The modelling turntable, also known as a giratutto, is an essential tool in any sculpture and modelling workshop. Its 360° rotating plate lets you access any angle of the piece without moving or destabilising it, resulting in greater precision and comfort during long working sessions. Made from durable technical plastic, it is easy to clean and withstands daily use with all types of materials.
Technical specifications
| Feature |
Detail |
| Plate diameter |
25 cm |
| Rotation |
360° |
| Material |
Durable technical plastic |
| Cleaning |
Easy, with a damp cloth or mild solvent |
What it is used for
The turntable is designed for sculptors, modellers and artists working with materials such as professional clay, natural clay, wax or resin. It makes working in the round easier, allowing you to rotate the piece with one hand while the other works with the tool. It is equally useful for traditional modelling and for preparing pieces intended for silicone or resin moulds.
- Modelling busts, heads and full figures in the round
- Sculpting special effects and prosthetics
- Designing maquettes and prototypes
- Working with professional oil- or wax-based clays
- Preparing originals for subsequent moulding
- Painting and finishing figures at 360°
- Use in training workshops and art schools
How to use it
- Place the turntable on a stable, level work surface.
- Position your sculpture or modelling mass in the centre of the plate to balance the weight.
- If working with professional clay, make sure the piece has a solid base before you start rotating.
- Rotate the plate with your free hand while working with the other using modelling tools or double-ended ball tools.
- Observe the piece from all angles at each stage of the work to detect asymmetries or flaws.
- When finished, clean the plate with a damp cloth or, if there are clay or wax residues, with a little 99.9% isopropyl alcohol.
Usage tips
Centre the piece properly from the start
Always work with the sculpture centred on the plate. Weight shifted to one side makes smooth rotation difficult and can cause the piece to fall or deform during the soft stages of modelling. If the sculpture is tall or has little support, reinforce the base with a wire or wood Armature before adding material.
Cleaning between materials
If you switch materials (for example, from clay to natural clay), clean the plate surface thoroughly to avoid contamination. 99.9% isopropyl alcohol dissolves greasy residues from oil-based clays without damaging the plastic plate. Allow it to evaporate completely before placing the new material.
Use the rotation for symmetry control
Rotate the piece slowly and observe the profile from several angles before adding or removing material. A good practice is to pause every few minutes, step back and do a full rotation of the plate to evaluate the overall form. This saves you costly corrections in the advanced stages of modelling.
Frequently asked questions
Is a turntable necessary for modelling at home?
It is not strictly necessary, but it makes a notable difference to the quality of the result. Without a turntable it is common to move the piece by hand and create unintentional marks or deformations. This 25 cm turntable allows you to work with much greater comfort and control, especially on medium-sized sculptures such as heads or full-body figures.
What types of materials is the turntable compatible with?
It is compatible with virtually all modelling materials: professional oil- or wax-based clays, natural clay, polymer clay, sculpting waxes and epoxy putties. The technical plastic plate withstands contact with these materials without absorbing them or becoming permanently stained.
What size should I choose?
The 25 cm diameter version is ideal for life-size head sculptures, medium-sized figures and maquettes. If you work with larger pieces or need more surface area, a 30 cm version is also available. As a general rule, the base should be at least as wide as the widest part of the sculpture.
How do you clean the turntable after working with clay?
Remove large residues with a spatula or wooden stick. To eliminate residual grease, apply a little 99.9% isopropyl alcohol with a cloth and rub gently. The plastic plate is not affected by this solvent. Avoid aggressive solvents such as acetone or toluene, which can attack the surface.
Can it support the weight of a large sculpture?
The technical plastic of this turntable is designed to support the typical weight of medium-sized sculptures. For very heavy pieces (for example, sculptures with a large internal metal Armature), it is advisable to assess the total weight before using any domestic or semi-professional turntable.
Can I also use it for painting figures?
Yes, the turntable is equally useful during the painting and finishing stage. Being able to rotate the piece without touching it prevents fingerprints on freshly painted areas and makes it easier to reach difficult spots such as the back or the base of the figure.
Do I need any additional tools to start modelling?
Where can I get technical assistance on modelling materials?
You can contact the Feroca technical team by calling 914 481 271, writing to [email protected] or through Feroca's social media channels. They will advise you on which materials to use based on your project and experience level.
