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    • How I Started Making Pottery at Home – My Guide for New Potters 
    • What is Greenware Ceramics: Understanding Its Role in Pottery
    • Is Raku Pottery Expensive to Make?
    • 30 Beginner Pottery Wheel Projects | With Easy Instructional Videos
    • How to Dispose of Pottery Clay Water | 3 Proven Methods
    • 10 Tips on How to Become a Successful and Confident Potter
    • How To Make Colored Clay For Pottery – A 6-Step Clay Coloring Guide
    • 21 Tips for Hand Building Pottery
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    • Is Raku Pottery Waterproof: Sealing Raku Ceramics
    • Is Raku Pottery Food Safe: What You Need to Know
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    • How to Throw Clay on the Pottery Wheel: A Step-by-Step Beginners Guide
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    • 7 Best Surfaces for Hand Building
    • How To Do Pottery With Long Nails – 5 Tips To Remember
    • How To Use Bats on a Pottery Wheel | Types – Usage – Storage
    • Can Air-Dry Clay Be Used on the Pottery Wheel – 3 Brands Tested
    • What Causes Pinholes in Pottery Glaze and How To Prevent Them
    • What Is the Difference Between Stoneware and Earthenware Clay
    • Can Broken Pottery be Repaired?
    • Pottery Wheel Positions and Posture – All You Need to Know
    • How to Make Kiln Cookies in 6 Easy Steps – With a Video
    • Can Handmade Pottery Go In The Dishwasher?
    • How to Make Pottery – 8 Step Pottery Making Process
    • How to Start a Home Pottery Studio
    • Which Direction Should a Potters Wheel Turn
    • Online vs In-Person Pottery Classes – A Beginners Guide
    • Are Pottery and Ceramics The Same Thing
    • Plain Clay Slip
    • Colored Clay Slip
    • 11 Problems Centering Clay and Easy Ways to Fix Them
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    • The Four Types of Clay
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  • Product ReviewsExpand
    • The Original Giffin Grip and Giffin Grip Mini – Review and Comparison
    • Giffin Grip vs. Bailey Quick Trim 2: The Detailed Differences 
    • Brent CXC Pottery Wheel – OWNERS REVIEW – Buyers Guide
    • Skytou Pottery Wheel Pottery Forming Machine – OWNERS REVIEW
    • Speedball Artista Pottery Wheel – Owners Review Buyers Guide
    • Pottery Wheels Reviewed
    • Shimpo Ceramics Rebranding – A Huge Undertaking
    • The Ultimate Edger Pottery Making Multi-Tool Review
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    • How to Choose Pottery Glaze – A Beginner Glaze Guide
    • What Is Crazing in Ceramics and How To Prevent It!
    • Can You Bisque and Glaze Fire Pottery at the Same Time?
    • Sponge Glazing
    • Glaze Grinding
    • Applying Underglaze on Greenware vs Bisqueware – Which Is Best
    • What is The Difference Between Glaze and Underglaze
    • Underglazing with Split Cups For a Marbling Effect – A Step-by-Step Guide  
    • Can You Layer Underglaze
    • How Do You Mix Underglazes / Tips to Mix Underglazes
    • Underglazing Pottery | Glazing Tips Tools and Ideas
    • Bubble Glazing
    • Sponge Underglazing
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    • What Is Slip Trailing | Glazing Tips Tools and Ideas
  • Kiln TipsExpand
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    • The Differences Between a Raku and Electric Kiln Explained
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    • What Temperature Do I Bisque Fire Pottery Clay To?
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    • Are Pottery Kilns Safe – Beginner Kiln Questions
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Recommended Pottery Wheel Bats

an image of Types of bats

Affiliate Disclaimer: We are ambassadors or affiliates for many of the brands we reference on the website.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

One of the most efficient ways to throw on the wheel has to be using throwing bats. There are several reasons why I love bats. After trying out many, I want to share my favorites with you.

  • It’s much easier to make your Pottery on a Bat, place it aside, grab another bat, and create another masterpiece.
    What I love the most is that you can go back to your piece, make alterations and put some final touches on it while it is still securely stuck to the bat which is a big plus.
  • Bats can be much easier to throw with than using nothing. It’s harder to get your pottery off the wheel right away without leaving any marks. You have to wait for it to dry a bit before attempting to get it off the wheel.
  • Bats come in many different sizes, thicknesses, and materials. Sizes go from as small as 7.5 inches (19cm) all the way to 20 inches (50.8cm). The thickness is usually 1/4 inch (.635cm) and goes up to 1-inch (2.54cm). You can choose from many different materials: wooden, plastic, masonite, medex, even plaster or bisque bats.

My All-Around Pottery Wheel Bat Pick Is The Plasti-Bat

a picture of clay on the wheel

Durability

Amaco Plasti-Bats are made of high-impact plastic which makes them hard to damage with a rough and smooth side to them. When taken proper care of these Bats don’t warp. I have not had any warping with the four Plasti-Bats I own. They also don’t shrink or swell.

an image of a potter with a finished cylinder on bat

Easy To Use

If your Bat is NOT too dry or too wet, the Clay sticks really well and will stay on the bat until you remove it. Most potters like to use the rough side. I like to use the smooth side also. You will find your clay will stick well to either side. It’s nice to have a choice. Clean-up is fast. Even dried-on clay removes easily. Just wipe with a sponge, and you’re done.

Other Features

 The Plasti-Bat has ten-inch bat holes, which are pretty standard. They fit most major pottery wheel brands, including Three of My Favorite Pottery Wheels. The Brent CXC, Shimpo RK Whisper, and Speedball Artista. If you throw a piece and don’t have time to design or alter it right away, these bats are great for altering a bit later.

The Runner-Up Is The Speedball Plastic Pottery Wheel Bat

a picture of a speedball bat

Durability

With proper care, I found the Speedball bats also last a long time. They don’t shrink or swell. With proper care, they do not warp.

Easy To Use

The Clay sticks well to this Bat. With the ribbed design, the clay stays nicely on the bat. You still can’t have too much or too little water on your bat before throwing your clay on it.

An Image of Frozen clay in bag and on bat

Other Features

A nice feature is the ability to keep a piece of wet Pottery on the Bat for a while. With the wooden bats, you can’t leave your pottery on too long, or your bat will inevitably warp. There are many times that I have to cover my piece and finish it later. Having the ability to put it back on the wheel later is a big plus.

These Speedball Plastic Bats come in 3 different sizes: The Speedball 12-inch Round, The Speedball 14-inch Round and The Speedball 7.5-inch Square. They are made to fit 9 and 10-inch bat pins. The molded plastic is very durable and holds its shape.

A few Differences With The Speedball Bat

  • The Bat Holes don’t go through the Bat
    Make sure to find the holes and line them up with the bat pins. This is a benefit If your clay is coving the whole surface of your bat.
  • This Bat only has one side
    There is no flipping over with this bat because is it made to fit all pottery wheels.
  • These Bats are made to fit 9 and 10-inch bat pins.

Bat Storage

I enjoy the longevity of plastic bats. Even though they last longer, they should still be taken proper care of.
Your bats should always be cleaned and Stored Vertically after every use. This is a good habit to get into.

Keep Your Bat Secure With A BatMate 

Bats may get loose over time or feel like they are not sticking to your Wheel the way they used to. For those reasons, I use the Xiem BatMate all the time. It works great. I have both sizes, the 12-inch (30.48cm) and 14-inch (35.56cm). When I’m at the studio, I use different wheels and different bats if I don’t bring my bats. But I don’t leave home without my BatMate. It helps keep any bat you use securely on the wheel.

a picture of a pottery wheel bat mate

All you have to do is get your BatMate wet, put it on your wheel, and then place your bat on top. You can rinse it off and let it dry or place it in a plastic bag, and it’s ready for your next use. Either way, you store it is just fine. It’s up to you.

I hope this helps you make the right choice for your throwing needs. Have a great time throwing.


pinit fg en rect red 28

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About Marie

Hi, I’m Marie
I’m a Potter, a Writer, and the Creator of Pottery Crafters
I also make videos on YouTube about Making Pottery.
My passion is to make Pottery and to Pass on what I’ve learned to you,
helping you in your Pottery Making Journey… Read more


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Table of Contents
  • My All-Around Pottery Wheel Bat Pick Is The Plasti-Bat
  • The Runner-Up Is The Speedball Plastic Pottery Wheel Bat
  • A few Differences With The Speedball Bat
  • Bat Storage
  • Keep Your Bat Secure With A BatMate 
Scroll to top
  • Beginner Info
    • Choosing Your Pottery Clay – Best Pottery Clay For Beginners
    • 21 Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Making Pottery Every Potter Should Know 
    • 21 Pottery Wheel Throwing Tips
    • 21 Essential Underglaze Tips for Pottery
    • How I Started Making Pottery at Home – My Guide for New Potters 
    • What is Greenware Ceramics: Understanding Its Role in Pottery
    • Is Raku Pottery Expensive to Make?
    • 30 Beginner Pottery Wheel Projects | With Easy Instructional Videos
    • How to Dispose of Pottery Clay Water | 3 Proven Methods
    • 10 Tips on How to Become a Successful and Confident Potter
    • How To Make Colored Clay For Pottery – A 6-Step Clay Coloring Guide
    • 21 Tips for Hand Building Pottery
    • Pottery Clay Extruders – Uses and Functions
    • Is Raku Pottery Waterproof: Sealing Raku Ceramics
    • Is Raku Pottery Food Safe: What You Need to Know
    • Can Pottery Clay Be Frozen
    • Stoneware Clay Vs. Porcelain Clay – Details and Facts Explained
    • 21 Pottery Clay Slip Questions Answered
    • What Is Potters Clay Made Of – Pottery Clay Ingredients Explained
    • How to Store Pottery Clay
    • How to Prevent Pottery Clay From Cracking While Drying
    • How to Throw Clay on the Pottery Wheel: A Step-by-Step Beginners Guide
    • How To Use a Pottery Kick Wheel (Ultimate Guide)
    • 7 Best Surfaces for Hand Building
    • How To Do Pottery With Long Nails – 5 Tips To Remember
    • How To Use Bats on a Pottery Wheel | Types – Usage – Storage
    • Can Air-Dry Clay Be Used on the Pottery Wheel – 3 Brands Tested
    • What Causes Pinholes in Pottery Glaze and How To Prevent Them
    • What Is the Difference Between Stoneware and Earthenware Clay
    • Can Broken Pottery be Repaired?
    • Pottery Wheel Positions and Posture – All You Need to Know
    • How to Make Kiln Cookies in 6 Easy Steps – With a Video
    • Can Handmade Pottery Go In The Dishwasher?
    • How to Make Pottery – 8 Step Pottery Making Process
    • How to Start a Home Pottery Studio
    • Which Direction Should a Potters Wheel Turn
    • Online vs In-Person Pottery Classes – A Beginners Guide
    • Are Pottery and Ceramics The Same Thing
    • Plain Clay Slip
    • Colored Clay Slip
    • 11 Problems Centering Clay and Easy Ways to Fix Them
    • 21 Kiln Questions Answered
    • 9 Common Pottery Wheel Mistakes and How to Fix Them
    • Wax Resist Tips | Protect – Decorate – Design
    • What Are Sponges Used for in Ceramics?
    • The Four Types of Clay
    • What Is Wax Resist in Pottery Used For
    • Why Every New Potter Should Take a Pottery Class
    • What To Wear When Doing Pottery
  • Product Reviews
    • The Original Giffin Grip and Giffin Grip Mini – Review and Comparison
    • Giffin Grip vs. Bailey Quick Trim 2: The Detailed Differences 
    • Brent CXC Pottery Wheel – OWNERS REVIEW – Buyers Guide
    • Skytou Pottery Wheel Pottery Forming Machine – OWNERS REVIEW
    • Speedball Artista Pottery Wheel – Owners Review Buyers Guide
    • Pottery Wheels Reviewed
    • Shimpo Ceramics Rebranding – A Huge Undertaking
    • The Ultimate Edger Pottery Making Multi-Tool Review
  • Buyer Guides
    • Gift Ideas for Potters – Pottery Crafters Gift Guide
    • 10 Things to Consider When Buying a Used Pottery Wheel
    • Pottery That Sells Well – 9 Pieces All Potters Should Make and Sell
    • Ultimate Pottery Glazing Tools & Supplies Guide
    • Buying a Pottery Kiln | Facts Features and What to Consider
    • Choosing an Electric Kiln – A Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide
    • Choosing a Pottery Wheel – Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide for Beginners
    • Best Pottery Tool Sets Under $18
    • Best Glaze Brush Sets
  • Projects & Supplies
    • Berry Bowl
    • Bowl with Chopstick Holes
    • Bowl with Chopstick Holes
    • Berry Bowl
    • Cat Bowl
    • Casserole Dish
    • Ceramic Citrus Juicer
    • Creamer
    • Honey Jar
    • Incense Holder
    • Kitchen Utensil Holder
    • Mortar and Pestle
    • Mug with a Gallery Lid
    • Piggy Bank
    • Succulent Plant Holder
    • Sugar Bowl
    • Toothpick Holder
    • Vase
    • Yarn Bowl
    • Plain Clay Slip
    • Colored Clay Slip
  • Glazing
    • Can Pottery Glaze Be Frozen
    • Do You Have to Glaze Pottery  
    • What is Glaze Made of — Ceramic Glaze Ingredients
    • Is Pottery Food Safe Without Glaze?
    • Do You Need a Kiln to Glaze Pottery at Home 
    • How to Remove Glaze From Pottery
    • How to Choose Pottery Glaze – A Beginner Glaze Guide
    • What Is Crazing in Ceramics and How To Prevent It!
    • Can You Bisque and Glaze Fire Pottery at the Same Time?
    • Sponge Glazing
    • Glaze Grinding
    • Applying Underglaze on Greenware vs Bisqueware – Which Is Best
    • What is The Difference Between Glaze and Underglaze
    • Underglazing with Split Cups For a Marbling Effect – A Step-by-Step Guide  
    • Can You Layer Underglaze
    • How Do You Mix Underglazes / Tips to Mix Underglazes
    • Underglazing Pottery | Glazing Tips Tools and Ideas
    • Bubble Glazing
    • Sponge Underglazing
    • Sponge Glazing Ombre Glazing
    • What Is Slip Trailing | Glazing Tips Tools and Ideas
  • Kiln Tips
    • Kiln Maintenance Guide: Tips for Top Performance  
    • The Differences Between a Raku and Electric Kiln Explained
    • What Is the Difference Between a Gas and Electric Kiln
    • What Temperature Do I Bisque Fire Pottery Clay To?
    • Is it Recommended that a Pottery Kiln Be Vented?
    • The Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting Kiln Problems
    • Are Pottery Kilns Safe – Beginner Kiln Questions
    • How To Use a Pottery Kiln at Home – 13 Tips To Remember
    • What Is A Kiln Sitter? Everything You Need To Know
    • At What Temperature Can You Open a Pottery Kiln?
    • What Is Kiln Wash – Kiln Shelf Protection Guide
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