Stuart Altmann on tue 29 jul 97
Here are my comments on various electric potters wheels that I tried out in
1994, when I was in the market for one.
For several months, I used the standard 1/3 and 1/2 hp versions of BRENT
wheel, in heavily used classroom units. Good, basic machines. My one
objection is that the speed control was mediocre: did not go smoothly from
one speed to another, and the wheel sometimes moved somewhat spastically,
especially at slow speeds.
I've used various past-retirement-age SHIMPO wheels in a classroom. They
were clunky, noisy, nearly worthless. Also used one new 1/4 horsepower unit.
The new version of the Shimpo drive that was introduced about 1993 is very
smooth. The control allows for finely graded transitions between those
critical slow speeds, particularly if the hand lever is used. However, the
attached foot control pedal is in the wrong position for a tall person like
me, and someone in CLAYART had unfavorable comments about the remote pedal,
which controls the speed not electrically but mechanically, via a cable, as
on a bike shift lever. The new Shimpo has the same old body, with its near-
worthless countertop and no foot space underneath. The quarter-horsepower
models are inadequate for anything over about 25 lbs of clay.
The problem with the PACIFICA wheel as of early 1994--a fine wheel at a
reasonable price--was the footpedal, which had a nasty creak and
corresponding uneveness in accelerating. At the 1994 NCECA, I tried out the
Pacifica with its redesigned pedal. The new pedal had a different problem:
the pivot point was in the wrong place (too far back). The rep from Laguna
was aware of the problem and said they were working on it. Don't know what
changes have been made since then.
I briefly tried out a Creative Industries wheel. Seemed quite smooth. The
molded plastic countertop had some nooks under the wheelhead that probably
would be hard to clean. The sound of the motor was reminiscent of a sewing
machine, but one would soon get used to it. A wheel worth considering.
The wheel that I settled on is a Soldner P-200, made by Bluebird. I am
completely satisfied with every aspect of this wheel! The P-100 model,
which differs in having lower horsepower, would be powerful enough unless you
want to throw really large pieces. The S-100 has the same mechanism as the
P-100 but a different, less expensive frame, illustrated in several ceramic
supply catalogues. All use the same electric for varying wheel speed, one
that may be unique to Soldner wheels. Whatever the mechanism, it results in
very smooth transitions throughout its speed range. The countertop on the P
series is ample, the height of the wheel can be changed by adjusting the
legs, the tubular metal frame is stable, the motor is reasonably quiet, and
the direction that the wheel turns can be changed by the flip of a switch. A
great wheel!
Stuart Altmann
Andrew & Laura Conley on wed 27 aug 97
I am planning to set up a studio at home in the coming year. I have
been carefully reading all the advice about different electric and gas
kilns etc, but what about wheels? I will eventually want to make rather
large pots (40-50lbs) so I expect I will need one with a strong,
consistent motor. I have mostly used shimpo wheels, but hear that
brents are great. What do you suggest? What would you get if you
bought a new one now?
Thanks,
Laura (lconley@dcds.edu)
Mike Vatalaro on wed 27 aug 97
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I am planning to set up a studio at home in the coming year. I have
>been carefully reading all the advice about different electric and gas
>kilns etc, but what about wheels? I will eventually want to make rather
>large pots (40-50lbs) so I expect I will need one with a strong,
>consistent motor. I have mostly used shimpo wheels, but hear that
>brents are great. What do you suggest? What would you get if you
>bought a new one now?
>
>Thanks,
>Laura (lconley@dcds.edu)
Laura, The Brent is good Better I think than a Shimpo, but my first
choice is the soldner . I dont know the model it was the best they had
when I bought it in 84, 400 lb capacity yet very smooth pedal action.!
Mike V
Clemson U
Joyce Lee, Jim Lee on wed 27 aug 97
In spite of the lengthy period of torture we experienced removing the
wheelhead of our Shimpo in order to install the more or less permanent
splash pan, I recommend our new Master Series M750 1 HP Shimpo, with the
optional attached table, and large splash pan with a drain. This model
will center 100 lbs and has a 14" wheelhead. We also have a Brent which
we like but, as with the Brents we use at our local community college,
the wheel often does not stop turning when pressure is removed from the
pedal, which is annoying but one soon adjusts. Our Shimpo is incredibly
quiet and smooth, even after the extreme stress we applied in order to
remove the wheelhead. I personally like the drain in the very large
splash pan. The optional table is larger than most; however, I still
keep a small step stool with an expanded top step next to my wheel. I'm
messy and use a lot of "stuff" when I throw. I usually throw in front of
a mirror (novicey potter that I am. That's a wee bit above plain
"novice.") and there is plenty of room beneath the table for feet of the
mirror stand. There is NO problem with the pedal on this model. The
pedal is larger than most and is gridded which prevents foot slippage.
The pedal does NOT sit on top the table but on the floor as with the
Brent. Again, I was not unhappy with my Brent but gravitate to the
Shimpo and seem to be using the Brent mostly for trimming with the grip,
and the Shimpo for throwing. Several potter-friends who are accustomed
to Brents have thrown on my Shimpo. Each has commented very positively
about the Shimpo.
Obviously, I highly recommend the Shimpo AS LONG AS THE WHEELHEAD IS
EASILY REMOVABLE and you can GET THE ATTENTION of the company if you're
having problems. It's possible we had an unusual experience but we do
know that we were not the only ones, thanks to Clayarters' responses
letting us know of their trials.
Joyce
Breathing deeper in a slightly cooler Mojave knowing that it's going to
get much better (almost perfect) soon.
Lee Love on fri 29 aug 97
Laura,
If you are used to Shimpo, you probably won't like the Brents.
They are noisey (sound like Frankenstein's machine without the sielncer),
don't stop when you let off the pedal, don't reverse unless you buy the
CXC or switch kit, are bigger and harder to put up on a riser, and won't
freewheel to be used as a banding wheel.
With the old Shimpos, if you turn them off and press the pedal
down, the wheelhead will turn freely. This is handy when decorating.
They also stop quickly, if you need to do so. The cone drive Shimpos
feel more like a kickwheel than the Brents do because of the
transmission, I think.
I started off with a Shimpo because they are pretty compact but
can center over 50lbs. I have thrown in my kitchen on my Gold, on the
porch, in the bedroom and in the basement. Sometimes in two or more of
these places on one day. :^) I'd like to own a Lockerbie, a Leach
wheel and a Korean wheel someday, when I have the room. I had a
mahogany Korean kickwheel, but was not using it (didn't have the room)
so I sold it to someone who would.
Best thing to do is try the wheels you are interested in. Like
any tool, every person has their personal preference.
Lee in St. Paul, Minnesota USA
http://www.millcomm.com/~leelove
Please send private responses to mailto: Ikiru@Kami.com
Rick Sherman on sat 30 aug 97
I have an old Shimpo which still serves me well. Only drawback is that
the foot pedal is stationary and so close to the wheel that I find it
uncomforable to use it. I use the shift nob instead and have no
trouble. A disadvantage of electric wheels is that you lose that close
relationship to the clay, the pull and push and traction you get with
a kick wheel. It also turns to fast. I used a side kick (the shin
busters) at the unversity but prefer the European kick. Wish I had a
Randall. Great for throwing tea bowls. Recommend everyone who loves
to throw have an electric and a kick in the studio.
RS
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