What makes the Art Escape pottery studio so much fun!

First, the back story. So there we were, a couple in our early 60s, leaving southern California behind to  create our dream lives in Montana. We dreamt of living in nature and creating our ideal ceramic arts studio… for ourselves and to share with other like-minded people. We also had a desire to live off the land.

For years we’d visualized creating this type of space and in 2018, we realized that dream.

We knew going in that were that were ‘a bit older’ and that older bodies and joints called for some modern ceramic tools and equipment. Especially when Steve likes to throw pots that are on the larger size! Dang…you mean we get to buy new toys? Yes and so we have.

Special equiptment makes throwing on the wheel easier on your body.

We worked hard for decades to get here, far too hard to  just give up due to sciattaca pain or knee or elbow pain.

This is why in addition to the stand up pottery wheel, all the stand up work stations AND all the usual pottery tools and machines, we also invested in both this beast of a Pugmill and the Strong Arm Tool.

The Peter Pugger VPN-60

Throwing large on the wheel has always facinated me.  Centering large pieces is the hardest part. To make it as easy as possible, we start with extra soft clay. The softer the clay, the easier it is to center it.

The Peter Pugger allows us to mix, de-air and pug up to 140 lbs of clay (including reclaim) and get it just as soft as we want.

The Strong Arm Tool

The Strong Arm tool isn’t just for beginners. As a matter of fact, I discourage most beginners from using it.  On the other hand, if you’re a beginner and you want to get to the fun part faster or, if your not strong enough to center clay, then go for it!  Your bowls, pots and cups will be perfectly centered on day one.

I can center up to 80 lbs. without the Strong Arm Tool but it hurts my elbows and to be honest, without The Stron Arm Tool, my big pieces are rarely as symetrical as I’d like them to be.

When I do use the centering tool, my pieces come out amazing.

Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced potters like me with joint pain, you’ll love The Strong Arm Tool.