New tools
Trimming tools for clay come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They are usually made from stainless steel. When new, these trimming loops are sharpened to a fine edge. Leather-hard clay can then be trimmed easily, and ribbons of clay fly off.
Stainless steel trimming tools wear out quickly and become blunt easily.
Copilot said:After just a few pots, the stainless steel loop begins to wear down. This happens even faster when trimming drier clay or clay containing grog. Before long, trimming becomes less smooth and enjoyable. Your trimming tool loses its edge, your enthusiasm fades, and those satisfying ribbons of clay become harder and harder to produce. Trimming starts taking much longer and turns into a real chore. Eventually, your stainless steel trimming loop ends up in the bin because you’ve simply worn it out.
If you don't like trimming, you're not using the right tools.
How do you rediscover the joy of trimming? Simple: use the right trimming tools. If you do not enjoy trimming, you are probably not using the right tools.
Loops made from tungsten carbide are the solution. Tungsten carbide is the second hardest material in the world. It is almost as hard as diamond. Trimming loops made from this material hardly wear down. Tungsten carbide is not a metal but a compound of tungsten and carbon. It is very sharp and only becomes a little dull after years (but you can sharpen them). Therefore, they are virtually indestructible unless you drop them or hit them hard against something. They are hard but brittle, so you must handle them with care.
Where to find these tools?
Copilot said:I’ve been using tungsten carbide trimming tools for four years now and, believe me, I never want to use anything else. My first tungsten carbide trimming tool was a handmade piece from Russia. Fantastic quality. I was hooked immediately. I bought two of them: a teardrop shape and a mini trapezoid. Since then, I’ve never used anything else. Over the years, I’ve also ordered two more from the USA and one from Turkey. Why order from abroad, I hear you ask? Because they are almost impossible to find. Only a handful of people worldwide produce this type of trimming tool. Every potter should be able to buy tungsten carbide trimming tools, but they are so hard to get hold of. I wanted to change that.
I'll just do it myself!
Easier said than done. I had been playing with the idea for years, but at the beginning of 2024, I finally took the plunge.
I'm proud to announce that I now produce my own tungsten carbide trimming tools! The handles have been ergonomically designed and are crafted by a Flemish woodturner whose family business has been delivering quality craftsmanship for almost 100 years. The tungsten carbide loops are assembled into the handles by Mariasteen VZW, a social enterprise with extensive expertise in metalworking that provides employment opportunities for people who face barriers to entering the labour market. Each tool is finished with the SOGO logo and carefully packaged. When you buy a SOGO trimming tool, you're investing in quality and durability. With proper care, a tungsten carbide trimming tool can last a lifetime.
Use
Tungsten carbide trimming tools are so sharp that they may take a little getting used to, especially if you don’t have much trimming experience yet. Here are a few tips:
- Do not use clay that is too wet. The clay should be truly leather hard, perhaps even slightly harder than you would normally trim. Sharp tools and soft clay do not work well together and often result in chattering: small vibrations that leave a textured pattern on the surface. Beautiful in some cases, but not always desirable.
- Hold the tool firmly. Place your hand on top of the tool, with your index finger resting on the brass ferrule, or even extending to the base of the trimming loop itself. Maintain a firm grip while trimming.
- Don’t spin the wheel too fast while you’re still learning. Reduce the wheel speed if you feel yourself losing control. This will help prevent chattering.
- Stabilize your hands. Also use the fingers of your other hand if possible to control your tool.
- Trim at the correct angle. An angle of about 45° is ideal. If trimming feels difficult, adjust the angle of the tool in relation to the clay. You will notice that the clay cuts much more smoothly.
Maintenance
Tungsten carbide trimming loops are extremely sharp and will only become slightly dull after years of intensive use. If necessary, the tools can be easily sharpened with a diamond file after several years of use.
They are hard, but also brittle, so they do need to be handled with care. Do not drop the tools or knock them against hard surfaces, as this may cause them to break. Avoid pulling or twisting the tungsten carbide loop, as this can also damage the tool. Use the tools only for their intended purpose: trimming pottery.
Always place your trimming tools somewhere safe so they cannot accidentally fall off the wheel. If handled with care, a good trimming tool can last a lifetime.
The handles are made from ash wood and finished with a highly durable oil suitable for outdoor use. While they can easily withstand contact with water, I recommend storing them in a dry place to prevent the wood from warping.