The Tactile Path: Making and Using Tools in Clay

Course description

Syllabus

Course schedule

Grading Rubric for Special Topics: The Tactile Path

Projects

Project #1 - Forming and Shaping

• Focus: Tools that shape or compress clay, define the profile, and aid in construction
• Examples: Wiggle cut-off wires, ribs (wood and plastic), throwing sticks, paddles
• Techniques / Process: wood cutting, sanding, 3D printing, epoxy putty

Makes:

Make your own scoring tool

Wiggle Cut-Off Wire

Custom wood paddles

Combo wood / 3d print paddles

3D printed throwing ribs

Unique wooden ribs

Supplies you need to purchase:

• epoxy putty

  • (example: KwikWood), $6.98. Home Depot: Aisle 04, Bay EC1, LINK

• super glue, $4.68, Home Depot: Aisle 04, Bay EC1, LINK

• thin disposable nitrile gloves (10 pack, or more if you think you’ll use them)

• sandpaper sheets, assorted grits (80/120/220). $7.79 LINK

• 1/4” x 4” x 3” oak hobby board

  • $6.22. Home Depot: Aisle 24, Bay 005. SKU 189-973. LINK

• 1” x 4” x 39” Common Board / Bed Slat

  • $2.93, Home Depot: Aisle 24, Bay 008. SKU 749-849

• If you get really excited about wood ribs, check out Woodcraft in Louisville for exotic hardwoods

  Woodcraft

Project #2 - Impression and Surface

• Focus: Tools designed to push clay into or through, or to leave a raised or recessed pattern, as well surfacing brushes for use with slips and glazes.

• Examples: Texture rollers, bisque stamps, sprig molds, 3D printed extruder dies, custom brushes

• Techniques / Process: 3D modeling & printing, clay carving, wood cutting, plaster molds, gluing, brushmaking

  Makes:

  Texture rollers

  Bisqued stamps

  Sprig molds

  Press molds

  3D printed extruder dies

  Brush making

Project #3 - Cutting and Trimming

• Focus: Tools to be used in cutting and trimming clay
• Examples: Faceting / fluting tools, chattering tools, trimming tools, loop tools, carving knives
• Techniques / Process: metal working, wood cutting

Makes:

Carving / Trimming tools

Faceting / fluting tools

Custom feddling knife / carving knife

Chattering tools

Supplies needed:

• Find old metal knives, putty knifes, hacksaw blades, recipricating saw blades, etc. These will be used for making custom cutting knifes and trimming tools.

Other stuff you probably need:

This class will require you to purchase some supplies and tools. Considering the range of different tools we will be making in this course, there is no way the university can supply everything you need. Therefore, start with the following list: