Tungsten carbide tools
Stainless steel throwing loops wear out rapidly. After throwing about ten pots, you'll notice the loop becoming dull, especially with drier clay or grog. The curls come off with more difficulty, you have to push harder, and throwing becomes a frustrating task. Eventually, the stainless steel loop ends up in the trash bin because it's literally worn out.
Try tungsten carbide
If you don't like turning, you're not using the right turning tool!
Lathes made from tungsten carbide are the solution. Tungsten carbide is the second hardest material in the world. It is almost as hard as diamond. Lathe chucks made from this material wear down almost not at all. 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.
Are tungsten carbide tools for you?
Most ceramic artists find great joy in this type of tool, but they might not be for you if:
- you're a clumsy potter who regularly drops things
- You don't throw pots, you only build them.
Are you a beginner with no prior experience? You can definitely use tungsten carbide tools and fall in love with them immediately. Just know that it's an investment. Perhaps you'd prefer to wait and see if you'll continue with this hobby?
“Ik heb gisteren voor het eerst afgedraaid met mijn nieuwe tools, wat een genot, echt een feest! Dankjewel daarvoor!”
“My favorite trimming tools. Simple, sharp, reliable. Exactly what I reach for when finishing a piece and refining the details. Good tools don’t get in the way, they support the work.”
“Zij zijn zeker niet het goedkoopste gereedschap, maar man, wat een verschil! Afdraaien is zoveel leuker geworden. Helemaal in mijn nopjes!”
Locally produced
An investment for a lifetime.
Ergonomic handles
Made by a Flemish woodturner with almost 100 years of craftsmanship
Montage by Mariasteen vzw
A custom manufacturing company with expertise in metalworking
Durable, high-quality, and neatly finished
With the SOGO logo. Available in soft pastel shades (pink, green, and blue) or an elegant black version.
The most popular tools
How do I use the tools?
Tungsten carbide is so sharp that you need to get used to it. Some tips:
Use leather-hard clay (slightly harder is also acceptable). Clay that is too soft will lead to “chattering,” which are small nicks in the clay that give texture to the surface. This can be beautiful, but not always desired!
Grip the tool very firmly, with your index finger on the brass or even up to the base of the turning loop itself.
Reduce rotation speed when you lose control.
Stabilize your hands. Also use the fingers of your other hand if possible to control your tool.
Work at an angle of ±45° and adjust the angle slightly if you get caps.
Maintenance is simple
Sharpening
Only after very intensive use does the loop become slightly dull. You can easily sharpen them with a fine diamond file.
Watch a video about sharpening here
Don't let them fall
Tungsten carbide is hard but brittle.
- Don't drop it
- Do not pull or twist the loop.
- Don't bang into anything hard.
- Keep them in a safe place, during and after the shoot
Store in a dry place
The ash handles are oiled and water-resistant, but it's best to store them in a dry place to avoid warping.
I am Sofie
I've been using tungsten carbide turning tools since 2020, and believe me, I never want anything else. My first turning tool was a handmade one from Russia. Fantastic stuff. I was hooked immediately!
As a production turner, I needed high-quality tools that were razor-sharp and virtually wear-resistant. I bought from a handful of manufacturers abroad because nobody in Belgium or the surrounding areas made or sold them. I wanted to do something about that.
After a year of designing, seeking sustainable partners, and testing prototypes, I will launch my own line of tungsten carbide tools in early 2025. Tools that I personally enjoy using, fully trust, and proudly offer to other ceramic artists.
Ready to enjoy spinning?
Tungsten carbide tools change the way you work. Razor-sharp, nearly indestructible, and locally made with craftsmanship. An investment that lasts a lifetime.