Tools you will need to work with clay
A plastic or formica type table is probably the best work surface as they will not move while in use. If you do need a movable work station than a large plastic board works well. It is advisable that you don't use wood or painted surfaces because the clay will probably stick.
A toothpick comes in handy when making small dents or holes. You could also get needle tools for making holes of different sizes, handles on larger pokers can be used to make large round dents for eye sockets. You need at least a sharp long knife for cutting up the clay and a dull knife for making knotches without cutting the clay.
You will also need a roller or something to flatten out clay sheets. Cooking tools such as pasta machines and pasta makers can be used to make the clay flat or into different strings. Those fake cooking sets used with children's clay sets can also be used.
Finally you will need armatures to shape your clay around. The armature acts as a skeleton that holds your clay together and it allows you to move the body parts around. Premade armatures can be found at arts and crafts stores or online. Armatures can also be made at home using wires from hangers, I like to buy more flexible wiring at a hardware store. With the wiring you can make any skeleton you want.
This is only the basics of tools you will need to start making claymation. I also recommend getting a blue/green screen, something to make landscapes out of, lamps for lighting, books for more info, and a camcorder! Well a camcorder is rather an important part. With the computer and the new digital camcorders you can easily edit your creations. Using a digital camcorder's snapshot option you can capture film one frame at a time. Then import the video into the computer using a capture card or firewire port. With the video on the computer a video editing program can be used to add in audio, move scenes around, put in special effects, and mix it with live action or computer animation.