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buying a wheel

updated thu 5 nov 09

 

Les Lowe on wed 19 mar 97

Hi all,

I need some advice about purchasing a wheel. Presently I am renting a
Shimpo Potter's Wheel which is about 17 years old. It works quite well,
except the pedal has one place where it sticks when slowing down. I have
been thinking about offering to buy this wheel but I don't have any idea
what to offer for it.
I live in Canada so I imagine prices here would be quite different from the
US.

Also is there a life expectancy on them? Would I be better to buy a new
one or one that isn't so old? Is there any kind of maintenance that needs
to be done on them?

Thanks for any help or advice you can give me.

Linda

CSLPZZN@AOL.COM on fri 28 dec 01


I bought a Brent C a few years ago...my first wheel ...and love it. Quiet
running, no vibration, reversible direction, smooth.

Bought an additional wheel a few months ago..Brent B (thought I'd save a
little $). hate it hate it hate it. Loud, vibration that makes the plastic
bats rattle, foot pedal is sooo sensitive. People at Highwater Clay said it
just the same as the C...just not as big a motor....WRONG.

I complained to Don at Brent and he sent a new motor to try. Maybe the other
didn't have a silencer. Still just as awful. Put a 2 inch thick 3' by 4'
rubber stall mat under and still loud....teeth grating loud.

Trying to sell it now...will buy the C or CXC if they're still making it.
Heard they weren't.

enaway...my two cents worth
Carolyn

Les Crimp on fri 28 dec 01


Probably a dumb question, but why dont you buy a Pacifica? mmmmmm' good!

Les Crimp on that Island inthe Pacific.
lcrimp@shaw.ca

Martin Howard on sat 29 dec 01


For those in the UK, I strongly suggest that before buying a new wheel or
selling your old comfortable one, to contact pottersmate. They make a large
range to suit everybody.
I have one Delphine from there, with a student seat, which I can take
anywhere.
Very quiet and strong.
Malcolm at Pottersmate put a similar motor and a reversible switch into my
other old favourite casing, for use in the Pottery.

Both are quiet and strong and no trouble.
Malcolm is only half and hour's drive away and always willing to help out.

You may have a similar local manufacturer close to you.
That proximity is an important factor in making your decision.
For me I would go to Pottersmate every time.

No financial links by the way; except me to them! Just a satisfied customer.

Martin Howard
Webbs Cottage Pottery
Woolpits Road, Great Saling
BRAINTREE, Essex CM7 5DZ
01371 850 423
martin@webbscottage.co.uk
http://www.webbscottage.co.uk
Updated 26/12/01

Deanna on sun 7 dec 03


Hi- my name is Deanna and I have been throwing for about a year and a half
now at my school. I am going to be buying a wheel this Christmas because I
want to pursue Art Education with a concentration in Ceramics in college
because this has become my ultimate love. I was wondering if you all could
help me with my decision on what to buy because it is clear that you know
more about the field than I do. We throw on Brents at school but I do not
have the money for one of them right now, and I know some people here have
stated that they think they are overpriced. I have heard some good and bad
things about the Clayboss(now a newer model & the most affordable) ,
Pacifica, and Shimpo(also changed its design). Any help would be greatly
appreciated. Thank you.

Rob Van Rens on sun 7 dec 03


Deanna,

The new Clayboss wheels (by Creative Industries) are pretty good for a
budget wheel; just make sure that you buy one manufactured in the last year
or so - CI went to a new motor design, one that provides considerably more
power.

We use a couple of newer Clayboss wheels in the studio here, and have been
fairly happy with them. They're not the thing for large-scale work, but for
smaller stuff, you can't go wrong.

Also, CI is a great company to deal with, and the 5-year warranty is nice.

Rob Van Rens

Frederick Clay Art Center
5400 Yukon Ct, Unit 500
Frederick, MD 21758

(301) 371-0310
www.frederickclayartcenter.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Deanna"
To:
Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2003 10:07 AM
Subject: Buying a wheel


> Hi- my name is Deanna and I have been throwing for about a year and a half
> now at my school. I am going to be buying a wheel this Christmas because
I
> want to pursue Art Education with a concentration in Ceramics in college
> because this has become my ultimate love. I was wondering if you all
could
> help me with my decision on what to buy because it is clear that you know
> more about the field than I do. We throw on Brents at school but I do not
> have the money for one of them right now, and I know some people here have
> stated that they think they are overpriced. I have heard some good and
bad
> things about the Clayboss(now a newer model & the most affordable) ,
> Pacifica, and Shimpo(also changed its design). Any help would be greatly
> appreciated. Thank you.
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>

Shawn McGuire on sun 7 dec 03


Hi Deanna-
I bought a Brent a while back, good wheel. I do however wish that I had
looked into the Pacifica more before buying. They are great wheels, affordable,
awsome speed responsivness, check out the GT-400. Good luck and happy
throwing!!

Lili Krakowski on wed 26 may 04


Just spoke to Ezekiel....

What is a wheel? It is a lathe that runs vertically instead of =
horizontally. It has a surface called the head, which is the worktable. =
This worktable can be around ten inches, or much wider. If one has a =
small wheelhead but needs a bigger work surface one uses a bat. Bats =
are to be had in diverse materials, can be held to the wheel head by =
clay, by "pins", which actually, generally ate 1/4" Alan headed bolts =
with a butterfly nut at the bottom; or there are wheel heads like pie =
plates into which a plaster bat is "dropped."

The wheel/lathe has to be propelled. It can be turned by a belt that is =
attached to another wheel, which is turned by some poor apprentice. (By =
the way the theory is: right handed people (85% of the world =
population) will turn a wheel clockwise. That makes the wheel they =
turn with a belt turn counter clockwise. Right handed people tend to be =
right legged. Which makes them kick a wheel counterclockwise. This =
explanation of why the Japanese throw one way and we the other was given =
to me decades ago. I still believe it to be true.)

The wheel can also be turned by a flywheel, which is kicked, and whose =
momentum keeps it going quite a while. Or the wheel can be turned by a =
treadle attached to a Pitman style shaft. =20

The wheel can be turned by direct contact of a little rubber wheel =
attached to a motor. This wheel is pressed agains the flywheel by the =
foot pushing on the motor, propels the flywheel, and when the foot =
releases the motor, the flywheel just runs on its own. This is, to the =
best of my knowledge the type of propulsion added to kickwheels. I have =
one on mine, as the knees they ain't gettin' younger.

Then there are truly electric wheels which operate on a variety of =
systems only one of which I think I understand. Two cones are set up to =
touch at the tip. When the pedal is depressed one of the cones moves so =
that it rubs alongside the other cone. When the cones touch only a =
little (small circumferences touching) the wheel goes slowly. When the =
bigger parts touch, the wheel goes faster. Kindof the same idea as =
bicycle gears. Another type operates on a pulley and belt system.

Then there are the electronic wheels about which I know nothing. They =
work well and smoothly, are hard to repair if you do not understand =
them, and are costly.

After all that wheels are designed for diverse workloads. If you weigh =
98 lbs and are 4'10" and over 50, you do not need a wheel that takes 100 =
lbs. If on the other hand you are 6'6" weigh 250 and had a wrestling =
scholarship to Clay U, get a maximum power wheel.
No, the size of a pot does not depend on strength as much as skill. But =
the strength you put out automatically when centering does affect the =
wear on the wheel.

Wheels vary in weight. Seems to be between 70 and 120 pounds. Not the =
biggest deal but a factor if you need to be able to toss the thing in =
the pickup by yourself.

IMO you do not need a splash pan, a seat, nor a "table" All that can =
be built from scrap stuff. Or gotten at garage sales.
You do not need extention feet. You can make those too. You DO want a =
wheel that can be raised up if you (to my mind sensibly) decide to throw =
standing up.

To my way of thinking the best buy is the Brent kit offering the metal =
parts for a kickwheel. Weighs 20 lbs and the last Nasco catalog I have, =
(2002) says it costs $210. The wood part should not cost much if you =
salvage and dumpster dive, but the kit is $185 in same catalog. The =
Lockerbie kickwheel seems a wonderful deal. Never met one, do not know =
how easy it is to get on and off.

I am not related or financially involved with any wheel maker. Ideally =
you will go to a store or school and look at them. No one can tell you =
what is best for you. You have to be comfortable sitting or standing at =
it. A slim beanpole of a man may prefer a different wheel from a heavy =
set, big bosomed woman. Some wheels are trickier to sit at or climb on. =
=20

Above all don't rush into it. This is a lot of money, a great big =
lot....Think very carefully.

Lili Krakowski

Allen Steen on thu 27 may 04


I just wanted to thank everyone, especially Lili, for the very helpful
advice on selecting a wheel. The article in pmi was also helpful.

Allen

--- Lili Krakowski wrote:
> Just spoke to Ezekiel....
>
> What is a wheel? It is a lathe that runs vertically instead of
> horizontally. It has a surface called the head, which is the
> worktable. This worktable can be around ten inches, or much wider.
> If one has a small wheelhead but needs a bigger work surface one uses
> a bat. Bats are to be had in diverse materials, can be held to the
> wheel head by clay, by "pins", which actually, generally ate 1/4"
> Alan headed bolts with a butterfly nut at the bottom; or there are
> wheel heads like pie plates into which a plaster bat is "dropped."
>





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Steve Slatin on fri 10 dec 04


This question, in some form, comes up every few
months. Others have given better answers than
I could, so check the archives for that.

Insufficient horsepower will lead to irregular
wheel movement, vibration, and early motor
breakdown. OTOH, 1/4 hp appears to be enough
for a well-designed wheel to last a decade or
so in most cases. And good wheels *do* last,
so if you have a chance to buy a good used
wheel cheap, it's a great opportunity. But
used wheels in good condition are hard to come
by.

With regard to your short list, if you use these
wheels you'll find them different. If you find
the noise or vibration or wheel head height or
workspace layout for one or another substantially
better or worse, make your choice on that basis;
each of the three you mention can be a great tool.
The issue is which is best for the way that you
do your work.

FWIW, I have a Pacifica that I bought because I liked
the workspace and feel and the splashpan. In
retrospect, I might have been wiser to get a Thomas
Stuart with a fixed splashpan. Both motor and pedal
are extremely smooth on the T-S. But the Pacifica
is an extraordinarily good tool, and now that I have
it I wouldn't trade it for anything.

-- Steve Slatin

--- shilpy wrote:

> I have shortlisted 3 wheels :- Pacifica
> GT400, Brent ie and Shimpo
> M400.

=====
Steve Slatin -- Did you know there is schools
Where Bop -- and nothing but
Bop -- are taught?
Well, there am!
Sequim, Washington, USA

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shilpy on fri 10 dec 04


Hi,
I have been throwing for a few years now and am planning to buy a wheel of
my own. I have shortlisted 3 wheels :- Pacifica GT400, Brent ie and Shimpo
M400. I do not throw very large, not more than 15lbs at a time. Does the
horsepower of a wheel also play a role in throwing small amounts of clay?
Can someone please suggest which one of these 3 wheels is better? Also, is
it a good idea to buy a second hand wheel?

Thanks,
Shilpy
www.thecofi.net/shop.html

Kevin Komadina on sat 11 dec 04


I've had a Pacifica GT 400 for almost 8 years. I like the large work =
surface. The reversal switch is standard, and it has easily centered 50 =
lbs of clay for me. It's supposed to center 80 lbs, but I haven't tried =
that yet. It seems to be a good value for the money, and I've been very =
satisfied. I'm starting to offer classes in my studio and am purchasing =
GT400's. Though I don't know that you'll go wrong with any on your short =
list.

Kevin=20

KHK Original Ceramic Art Studio
Edina, MN=20

----- Original Message -----=20
From: shilpy=20
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=20
Sent: Friday, December 10, 2004 5:10 PM
Subject: buying a wheel


Hi,
I have been throwing for a few years now and am planning to buy a =
wheel of
my own. I have shortlisted 3 wheels :- Pacifica GT400, Brent ie and =
Shimpo
M400. I do not throw very large, not more than 15lbs at a time. Does =
the
horsepower of a wheel also play a role in throwing small amounts of =
clay?
Can someone please suggest which one of these 3 wheels is better? =
Also, is
it a good idea to buy a second hand wheel?

Thanks,
Shilpy
www.thecofi.net/shop.html

=
_________________________________________________________________________=
_____
Send postings to =
clayart@lsv.ceramics.org

You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from =
http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/

Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at =
melpots@pclink.com.

Bruce Freund on sat 11 dec 04


It was suggested that someone should buy a Thomas Stuart wheel and I would
like to add my opinion.. I purchased a Thomas Stuart and it was noisy and
the pedal was not smooth and the head had a problem. I called the company
and the second wheel they sent to me had the exact same problems. I
returned them both and had a $$ problem with them that went on for 6
months.. It was finally resolved as it should have been in the beginning.
The whole experience with them was very upsetting.

Hopefully the problems that I encountered have been resolved but I would
definately talk to them before you buy a wheel and make sure you have the
right to return it in writing if you are not satisfied.

I subsequently purchased the new wheel from Bailey Pottery , the one that
does not have a splash pan and I think it is just wonderful, in fact
everything I have purchased from Bailey from the wheel to the twin auger
pugmill have been exceptional.
--
Best of the Best,

Bruce Freund

Cynthia Bracker on sat 11 dec 04


The Shimpo M400 has been recently discontinued. Parts are still
currently available and there are still quite a few M400s on the market,
but it's something to consider for long term future use. The Brent ie
and the Pacifica GT-400 are such different wheels it is hard to compare
them. The ie is a very inexpensive (yet Brent quality) wheel that is
perfect for a younger potter or a true "weekend warrior" because of its
price point. (I think anyone that takes the time to be a member of
clayart is generally speaking more than a weekend warrior) If you have
the money to spend on it, go with the GT400. Besides, most suppliers
are running sales on wheels right now - probably around 15-20% off
(retail price is $895) PLUS Laguna is offering a manufacturer's rebate
through the end of the year of $50.00 on a GT400! You can't beat those
savings.
Horsepower can play somewhat of a role in throwing even small amounts -
specifically in the centering, and especially for a novice or beginner.
The larger your motor, the more help it will give you in centering and
the less of your own strength will be required (although this is not
infinitely true - by that I mean you can't assume that you can buy a
wheel with 1.5horsepower and the clay will center itself. You still
have to know how) The reason I say this is that not too long after I
first learned how to throw, I taught a children's intro to clay class at
our local art center. Some of the older kids were really curious about
the wheel, (the class was not intended to include throwing) so I took
them, one at a time to the wheel and helped them to throw a pot. This
was on a Brent B wheel (1/4 horsepower). I learned on, and have always
thrown on, my Dad's old 1967 Brent Model C wheel (1/2 horsepower). The
next day I was really sore and it took me a while to figure out that it
was because I had had to work much harder to center the clay.
As for buying a second hand wheel, if you can find one, it's generally a
safe buy, however, there are some brands (generally ones that are no
longer made) to avoid. Contact a trusted repair technician for advice.
Good Luck!
Cindy Bracker
Bracker's Good Earth Clays, Inc.

shilpy wrote:

>Hi,
>I have been throwing for a few years now and am planning to buy a wheel of
>my own. I have shortlisted 3 wheels :- Pacifica GT400, Brent ie and Shimpo
>M400. I do not throw very large, not more than 15lbs at a time. Does the
>horsepower of a wheel also play a role in throwing small amounts of clay?
>Can someone please suggest which one of these 3 wheels is better? Also, is
>it a good idea to buy a second hand wheel?
>
>Thanks,
>Shilpy
>www.thecofi.net/shop.html
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
>
>

S. Morris on sun 12 dec 04


Shilpy,

I know this may be difficult to do ( depending on
where you live in the country), but a couple years ago
I was also buying my first wheel. Up until then I had
throwing experince on brents and a pacifica... but
that same year I had decided to go to NCECA and they
have a great ceramic vender area where I was able to
try every wheel there... it was great. Buying a wheel
is like buying running sneakers, you have to try them
all on before you know which on fits the best. In in
the end I bought a solder and it's the best purchase
I've ever made!

Happy Hunting,
Steph Morris, in normal



=====
http://community.webshots.com/user/thalelia

"Oh, you hate school? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY and they meet at the bar"



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shilpy on sun 12 dec 04


Thank you people, all your responses have been a great help. I have been
able to eliminate the Brent ie from the list. I'm leaning more towards the
pacifica because as Cindy pointed out Shimpo M400 has been discontinued and
repairs might become a problem. But I still haven't ruled it out completely
because I'm getting an 18 month old shimpo for $400 (runs smoothly) which I
think is a really good deal. What do you say?

Shilpy.

S. Morris on mon 13 dec 04


If you are going to go with a shimpo, I would check
with shimpo first... we just had a rep. from shimpo
come to our school and he said you could pick up a
refurbished shimpo whisper (with a two year warrentee)
for 650 with free shipping.... I think if you are
already going to pay 400 I don't 650 is a huge jump
and the shimp whispers are pretty nice... they have
magnet driven motors so they can handle a good amount
of clay and they won't stall on you.

happy hunting
-Steph Morris



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Liam Wertenbaker on sun 19 dec 04


i've been looking to replace my 70s shimpo i bought a few years age pretty
much since i bought it. i'm currently using a borrowed pacifica which i'm
not a fan of exept for the large work surface. the wheel head wobles just a
bit and only about 1/3 of the peddal's range of mottion is in the throwing
range the second 2/3 is only useful for centering. i've flattened more than
one plate or platter by moving the peddal a wee bit to far. the wheels i've
tride and liked recently (show room only) were the shimpo vl wisper and the
bailys, both had very smooth acction, and were not as noisy as the pacifica.

Jennifer Boyer on sun 19 dec 04


I've had my Shimpo Whisper( the one that looks like a Pacifica, with a
table )since the last NCECA and the silence is amazing! I love this
wheel. I had a Pacifica and a 70's Shimpo before. The Whisper had 2
problems which I have fixed:

1. When the wheel arrived the pedal was WAY too stiff. I had to call
the tech guy at Shimpo twice: He talked me through a fairly complicated
adjustment routine involving taking the pedal apart and juggling
several different sets of wrenches while talking on the phone. But now
it's the best pedal I've ever used. The best thing to do if you need to
call the tech guy is to call him, get him to show you what parts need
wrenches and then hang up, find the best wrenches for the job, and call
him back. Also a speaker phone helps.

2. For ME(read always too many orders, never clean as I go, lots of
trimmings overflowing, too old to change my ways) the splash pan needs
to be too clean. If there is the littlest bit of crud on the parts that
snap together to hold the 2 pieces tight, the snap doesn't happen and
you can't get the pan to close without washing off the parts. . My
solution was to get a bunch of worm drive hose clamps and string them
together to make one big enough to fit around the splash pan. After
tightening it the pan stays nice and tight. Now I can do what I'm used
to: never get around to washing off my splash pan...

Happy Holidays and New Year to everyone
Jennifer



On Dec 19, 2004, at 2:31 AM, Liam Wertenbaker wrote:

> i've been looking to replace my 70s shimpo i bought a few years age
> pretty
> much since i bought it. i'm currently using a borrowed pacifica which
> i'm
> not a fan of exept for the large work surface. the wheel head wobles
> just a
> bit and only about 1/3 of the peddal's range of mottion is in the
> throwing
> range the second 2/3 is only useful for centering. i've flattened
> more than
> one plate or platter by moving the peddal a wee bit to far. the
> wheels i've
> tride and liked recently (show room only) were the shimpo vl wisper
> and the
> bailys, both had very smooth acction, and were not as noisy as the
> pacifica.
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _______
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
************************
Jennifer Boyer
Thistle Hill Pottery
Montpelier, VT

http://thistlehillpottery.com

Marcia Selsor on sun 19 dec 04


I have a Bailey right now. I like it. It is slow but that suits me. I
like quit wheels. It is easy to assemble. I had a Stuart motorized
kickwheel which I loved, but sold because I was afraid my dog would her
herself on the flywheel. Nothing is wrong with the wheel. It's great.
My dog tried jumping in my lap while I was throwing.
Marcia

Jeremy/Bonnie Hellman on sun 19 dec 04


For people looking to purchase equipment, such as wheels, if you can wait
until March and if you can be in Baltimore, Maryland for NCECA March 16-19,
2005 or some part thereof, you can see a much wider range of ceramic
equipment than you're likely to see anywhere else, except another NCECA.

Furthermore, you can actually try most if not all of the wheels, talk with
the manufacturer, talk with other ceramics people who are using or
considering using the equipment, and possibly get a good deal, especially if
you're driving and can take it home with you.

The NCECA Exhibitor Area is an education in itself!

Bonnie
Bonnie Hellman

----- Original Message -----
From: "Liam Wertenbaker"
To:
Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2004 2:31 AM
Subject: Re: buying a wheel


> i've been looking to replace my 70s shimpo i bought a few years age pretty
> much since i bought it. i'm currently using a borrowed pacifica which i'm
> not a fan of exept for the large work surface. the wheel head wobles just
> a
> bit and only about 1/3 of the peddal's range of mottion is in the throwing
> range the second 2/3 is only useful for centering. i've flattened more
> than
> one plate or platter by moving the peddal a wee bit to far. the wheels
> i've
> tride and liked recently (show room only) were the shimpo vl wisper and
> the
> bailys, both had very smooth acction, and were not as noisy as the
> pacifica.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.

Jennifer Boyer on sun 19 dec 04


And there are "demo" deals!
Jennifer
On Dec 19, 2004, at 12:16 PM, Jeremy/Bonnie Hellman wrote:

> For people looking to purchase equipment, such as wheels, if you can
> wait
> until March and if you can be in Baltimore, Maryland for NCECA March
> 16-19,
> 2005 or some part thereof, you can see a much wider range of ceramic
> equipment than you're likely to see anywhere else, except another
> NCECA.
>
> Furthermore, you can actually try most if not all of the wheels, talk
> with
> the manufacturer, talk with other ceramics people who are using or
> considering using the equipment, and possibly get a good deal,
> especially if
> you're driving and can take it home with you.
>
> The NCECA Exhibitor Area is an education in itself!
>
> Bonnie
> Bonnie Hellman
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Liam Wertenbaker"
> To:
> Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2004 2:31 AM
> Subject: Re: buying a wheel
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _______
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
************************
Jennifer Boyer
Thistle Hill Pottery
Montpelier, VT

http://thistlehillpottery.com

mel jacobson on wed 4 nov 09


from the old timer:

make sure the wheel fits YOU.
don't be so worried about looks, pans, stuff.
(and, how many of you make 80 pound pots all day, or if ever?
make sure it fits your body.
try some out for size.

and, you can add wooded lifters under the feet of the
wheel if you wish. some use iron pipe for leg extenders.
often just a few inches makes all the difference.

remember, you can sit at a wheel for hours..if it does
not fit you...pain will follow.
be wise.

ALSO, ADJUST THE HEIGHT OF YOUR STOOL, TRY DIFFERENT
ANGLES AND HEIGHTS. USE WOODEN BLOCKS, AND EVEN TRY
LIFTING THE BACK TWO LEGS AN INCH HIGHER THAN THE FRONT.

it is just like driving cross country in a porche`.
crap, i would rather be driving an old buick.
you can GET out of the porche` all cramped up.
and, take my word for it, they go `umphh` on every bump.
from: minnetonka, mn
website: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/
clayart link: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/clayart.html
new book: http://www.21stcenturykilns.com