Sherrill Mudtools Do All Double Ended Trim Tool for Pottery and Clay Artists
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I love pumpkin carving and would never use it for that purpose.
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This tool isn't meant to be used for carving wood. I'd say you could make a few minor grooves in soft wood with this tool, but I wouldn't expect it to hold its shape or even have a good cutting edge for wood. Although I've never tried it on wood, I'm confident in my theory.
It's okay for chatting, but it's not quite as bouncy as I'd like.
I'm not sure. After each use, thoroughly dry the tool and store it dry to avoid rust.
Selected User Reviews For Sherrill Mudtools Do All Double Ended Trim Tool for Pottery and Clay Artists
I've been doing ceramics for about 8 years and have always done my trimming with the loop trimming tool. I decided to try this because the ones at my studio were getting a little boring. It's a fantastic tool, but learning to use it was a challenge due to my previous experience with other tools. It wasn't difficult, but gripping it was unfamiliar territory for me, and figuring out which sides to use took some trial and error. I wouldn't say it was a bad experience, and I didn't make any mistakes, but I do believe it takes some time to figure out how to use it effectively. Once you get the hang of it, it's a fantastic tool that allows you to trim much better than I could with the loop tools, and it's all in one, so you don't have to use multiple loop tools.
However, the reality of using it is a bit of a pain. Don't get me wrong, it serves its purpose well. However, if it was sharper, it would work better. I believe it is powder coated. br>br> It's thick and gets in the way of the tool's cutting edges. It still cuts, but the lines it cuts are sloppy, and it occasionally burnishes things rather than properly cutting them away. This was particularly aggravating near the loop's end, where some of the angles are completely useless. br>br>The bottom line is that it's cool, but you could get a cheaper set that would do the job just as well. Unless they redesign it or you find a good way to sharpen all those angles, that is.
I'm new to pottery, but this tool looked so cool that I couldn't resist getting it. It took a few tries for me to figure out how to do it. If you're having problems, it appears that holding it closer to the end will give you more control. That was ultimately what proved to be beneficial to me. It's enjoyable to use and performs admirably. It lasts a long time, but clay contains grit, so it will eventually wear down the tool. It will remove the color after just one use, but it will take some time before it is truly unusable.
It quickly replaced my looping tools the first time I used it. The feet of my pots have improved dramatically. Like others, I'm not sure I've fully tapped into all of its potential. And, unfortunately, it rusted quickly for me, as it did for others. It's all centered on the logo for me. I wish it had been coated in some way; Maybe potters with private studios can keep their trimming tools dry, but those of us who work in shared studios tend to dump everything into a plastic box, and even though I leave the lid open, the sponges take a long time to dry out.
I like the design and am impressed that it can effectively replace all of my trimming wires. That being said. br>br> Despite the fact that I'm terrible at keeping my tools dry, I discovered minor rust (in the middle, where your thumb goes) in less than a month! The black coating quickly wears away, exposing the underlying rust. br>br>If keeping tools dry isn't a concern for you, you'll enjoy it. If that's the case, this isn't going to be the miracle cure I was hoping for. That said, I'll be tempted to get another when mine wears out completely.
Overall, having a single tool to handle all of my trimming needs is convenient. Chattering has happened to me as well, but it usually happens when I try to trim too soon when the clay isn't quite leather hard (more like leather soft). My MAIN disappointment with this tool is that the black coating quickly wears away, exposing the exposed metal, which rusts. As a result, minor nicks form along the rusted edges, which are visible on your piece. By filing it back to a smooth edge and treating it with mineral oil after each use, I've been able to eliminate some of these effects. Nonetheless, I'm sure you're all aware that keeping your tools dry in pottery is a difficult task.
We borrowed another student's tool and were so impressed that we decided to buy one. It's fantastic! At least three other trimming tools are required to complete the task. There's no need to keep switching; simply change angles or end-to-end. To transition from straight trimming to curves, you must reach the end of the process. We really like how it works. There is a small learning curve, but that is to be expected when using any new tool. We hope to have enough for a class and train students on how to use them right away.
Trimming with this tool has become second nature to me. You have a lot of options thanks to the multiple cutting surfaces, and it's much easier to just flip it around instead of putting one tool down and picking up another. It cuts quickly, but its quickness may make it a little harsh at times. I wouldn't suggest it as a first tool for a beginner. It neatly sheds clay shavings; Except when the clay is extremely wet, wire tools are preferable. But, in any case, the clay is probably too wet to trim properly. It does not have the same pleasant feel in the hand as a wooden handle. It's only natural. br>Some reviewers have mentioned rust; I haven't noticed any rust yet, but I do live in a very dry climate.