helpful.
Sadly, the specific spinners I use can no longer be purchased, as the maker, Richard, retired form tool-making a few years ago and what you see here is the initial prototype he sent me, which I’ve been using ever since. (I recommend the @monkeystuff_co version though if you’re in the market for one that I’ve used and like)
It’s essentially an extension of my fingers, that’s all, it widens my grip on the vessel as I’m trimming, which means I can apply more consistent and widespread pressure in order to hold down certain components as I trim. That’s its main function, yet it also does two more things. The first is that it means you can pin a pot down onto the wheel that has a relatively thin base, as it spreads out that pressure, (think of standing upright on thin ice versus laying down with your limbs spread out).
The second feature is that it separates your digits from the spinning clay itself, which can be useful because as the clay rapidly spins on the wheel, if you aren’t careful, it is possible to let the motion of the wheel influence that hand that’s pressing down, eventually shifting it off centre. Whereas with a spinner that has a ballbearing in the middle, it separates the portion that spins with the part you hold, which means all you have to focus on is pressing downward, instead of having to press down and keep those digits centred. Lastly, it also stops particularly grogged bodies from rubbing against your skin excessively over a long trimming session.
Essentially, I think they’re tools that lend themselves to makers who trim rather a lot, that’s where they really shine.
#tools #toolsofthetrade #maker #pottery #craft
Out of all the tools I use, it’s the spinner that has sort of quietly become one of the mainstays of my trimming process. It isn’t wildly useful, it doesn’t change things too much or make you any better, it simply allows me to apply more consistent pressure and anything within this craft that increases how consistent you are, is surprisingly helpful.
Sadly, the specific spinners I use can no longer be purchased, as the maker, Richard, retired form tool-making a few years ago and what you see here is the initial prototype he sent me, which I’ve been using ever since. (I recommend the @monkeystuff_co version though if you’re in the market for one that I’ve used and like)
It’s essentially an extension of my fingers, that’s all, it widens my grip on the vessel as I’m trimming, which means I can apply more consistent and widespread pressure in order to hold down certain components as I trim. That’s its main function, yet it also does two more things. The first is that it means you can pin a pot down onto the wheel that has a relatively thin base, as it spreads out that pressure, (think of standing upright on thin ice versus laying down with your limbs spread out).
The second feature is that it separates your digits from the spinning clay itself, which can be useful because as the clay rapidly spins on the wheel, if you aren’t careful, it is possible to let the motion of the wheel influence that hand that’s pressing down, eventually shifting it off centre. Whereas with a spinner that has a ballbearing in the middle, it separates the portion that spins with the part you hold, which means all you have to focus on is pressing downward, instead of having to press down and keep those digits centred. Lastly, it also stops particularly grogged bodies from rubbing against your skin excessively over a long trimming session.
Essentially, I think they’re tools that lend themselves to makers who trim rather a lot, that’s where they really shine.
#tools #toolsofthetrade #maker #pottery #craft
