Recommended Clay Modeling Tools
Anyone who’s studied with me knows that I make my own wooden clay-modeling tools. Students often ask though, where to purchase tools?… and what type would I recommend? Here are a few basic types that are the most used in my collection, and links to purchase similar tools:
These tools are modeled after the Tiranti B-Series Professional Hard Wood Modeling Tools.
Click on the image to go to their website .
Modeling tools: The three shown above are various sizes of the same design. The larger one is shown from above, while the smaller 2 are shown in profile. These are designed to push and pull clay around, to roll over curves effortlessly, and to leave minimal texture behind.
A drawing tool is extremely important. I don’t know of any commercially available models that I like- see what you can find!
My beloved Drawing Tool Design: based on a paring knife, thin, made of ebony, long, with a straight side that can be used to assess angles. This exact design is not available anywhere that I know of. I consider a drawing tool to be the most important tool in the kit. Some students have improvised with a butterknife, or a dental tool. I designed my first one by purchasing a ready-made tool and sanding it down to fit my needs. Draw, Draw, Draw!
The Paddle is way more useful than I ever imagined.
The Paddle…has become indispensable to me over the last few years. Initially used it for larger work only, but now I have it with me at all times. I make mine out of dense Wenge wood and I favor the rounded corners. I don’t know of a commercially available one, but a dense plank of hard wood will do in a pinch. Make sure it’s long, about an inch or more thick, and feels heavy!
You’ll need a lot of Loop Tools! All sizes, shapes, hardnesses, with and without teeth. Click on the picture to see Xiem Tools website for one of my current faves.
I have a lot of loop tools from tiny sharp wires to large, toothed monsters. I recommend you start collecting them. They are useful for reducing clay, cutting away with a clean slice. They give you more control than a wooden tool when reducing. They are also used often for shaping and surfacing.
The link provided is for “Xiem” tools. They sell the interchangeable wire tools with silicon handles: nicely shaped, comfortable to use, and come with or without teeth. Never throw out a loop tool- I’ll often adjust the shape using my bench grinder, or sharpen the edge, or add wrapping wire…sky is the limit. If you’re taking a class with me, make sure to have large and small wire loop tools.
One more recommendation…when available. Mark Schlicher, a Nashville based sculptor makes a good set of hardwood tools that are a similar style to what I’m showing and are priced reasonably. A great place to start. Write him to get on his mailing list if he’s out of stock: Click Here