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 |
| 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.