FAQs

💎 What are the current product promotions at DiamondCore® Tools?

Throughout the year, we’re so excited to promote our DiamondCore® Tools that we offer special discounts and perks when you purchase from our website. Be sure to check this page and our social media accounts to see our current promotions and any restrictions that may apply. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook. 

💎 When is your customer service available?

Customer service is performed across multiple time zones to accommodate national and international customer inquiries.

💎 Why is shipping so expensive, and why does it take so long to get my order to me?

Unfortunately, we don't control shipping rates or delivery times, especially on international orders. Use the tracking number in your invoice to monitor your shipment, and email info@diamondcoretools.com if you experience a significant shipping delay.

💎 Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship most places worldwide! Once you select and add the products you want to the shopping cart, your shipping cost is calculated based on your order. Your country may charge customs import fees or taxes, which unfortunately we are unable to determine for you in advance.

💎 You have so many tools to choose from. Which one should I get first?

It all depends on what you need our tools to do! We think our P1 and P12 are great to start carving, our T1 is a good all-purpose trimming tool, our new FP2 is perfect for fine sgraffito and our R4 handheld extruder is a popular shape for handles and feet.

💎 What is the difference between the curved and straight blade carving tools?

Our curved blade carvers are designed to be used primarily for leather-hard carving, both deep and shallow. The straight blade carvers can be used for more shallow carving or sgraffito.

💎 Which of your tools is best for sgraffito?

It depends on your style and desired end result. For fine line sgraffito detailing on dryer clay, our Diamond Stylus Tools are a great fit. Our straight blade carving tools are designed for more shallow carving and sgraffito. The back side of the blade on some of our curved blade carvers can also be used for sgraffito.

💎 How do I use the Trimming Spinner?

It’s purpose is to make lines and divisions, to stabilize the trimming hand and to prevent the collapse of thin-walled pots. Place it in the center of the pot while trimming. One finger of the left hand spins in the divot on the Trimming Spinner while the trimming hand is stabilized on the left hand. This allows you to disperse downward pressure and prevent collapsing of thin-walled pots. It also has convenient marks for dividing pieces in ½, ⅓, ¼, etc.

💎 How does the Shrink Ruler work?

See HOW TO USE YOUR SHRINK RULER website instructions on the Shrink Ruler product page.

💎 How does the Sticky Bat work? 

The Sticky Bat is a rigid, plastic bat covered with a rubbery material to keep your pieces in place while trimming. You can draw centering rings directly on it with a ballpoint pen to help you know where to place the pot. Once you have centered your pot, use light, downward pressure to stabilize. It is intended for low-profile items rather than tall pieces.

💎 Which diamond sanding grit should I buy?

It depends on what your desired end result is. If you are wanting heavy removal of glaze or clay, then 60 grit would be a good fit. For general purpose or leveling of a pot, 120 grit. For smoothing, you may use 240 to 400 grit. For polishing you may use 800 to 1800, and for shine on porcelain you may use 3000+ grit.

💎 What is the difference between the Silicon Carbide Grinding Disc and the Diamond Grinding Disc?

The Diamond Grit is 7000 on the hardness scale and Silicon Carbide (SC) has a 2400 hardness rating. The Diamond Grinding Disc (DGD) is a metal disc with diamonds held on by metal. The SC is fabric-backed and held on with glue. Both DGD and SC are adhesive-backed. DGD is available in an 8” or 12” diameter with 60, 120 and 240 grit options. SC is 12” in diameter and is offered in 50 or 80 grit only. DGD lasts 10 to 100 times longer and is 3 to 10 times faster for less fatigue and a smoother finish. And you can remove higher cone rating quicker.

💎 How does the Diamond Grinding Disc attach to a pottery wheel? 

The double-sided adhesive on the back of the Diamond Grinding Disc sticks permanently to a clean and dry (plastic) bat.

💎 What is the best way to clean a Diamond Grinding Disc?

Rinse the disc with water and use a gentle toothbrush if needed.

💎 Do I need to be concerned with the material I grind off with the use of the Diamond Grinding Disc?

Yes. Make sure to remove all clay on the wheel head and in the splash pan before using the Diamond Grinding Disc. After use of the grinding disc, make sure you thoroughly and carefully clean out all the debris on the wheel head and splash pan and dispose of it in the trash.

💎 Do I need to use water with your Diamond Grinding and Sanding products?

Yes. We recommend using water, high speed and gentle pressure to preserve the diamonds and to minimize dust.

💎 Do the Diamond Rotary Tools fit any Dremel®?

Yes. Our Diamond Rotary Tools fit most regular Dremel® tools. All major brands of rotary tools use the same standard ⅛” (3 mm) shaft size. Collet sets are available for rotary tools with smaller shaft size such as our Polishing Bullet sets (2.3 mm).

💎 How do I decide if a Diamond Hole Drill or Diamond Rotary Tool is best?  

If you need a fresh hole, the Hole Drills are far better suited. If you are just cleaning out an existing hole to widen it or remove glaze, then the DiamondCore Rotary Tools will work best.

💎 What is The CINK used for? 

The CINK allows you to filter and separate water and clay. It acts as a portable rinse station for tools and prevents clay from getting into your plumbing and clogging your drain. 

💎 How does The CINK work?

It’s a portable rinsing station that can be plugged into a regular electrical outlet. Start by adding 11 to 12 gallons of water. It filters and captures clay as water is recirculated. It senses when the faucet is turned on, which causes the pump to circulate water until the faucet is turned off. 

Both buckets are filled with water when you start. About ¼ of the larger bucket will empty into the next filter so that one will remain about ¾ full. The larger chunks of clay will collect in the first bucket. In the second bucket there is a 70 micron filter to filter out debris. The sediment will settle at the bottom of the larger second bucket. The water then goes through one more 1-micron screen filter before coming out of the faucet again. You can keep cycling it for a few months before cleaning it, depending on how often you are using The CINK. Additionally you can put a few drops of chlorine in the water as needed to keep the water purity levels where you want them to be. 

💎 Can your tools be used for polymer clay?

Yes. Our carving tools can be used on polymer clay, if desired.

💎 Where are your products made?

At DiamondCore® Tools, we pride ourselves on manufacturing and assembling the highest quality pottery tools available for the exacting artist in the ceramic arts industry.

Our materials are sourced both domestically and internationally — with only the best natural and fabricated materials selected for final production. DiamondCore® Tools partners with multiple suppliers for its raw materials. Due to high demand and trademark protection, this information is proprietary.

We're proud to say our tools are made in the USA. Final manufacturing of carving tools, trimming tools, sticky products and almost every other item offered for sale is done in the United States at our production center in El Cajon, California. Final assembly, packaging and order fulfillment are also located on-site at our facility in California.