In this unit, we’ll be making carving and trimming tools - either for the potter’s wheel or handbuilding. The point is often not to make the most perfect trimming tools ever made, but to make tools that are unique to your practice. So, we’ll experiment with different shapes and profiles to make the cuts you need to make.

We’ll start with kanna-style tools like these:

Learn more here: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/daily/article/how-to-make-kanna-trimming-tools/

Then we’ll move to other trimming, cutting, and sgraffito tools:

Some things you’ll need:

• hacksaw blades (old or new). https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/saw-blades/hacksaw-blades/2035566
• Sawzall blades (old or new). https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/saw-blades/reciprocating-saw-blades/2019141
• dowel rods or wood for handles
• Plasti-Dip (tool dip) if you want rubberized handles. https://www.acehardware.com/departments/paint-and-supplies/specialty-paints/rubberized-coatings/13274
• misc metal pieces you think could be make into a trimming, cutting, or sgraffito tool (large bobby pins, old windshield wipers, metal pallet banding, and anything else you can find or imagine!)

Misc resources:

https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/daily/article/How-to-Make-Super-Sharp-DIY-Sgraffito-Tools

• Find a source of sharp metal strips that are bendable.
• windshield wiper blades have a thin strip of stainless steel metal in them that can be used for trimming tools

Video of Hsin-Chuen Lin making hacksaw trimming tools: