Van Gilder Clay Tools

Feel like your clay toolbox needs a little refreshing? Meet the tools sure to spruce up your collection! Here, we will show you van Gilder tools, expertly designed to help you create in clay.

VAN GIILDER
Textured Block (Set)

Whether they’re for throwing or hand building, a good tool has got to stand up to the task at hand. It’s got to be durable, useful, not to mention solve a problem. Our advice for tools that check all those boxes? Go with a brand that designs with performance in mind.

"There are lots of simple tools to use when decorating your work. And often, simple is best!" -Bill van Gilder, potter, teacher, designer

VAN GILDER
Large Roped Roller

"These long and short roped dowels are easy to use and extremely effective. Held between your fingertips like a small rolling pin and using a steady, gentle hand pressure, roll a roped dowel across a soft clay tile in one direction. Turn the tile and roll again. Beautiful!"

Don't let the simple forms fool you, these tools are designed by Bill van Gilder, a potter for over 45 years. They are ergonomic and easy to use while yielding excellent results.  

"I’m always amazed at how often I use these assorted-sized ‘hole-cutters’ to complete certain pots. The blade edges of each punch are sharper than needed for cutting cleanly through soft leather-hard clay. And that saves clean-up time later on. The fact that they’re all stored in one tightly lidded metal container, make it an ideal – and useful – tool for every toolbox.” -Bill van Gilder, potter, teacher, designer

It's wonderful when a tool is so versatile that it inspires new ways of working. This hole cutter set is made up of different sized hole cutters so you will continue to find new uses for it. Use it on small or large pieces depending on what you are working on at the moment.

VAN GILDER
11 Piece Hole Cutter Set

This aluminum wire knife cuts through clay without drag or distortion. It's ideal for cutting coils, trimming excess clay, and leveling rims. It's a safer alternative to a knife or needle tool. It's great to use in the classroom! Use it to trim teapot spouts and handle ends, facet, cut-out feet and more.

VAN GILDER 
Aluminum Wire Knife

A good sponge is always a welcome addition to any tool kit. These sponges have thin, wedged shaped ends that can be folded over to efficiently smooth any lip or edge surface that needs cleaning-up or finishing.  You’ll like these sensibly shaped sponges – scaled to fit the hand – for throwing, hand building, and glazing.

VAN GILDER 
Sponge Bag