Be sure to consider this in order to make a more informed decision when comparing different models. The ability to move your pottery wheel when desired is not a necessity for every artist, but you should definitely know whether or not this characteristic is important to you before purchasing a pottery wheel.
Portable pottery wheels tend to be smaller and lighter, and though they have lower clay load capacities, they are very popular with teachers and those who give demonstrations at events and arts festivals. If you foresee studio space relocation in the future, wish to easily move around your pottery wheel in a multi-use studio, or would like to have the ability to take your wheel with you when traveling, a portable pottery wheel is essential.
A kickwheel is a motorless, manually-operated wheel that functions by relying on the power the artist supplies with their own foot to keep the pottery wheel moving. The problem with kickwheels is that they are incredibly heavy, and therefore extremely difficult to move and transport. For example, while an electric wheel may be 35 pounds, an average kickwheel is pounds. The wheelhead is the revolving piece mounted in the center of a pottery wheel where your clay will be formed during the throwing process.
The size you chose will depend largely on the types of projects you plan to create. If, however, you do not plan on creating pieces of this size, you can settle for a model with a smaller wheelhead. Another thing to consider when looking at different wheelheads is what types of bats and bat pins will fit with it. Bats are thin disks made out of plaster, wood, or plastic that are affixed to the wheel head with pins. They are used when an artist must throw a piece that might be too difficult to lift off the wheel head.
If you already have bats you plan on using, you will first have to ensure that they will fit the dimensions of your chosen wheelhead, seeing as pin configuration, number, and distance from the center of the wheelhead can vary. Additionally, some wheels have bat pins that are more easily removed, which allows the potter to trim their piece directly on the wheelhead.
If you foresee the need to trim your ware easily while still set on your pottery wheel, you will want to be certain the model you invest in has pins that can be removed without much difficulty. While some pottery wheels are extremely basic, and consist solely of a wheelhead, frame, and powersource, others come complete with attached work tables, splash pans, and many accessories.
First, you will want to consider the space in which you will be housing your pottery wheel to determine what size you can and wish to accommodate.
If you already have a work table and see no need for a larger machine, there is no reason to make a larger investment. However, if you would like a wheel that can provide all services in one, attached work spaces come in different sizes and placement options around the wheelhead, so chose a setup which is best for your own style. Another component of workspace to consider when looking at different pottery wheel models is the importance of cleanliness.
Some wheels come with a splash pan, which is a molded plastic tray that is placed around the pottery wheel to keep clay and water from spraying the artist, floor, or surrounding area. They significantly reduce the mess of throwing, but some artists feel they interfere with the throwing process. Also wheels tend to hold their value - as pottery is making something of a comeback you may find yourself in a bidding war on eBay pushing the prices up beyond what the wheel is probably worth.
Wheels are often quite big, heavy and are difficult to move. One of the joys of investing in a new wheel is that delivery is organised for you via pallet, no stress about how you are going to fit the wheel into your Nissan Micra.
This will ensure you get the right fit for you. My Skutt wheel has the added option of fully adjustable legs so I can adjust the wheel to suit my height and preferred throwing position. I can even even stand whilst throwing which is great for those who may suffer from a back problems. The pedal on my Skutt wheel is separate from the body of the wheel and is therefore movable so you can adjust your leg position, the pedal on my Cowley is fixed.
This wheel could survive a zombie apocalypse. What you want to make: Think about what you want to use your wheel for.
Hobby potter or full-time gig? Tabletop Wheels sit on top of a table and are lighter, portable, and occupy less space. Meanwhile, a seated wheel is a table with a wheel built into it; you simply have to pull up a chair to start using it.
Seated wheels have a foot pedal that you will have to press rhythmically to make the wheel move smoothly. Some Pottery Wheels come with splash pans that surround the wheel to capture any clay that flies off. You can always make your own splash pan by placing a wide dish with high edges underneath your Pottery Wheel. The weight, dimension, and voltage of your machine are all aspects you need to consider when buying an Electric Pottery Wheel.
Your budget should be based on the features and specifications you want your pottery wheel to have. A wheel with a higher clay load capacity, more motor power, and a smoother manner of operating might be more expensive. However, it will be much more durable than a cheaper model with worse specs. I would advise against this, though.
Even the cheapest Electric Wheels are expensive. You need to factor in the cost of other materials and equipment. You can find used Pottery Wheels online. Testing a secondhand pottery wheel is an absolute must, so make sure the person you buy it from will allow you to return it.
Although secondhand Wheels have been broken in and can be more responsive to clay and shaping, you do need to be careful and ensure that the machine is in working condition. As well as scrutinizing the specifications, accessories, and cost comparisons for each wheel, there are a few other factors you need to consider before making a purchase decision. To kickstart your research, here are some of the most popular Electric Pottery Wheel brands on the market today.
Brent Pottery Wheels are some of the most popular in the market. They are generally free-standing wheels — that is, they come built into a tabletop and have a pedal that lets you control the speed of the wheel. Brent Wheels take up more space than a Tabletop Electric Wheel, but they are quite durable and good workhorse wheels to own.
Shimpo is a brand known for quiet free-standing and Tabletop Electric Wheels that have high power but light motors. Because of their powerful motors, most Shimpo wheels can handle large amounts of clay; the higher-end ones can manage around two hundred pounds of clay at a time. They are also great because they have a reservable rotation option that allows both left and right-handers to feel comfortable while using them.
Soldner Wheels are at the more premium end of the market and are known for their free-standing designs. These wheels have smooth pedals and powerful motors that can take a lot of weight. Soldner has two series of electric wheels: the P-Series and the S-series.
Pacifica has been producing pottery wheels for over twenty years, and they are continuously improving their line of products. They are known for having motors with high torque that are able to handle heavyweight. Most models have similar features, including wheel heads made with aluminum, satisfaction guarantees, and workstation extensions.
There are two Speedball product lines you should consider: the Artista series and the Boss series. Both offer Electric Wheels, additional bats and bat pins, splash pans, and a warranty of at least two years. One of the essential tools in a pottery studio is a scale. Ideally, it should be durable, and most importantly, accurate. But how do you ensure that you choose the best Scale? But not all of these Kilns can be good for the job.
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