Pottery Wheel Types

Wheel Type Power Source Pros Cons Ideal For
Electric Wheel Plug-in motor Quiet, efficient, portable Needs power Hobbyists, indoor studios
Kick Wheel Manual, foot-powered No electricity, durable Heavy, tiring Traditionalists, outdoor use
Portable Mini Wheel Electric (compact) Affordable, small footprint Lower torque, small projects Beginners, small pieces
Standing Wheel Electric, ergonomic Adjustable height More expensive Professionals

Kiln Types

Kiln Type Power Source Best For Temp Range Pros & Cons
Electric Kiln 240V (or 120V mini) Small studios Cone 04–Cone 10 (1,900–2,345°F) Compact, clean, easy setup
Gas Kiln Natural gas/propane High fire, large volumes Up to Cone 10+ More complex, outdoor only
Raku Kiln Propane Fast firing Cone 06 (1,800°F) Unique effects, hands-on process
Wood-Fired Kiln Firewood Traditional techniques High fire (Cone 10+) Time-consuming, rustic results
Microwave Kiln Microwave Small metal-free items Low-temp (glass fusing) Niche use only

Clay Body Types

Clay Type Firing Temp Texture Common Use Notes
Earthenware Cone 06–04 (low fire) Soft, porous Tiles, dinnerware Needs glazing to be watertight
Stoneware Cone 5–10 Durable, semi-smooth Functional ware Very versatile, dishwasher-safe
Porcelain Cone 10 Smooth, white, fine Mugs, sculpture Requires high-temp kiln
Raku Clay Cone 06 Thermal shock resistant Raku firing Low-fired, not food-safe
Paper Clay Varies Lightweight Sculptures, mixed media Includes cellulose pulp for texture

Beginner Pottery Equipment List

Tool Use Budget
Pottery Wheel Throwing forms $200–1,200
Kiln Firing clay $300–4,000
Clay Material $10–40 per bag
Bat Removable surface $10–25
Rib & Scrapers Shaping clay $5–15
Needle Tool Trimming edges $2–10
Wire Cutter Cutting clay blocks $5–8
Loop Tools Hollowing, shaping $5–20
Apron / Towels Cleanup $10–30
Water Bucket Slip & shaping Free–$10

Firing Stages & Temperatures

Stage Temp Range Description
Greenware N/A Air-dried, unfired clay
Bisque Fire Cone 06–04 (~1,800°F) First low-temp fire to harden
Glaze Fire Cone 5–10 (~2,200–2,345°F) Melts glaze to surface
Raku Fire Cone 06 (~1,800°F) Fast fire + smoke reduction
Pit Fire / Saggar Variable Alternative methods, decorative

Studio Safety & Ventilation

Item Why It’s Needed Notes
Kiln Ventilation Avoid fumes Use hood or downdraft system
Glove & Tongs Handling hot work Essential for Raku or gas kilns
Dust Mask / Respirator Clay & glaze particles Especially during sanding
Fire Extinguisher Fire risk Keep near kiln
Eye Protection Glaze mixing, grinding Basic safety

Pottery Project Ideas

Project Clay Type Fire Method Sell Price Notes
Mugs & Cups Stoneware Cone 6 glaze fire $20–40 Food-safe, functional
Planters Earthenware Cone 04 + glaze $15–35 Drainage hole option
Ceramic Jewelry Porcelain Cone 10 $10–25 Use gold luster for accents
Sculptural Art Mixed Varies $50–200+ High-value display art
Raku Bowls Raku Clay Raku kiln $30–60 Not food-safe

Glaze Types

Glaze Type Finish Temp Notes
Glossy Shiny All Smooth and clean
Matte Flat, soft Mid–high fire Less reflective
Celadon Transparent tint Cone 5–10 Pooling over texture
Crackle Intentional crazing Low-mid fire Decorative only
Shino Earthy oranges High fire Traditional style
Raku Glaze Crackle / metallic Raku fire Requires fast reduction

Pottery Business Tips

Tip Details
Batch Produce Forms Use bats and templates to repeat popular shapes
Custom Orders Offer personalized mugs, pet bowls, or wedding sets
Market Channels Farmer’s markets, Etsy, local shops, studio sales
Studio Sharing Consider renting or sharing kilns to reduce startup costs
Packaging Use kraft boxes with padding for safe shipping

Community Resources

Resource Type Notes
r/Pottery Reddit Forum Beginner Q&A, tips
Ceramic Arts Network Website Articles, glaze chemistry
YouTube Channels Tutorials eg. Florian Gadsby, Earth Nation Ceramics
Local Studios In-person classes Try before buying equipment
KilnShare.com Rent-a-kiln Local kiln owners listed

Pottery is where earth meets fire and form meets function, get your hands dirty and make something timeless.