Measuring and Marking Caliper – Ceramics, Pottery, and Craftwork
This caliper allows you to measure, compare, and transfer dimensions while shaping a ceramic piece, pottery, or in any craft requiring precise markings.
It is used to check the diameter of a bowl, cup, lid, or any circular piece, as well as to verify an opening, compare two widths, or reproduce the same measurement on several elements. Unlike a ruler, which indicates a flat measurement, the caliper allows you to directly transfer a dimension to a three-dimensional form.
Its compact size fits easily into a modeling, bookbinding, leatherworking, or woodworking workshop. It is useful during stages where consistency matters: adjusting a lid, checking a series, preparing a layout, or verifying a proportion.
INFORMATION
In ceramics, this caliper helps to monitor the evolution of a shape during shaping, before drying or firing. It allows you to check an internal diameter, an external diameter, a relative height, or the spacing between two areas of a piece.
It is particularly useful for series: bowls with the same opening, cups with similar volume, fitted lids, or pieces that need to maintain consistent proportions.
It can also be used in bookbinding, leatherworking, sculpture, or woodworking to transfer a distance without constantly re-measuring with a pencil or ruler.
CHARACTERISTICS
Type: Measuring and marking caliper
Usage: Measurement, dimension transfer, diameter checking, gap comparison, consistent marking
Applications: Ceramics, pottery, modeling, bookbinding, leatherworking, sculpture, woodworking
Manufacturing: Handcrafted
USE & MAINTENANCE
To check a diameter, open the caliper to the desired measurement, then place it against the piece without pressing. On still-soft clay, contact should remain light to avoid marking the surface.
To transfer a measurement, maintain the caliper's opening, then move the tool to the second piece or the area to be marked. This method allows you to quickly compare several elements without recalculating the measurement each time.
After use, remove any clay, dust, or material residue, then store the tool in a dry place. Avoid impacts on the points to preserve the accuracy of the transfer.
COMPLEMENTARY TOOLS
For working with clay, this caliper can be paired with the set of 9 modeling tools, useful for incising, smoothing, hollowing, and refining a piece after initial measurements.
To reshape a curve, remove material, or clean a hollow, it can also be supplemented by the curved carving tool.
To mark a series, number pieces, or prepare durable reference points, the 3 mm number punches can be used on suitable materials such as leather, soft wood, or certain metal plates.
🤍 Ikane Workshop Tip
In ceramics, check diameters during shaping rather than at the end. Corrections are simpler when the clay is still soft, especially for bowls, lids, and series of pieces.
