I am looking to make wareboards for use while hand building, slab work and such.... also to leave pieces on to dry a little. I think Jess uses Birch but that is so expensive.... wondering for a cheaper alternative? Would MDF board work? Would i have to seal it with a poly?

I made a clay handbuilding desk out of a 2nd hand wood computer desk/table. I sanded the finish down to bare wood, then removed as much texture from the woodgrain as possible with finer sandpaper, but not to the point of burnish or polish. I did not seal the wood, because clay work is easier on a absorbent surface like unfinished wood, or canvas on un finished wood. Clay tends to just stick to non absorbent surfaces, not fun for handbuilding. Think about how a lot of clay tools are made with unfinished wood and I think you'll understand it more intuitively. As for drying, I am a very impatient rebel. I made flat 12 by 12 inch potters plaster boards to stick my stuff on to set up, so I could throw and trim on the same day, or build and decorate.

That’s sounds great and yes I guess it makes sense with unfinished wood. I have a table I covered with hardie board (sp?) and then a light canvas to work on and it is great. I just need smaller boards to let the items sit on while drying a bit before they go in the greenhouse (my zipped in drying area). I have bought cutting boards on sale to try but them seem to not work well. Maybe the type of wood or they have a finish? How did you make the plaster 12x12boards? Potters plaster as in wedging board plaster?

I have plaster(drywall) boards that I use for working with clay as well as drying clay. It is very easy to cut(score with a utility knife snd snap) and inexpensive. Tape the edges with duck tape so you don’t get plaster involved with your clay. If you leave very wet clay on the board for too long the outer paper may peel off. Just turn it over and use the other side. I also have boards made from plywood that I have covered with canvas. The disadvantage to using a board like that is that you will have a texture but they last forever and are easy to wash.

I have plaster(drywall) boards that I use for working with clay as well as drying clay. It is very easy to cut(score with a utility knife snd snap) and inexpensive. Tape the edges with duck tape so you don’t get plaster involved with your clay. If you leave very wet clay on the board for too long the outer paper may peel off. Just turn it over and use the other side. I also have boards made from plywood that I have covered with canvas. The disadvantage to using a board like that is that you will have a texture but they last forever and are easy to wash.

I have plaster(drywall) boards that I use for working with clay as well as drying clay. It is very easy to cut(score with a utility knife snd snap) and inexpensive. Tape the edges with duck tape so you don’t get plaster involved with your clay. If you leave very wet clay on the board for too long the outer paper may peel off. Just turn it over and use the other side. I also have boards made from plywood that I have covered with canvas. The disadvantage to using a board like that is that you will have a texture but they last forever and are easy to wash.

Isn't there a printable sheet with diagrams for cutting a sheet of plywood, to make ware boards from? I cannot find it anywhere.