Building out your home pottery studio is exciting! But maybe also daunting- there’s a lot to buy, and it’s expensive new. My husband has become very adept at finding the things I’m looking for- so I use “we” and “I” here pretty interchangeably! (Don’t tell my high school English teachers.) You can read more about why I love my home studio here.
Here are 5 tips to scoring great used equipment and tools!
1. Use Online Surplus Sites
Surplus sites, like AllSurplus.com, are a great place to score fantastic equipment at rock bottom prices. This platform often features a variety of pottery equipment, including kilns, wheels, and more, available across the United States.
Pro Tip: Bookmark the arts & crafts section of AllSurplus on your phone. This section frequently lists used kilns and other pottery tools. Checking it twice a week can help you snag great deals. For example, we managed to purchase three Skutt 1027 kilns for $400 after fees! Two of these kilns had Kiln sitters, and one had an electronic sitter. We used one kiln to refurbish the other two, spending less than $100 to replace the bottom coil. This approach saved us a significant amount of money and gave us a fully functional setup.
Note: you might need to be willing to drive a few hundred miles to collect your winnings, but the savings can make it worthwhile. We'll have a future blog post about basic kiln repair and how to use YouTube to help diagnose and fix your own kiln.
2. Utilize Social Media and Classifieds
Social media platforms and local classified ads are goldmines for finding pottery equipment. Here are some places to keep an eye on:
- Facebook Groups: Join local pottery or arts and crafts groups. Members often sell or give away equipment. However, exercise caution as scammers also frequent these groups. Always verify the seller's credibility and arrange safe methods of payment and pick-up.
- Craigslist: Check the "For Sale" section regularly for pottery tools and supplies.
- OfferUp: A mobile marketplace where you can find used pottery equipment at competitive prices.
- Regional Classifieds: Local newspapers and online classified sites can also be useful.
We’ve found kiln furniture for a fraction of the cost through these channels, enabling us to build a well-equipped studio without breaking the bank. Using not pottery specific terms will help you score things like shelves (baking racks) and work tables!
3. Network with Friends and Family
Sometimes, the best deals come from people you know. Let your friends and family know about your pottery interest! You might be surprised at how many people have unused equipment they’re willing to sell, lend, or even give away.
In our case, I was gifted a small kiln and a stack of pottery tools simply by sharing that I was looking to start a home studio. Not only did I save money, I was able to build connections with other ceramic artists in my area!
4. Contact Community Workshops
Community workshops and studios often receive donated equipment that they may not have space for or no longer need. Reach out to local pottery studios, community centers, and art schools to inquire about any surplus equipment they might be willing to part with.
Building relationships with these organizations can lead to incredible opportunities. For example, one local workshop we contacted was more than happy to let us take a nearly-new wheel off their hands for a nominal fee, simply because they had upgraded their equipment.
5. Attend Pottery Fairs and Conventions
Pottery fairs, conventions, and expos are excellent places to find both new and used equipment. Vendors often offer discounts at these events, and you can network with other potters to learn about potential deals and suppliers. I’ve heard from countless people that they’ve scored floor models at events like NCECA!
Keep an eye out for events in your area and consider attending to take advantage of these opportunities.
Equipping your pottery studio doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. Surplus sites, social media, and networking can all help you land the studio of your dreams, at a fraction of the cost.
Remember, the key is to be proactive, persistent, and patient. Happy potting!
xo Amanda