Mudtools
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Sherrill Mudtools:  Innovative clay tools by Michael Sherrill

MudSpongeFlexible RibsMudcutterCarving BowShredder  Metal Ribs

Sherrill MudSponge    New!

Shaped like the traditional kidney rib, this synthetic sponge is the best tough and consistent sponge available to potters today.

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Mud Sponge

$5

Sherrill Flexible Ribs:

These ribs are made from a flexible material that performs well and actually gets better with use (it is self-polishing.)  Unlike rubber, this material will not develop burrs.  In fact, the more you use it the nicer it becomes.  They will actually burnish themselves as you use them, and with five shapes to cover a lot of what handbuilders and throwers need from a rib.  Each rib shape is available in four hardnesses from very soft to very firm.  You choose the shape and hardness that suits your clay and your working style.  All shapes and sizes are $6.00 each.

New shape 0 is smaller, perfect for the inside of small bowls and mugs.  

  mud tools

  mud tools


Compressing Slabs, Burnishing Rims, Chamois, Handbuilding

Smoothing, Burnishing, Porcelain, Throwing, Handbuilding

Compressing Bottoms, Burnishing Trim Marks, Throwing, Handbuilding 

Still Flexible, But Stiffer:
High Burnishing, Large Throw Work

Shape

Size

VERY SOFT SOFT MEDIUM FIRM

shape 0 
2.75" 

1.44"






shape 1
3.5" 

1.75"






shape 2
2.88" 

2.5"





shape 3
5" 

1.94"





shape 4
4.19" 

2"





shape 5
4.19" 

2"





Purchase 1 of each for 25% off 
(List Price $144; Group Price $108)

Birth of Mudtools   by Michael Sherrill

During my years of working in clay, making pots and art, I have often had ideas that required working outside "normal" processes. I found that the available "clay tools" did not serve my ideas well. So, out of necessity I would make a tool, or modify an existing one to suit my needs. These new tools quickly became indispensable and were always the first thing to come out of my toolbox. Naturally, I would show these off at a workshop, and as a result I found that people were interested in buying them!

It didn't take long to figure out that I couldn't make a tool for each person that wanted one. I was going to need a little help, and that is how Mudtools was born. I started with the rib. I had already found a material that performed well and actually got better with use (it is self-polishing.) With the material in mind, I designed five shapes that I think cover a lot of what handbuilders and throwers need from a rib. Each rib shape is available in four hardnesses from very soft to very firm. You choose the shape and hardness that suits your clay and your working style.

It is my goal to offer you a tool that has a high performance quality, is pleasing to the hand and eye, and that you find indispensable.

See Mudtools in Action

Sherrill Mudcutter  

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The Mudcutter has been designed to go around a 4" pug, or an extrusion.  The cutting wire is 5.5" long.  It's design lends itself to the slicing and cutting of handbuilding, or at the wheel it fits well in the hand.  It also works great as a faceting tool.  This is one tool that once you use it, you will ask yourself 'how did I work without it?  Mudcutter is made of stainless steel with a surgical stainless steel wire under tension.  It is easy to change the wires, if needed.  The handle has an insert made from the same material as the ribs.  The tool is made so you can lay it in a bucket of water and it won't rust or degrade.  This is a lifetime tool.  (Curly wire makes cool looking slices!) 
Instruction for replacing/swapping wires here


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Mudcutter wire is 5.5" long

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   List Price   
 Mudcutter (larger) 
 with straight wire

 $25

Replacement straight wire
(set of 3)
$9
 Mudcutter (larger) 
 with curly wire

 $25

Replacement curly wire
(set of 3)
$15

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Sherrill Carving Bow   

The Carving Bow is used for cutting, texturing and faceting all clay surfaces.  Its compact design gets you closer to your work and is available with a twisted or straight wire.  Replacement wires are available.  Instruction for replacing/swapping wires here


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Carving Bow wire is 4" long

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   List Price   
 Carving Bow (smaller) 
  with straight wire

  $25

Replacement straight wire
(set of 3)
$9
 Carving Bow (smaller) 
  with curly wire

  $25

Replacement curly wire 
(set of 3)
$15

Sherrill Shredder     

Great for trimming edges, shaping, and texturing, Won't clog.

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Shredder.  We choose the color 
(or request color in the order comments and we'll do our best.)

$8

Sherrill Stainless Steel Metal Ribs 

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Mudtools understands that there are times when you just need a stainless steel rib.  In fact, some people prefer stainless steel over other choices for some of their work.  These ribs are constructed from the finest cutlery grade, flexible stainless steel available.

  Model

Size

Price  
Metal Rib SS0 2.75" x 1.44" $7.00
Metal Rib SS1 3.50" x 1.75" $7.00
Metal Rib SS2 2.88" x 2.50" $7.00
Metal Rib SS4 5.00" x 1.94" $7.00
Metal Rib SS5 4.19" x 2.00" $7.00
Metal Rib SSH010  4.19" x 2.00" $10.00

Sherrill Long Stainless Steel Scrapers 

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Available with either a plain smooth edge (SS-L) or with an extra fine 24-tooth serrated (SS-L24) or fine 18-tooth (SS-L18) serrated edge. Made from the highest quality stainless steel, these scrapers are flexible and bendable.

These scrapers are 6" long by 1 3/8" high.

  Model Size Price  
Long Scraper - Smooth Edge SS-L 6" x 1-3/8" $7.00
Long Scraper - 24 tooth (per inch) Serrated SS-L24 6" x 1-3/8" $7.00
Long Scraper - 18 tooth (per inch) Serrated SS-L18 6" x 1-3/8" $7.00

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Sherrill Paisley Stainless Steel Scrapers 

Great for scoring and detail work.  Available with either a fine 18-tooth serrated (SS-P18) or extra fine 24-tooth (SS-P24) serrated edge, or a plain smooth edge (SS-P).  Made from the highest quality stainless steel, these scrapers are flexible and bendable.  These scrapers are 3 1/4" long by 2 5/8" high.

  Model Size Price  
Paisley Scraper -  Plain edge SS-P  3-1/4" x 2-5/8"  $7.00
Paisley Scraper -  24 tooth (per inch)  serrated SS-P24 3- 1/4" x 2- 5/8"  $7.00
Paisley Scraper - 18 tooth (per inch) serrated SS-P18 3- 1/4" x 2- 5/8"  $7.00

Sherrill Hax Tool 

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The ultimate in feathering and manicuring tools.  With its serrated edge, the HAX is Michael's version of a hacksaw blade for scoring and manicuring.  It is designed specifically for clay, especially for fine particle clay like porcelain.  The HAX tool is made of flexible, bendable stainless steel and it can be bent for rounded surfaces and hard to reach areas.  Package of 2.

Model Price  
Sherrill Mudtools - Hax Tool ( pack of 2) $10.00
 

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