P. F. S. on sat 26 jul 97
What are the pros and cons of each, especially if the wheel will be used
outdoors? I have an outdoor electrical outlet, but might have to use an
extension cord. I'll have access to storage (not exactly convenient) for
stormy spells and freezing weather, so I'll have to be able to move it if
it
must be protected. My goal is to learn to throw well, so my plan is to
throw
and throw and throw and recylce the clay and throw some more. The
recent posts on recycling have been great.
I'm really hoping to hear is what kind of wheels you love to use and
why. Brands and model information will be greatly appreciated, too. I
received an email from another Clayarter who said the Brent seems to
be the wheel of choice in the Clayart articles that she surveyed. Who
agrees
or not? This is what I consider to be a major purchase, so I don't want
to
jump in too quickly, but I'm chomping at the bit to get underway.
Thanks in advance.
Pam
cobbeldi on sun 27 jul 97
I have been using a Pacifica GT 400 from Laguna for production work for the
past 4 years. I have been very satisfied with both the wheel and the
initial cost. It has served me well with no problems.
Debra, in Alabama
----------
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> What are the pros and cons of each, especially if the wheel will be used
> outdoors? I have an outdoor electrical outlet, but might have to use an
> extension cord. I'll have access to storage (not exactly convenient) for
>
> stormy spells and freezing weather, so I'll have to be able to move it if
> it
> must be protected. My goal is to learn to throw well, so my plan is to
> throw
> and throw and throw and recylce the clay and throw some more. The
> recent posts on recycling have been great.
>
> I'm really hoping to hear is what kind of wheels you love to use and
> why. Brands and model information will be greatly appreciated, too. I
> received an email from another Clayarter who said the Brent seems to
> be the wheel of choice in the Clayart articles that she surveyed. Who
> agrees
> or not? This is what I consider to be a major purchase, so I don't want
> to
> jump in too quickly, but I'm chomping at the bit to get underway.
>
> Thanks in advance.
> Pam
>
Cheryl Fisher on sun 27 jul 97
I was taught to throw on a kick wheel. The person who taught me felt it was the
to learn because she felt you have more control. She also taught to kick with tw
rather than one (keeps balance and one leg from being used too much). I ended up
an electric (size, portability). Right now my wheel is in the den with a plastic
underneath. It has been on the porch but it gets too hot in the summer. I prefer
for those reasons but other than that see no advantage. It's all in what you are
comfortable with.
Cheryl,
Sarasota
Photo's By Christine on sun 27 jul 97
In a message dated 97-07-26 10:18:43 EDT, you write:
<< I'm really hoping to hear is what kind of wheels you love to use and
why. Brands and model information will be greatly appreciated, too >>
I am also interested in hearing what kind of wheels you love, since I am also
looking to purchase one. Could everyone please posts their answers to the
list or e-mail me at:
Twintruble@aol.com I would appreciate it!
Tina
The Slack-DeBrock Family on sun 27 jul 97
Hi...in regard to your question about wheels, i just have to respond that I
have used a Creative industries wheel for 20 years and absolutely would get
another one if i had to! I've taught at the local community college where
they have Brents and really disliked their performance over time. the foot
pedal on the CI wheel is very responsive, and the one small problem I did
have years ago was handled so well, personally, and quickly by the company
that it was one of those encounters that leave you feeling very positive.
Joan Slack-DeBrock/River Run Pottery
P.O.Box 95
McNaughton, WI 54543
715-277-2773
riverrun@newnorth.net
David Woodin Set Clayart Digest on mon 28 jul 97
I like the Lockerbie, large table, you sit higher than most wheels, has a
large fly wheel if you want to kick, rugged, simple,reasonable price.
jules on mon 28 jul 97
------------------
Pam, I prefer kick wheels. I did have an electric at one time, and when it =
was
broken in a move, I got my kick wheel and I couldn't be happier. I feel I =
can
control them(kick wheels) more and I like the way they =22automatically=22 =
slow down
as I go from centering and opening to pulling up the walls. If, however, =
you
plan to make =22testosterone pots=22 (very large pots) you might want to =
consider an
electric. I think it would save you some energy. Some of my preference for
kick wheels is due, no doubt, to the fact that I learned on one (even though
there were electric available at the university's studio, the kick just felt
more . . . me). So go with your gut. Kick will be very heavy to move for
inclimate weather, but may be able to just cover and leave - if you're not =
going
to use it during those times. Another consideration, electric wheels will =
take
up less room than kick. Most kick wheels have large diameter concrete =
flywheels
(the part you kick=21).
----------
=3E ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
=3E What are the pros and cons of each, especially if the wheel will be used
=3E outdoors? I have an outdoor electrical outlet, but might have to use an
=3E extension cord. I'll have access to storage (not exactly convenient) =
for
=3E
=3E stormy spells and freezing weather, so I'll have to be able to move it =
if
=3E it
=3E must be protected. My goal is to learn to throw well, so my plan is to
=3E throw
=3E and throw and throw and recylce the clay and throw some more. The
=3E recent posts on recycling have been great.
=3E
=3E I'm really hoping to hear is what kind of wheels you love to use and
=3E why. Brands and model information will be greatly appreciated, too. I
=3E received an email from another Clayarter who said the Brent seems to
=3E be the wheel of choice in the Clayart articles that she surveyed. Who
=3E agrees
=3E or not? This is what I consider to be a major purchase, so I don't want
=3E to
=3E jump in too quickly, but I'm chomping at the bit to get underway.
=3E
=3E Thanks in advance.
=3E Pam
Karen R. Betts on mon 28 jul 97
On Sun, 27 Jul 1997, cobbeldi wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I have been using a Pacifica GT 400 from Laguna for production work for the
> past 4 years. I have been very satisfied with both the wheel and the
> initial cost. It has served me well with no problems.
> Debra, in Alabama
>
> ----------
> > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > What are the pros and cons of each, especially if the wheel will be used
> > outdoors? I have an outdoor electrical outlet, but might have to use an
> > extension cord. I'll have access to storage (not exactly convenient) for
> >
> > stormy spells and freezing weather, so I'll have to be able to move it if
> > it
> > must be protected. My goal is to learn to throw well, so my plan is to
> > throw
> > and throw and throw and recylce the clay and throw some more. The
> > recent posts on recycling have been great.
> >
> > I'm really hoping to hear is what kind of wheels you love to use and
> > why. Brands and model information will be greatly appreciated, too. I
> > received an email from another Clayarter who said the Brent seems to
> > be the wheel of choice in the Clayart articles that she surveyed. Who
> > agrees
> > or not? This is what I consider to be a major purchase, so I don't want
> > to
> > jump in too quickly, but I'm chomping at the bit to get underway.
> >
> > Thanks in advance.
> > Pam
> >
Pam,
I just purchased a Brent CXC a few months ago. I am fairly new to
throwing, and also have a disability of my left hand, but I REALLY love my
wheel! I would not trade it for anything, and I am determined to improve my
throwing skills regardless. I use both the "right-handed" rotation and the
"left-handed" rotation, so I think the reversibility of this model is
better for my needs. Good luck with your decision. I argued with myself
about it for some time before getting brave enough to plunk down the $$$$
for a new wheel. I tried to find a used one, but the ppl I know who have
CXCs were not selling. Hope you have good throwing experiences with
whichever brand/type you go with...Happy potting!
Karen Betts
4FA University of Florida
Ceramics Program
email >
P. F. S. on tue 29 jul 97
Kathryn requested that I forward her email to the Clayart list since some
others have asked for similar information. Here it is, and again,
thanks,
Kathryn.
======
--------- Begin forwarded message ----------
To: "P. F. S."
Subject: Re: Kick vs Electric
Date: Sun, 27 Jul 1997 08:47:13 -0400 (EDT)
A unskilled person can definately throw faster on an electric wheel.
However, i learned on a kick and am glad i did. A kickwheel, as long as
it
can be adjusted to your needs, is far more comfortable for me than an
electric. Electric Brents are reliable fairly quiet, workhorses.
Only i feel like a human lathe working on an electric, the pots just
happen
too fast, and they seem to me to lack a certain depth, or personality, or
something. I love the rhythm of kickk, throw, kick, throw, and it
certainly
uses more of your muscles than using an electric.
My wheel of choice is a motorized Randall. The seat adjusts to fit
almost
anyone, i like big aluminum splash pan, which i can gripwith my knees for
stability, and the heavy fly wheel spins a long time, allowing long even
pulls. I use the motor to center large amounts of clay--12 lbs or more.
Saves my wrists and back. Then you can go back to the kicking to throw
the
piece.
It might help you decide if you could visit some potters who use
different
typse of wheel, and aquaint yourself with what sort of differences the
wheels make to the work. Ruggles and Rankin spring to mind-- they use
japanese style all wood kick wheels, and very soft clay, and their pieces
are defined by that process. (and very beautiful). (of course they are in
NC, probably too far for you to go visit--but their work is in galleries
all
over.) I know that seeing work like that, and then seeing Linda Pakora
(sp?)
throw on her treadle wheel, made me wish i had learned to use more kinds
of
wheels...(never too late, i know!)
You are going to get a lot of posts saying kickwheels waste your energy,
get
an electric. Maybe 10 or 15 years into this i'll fell the same way. But
for
now i wanted to say, i think you'll get more soul out of a kickwheel. And
more fun.
kathryn Whipple
( i'm saving for my Randall--talk about a major purchase...)
--------- End forwarded message ----------
John Johnson on tue 29 jul 97
I lucked out and purchased 2 electric Randall wheels at a government surplus
place. It seems with military bases being down sized/closed that some even
had "arts & crafts" departments! Sure was weird to see potters wheels next to
large military equipment
Anyway, this is the same wheel I trained on in college YEARS ago.
The PROS:
1.) 2 wheels with working motors for a total of $300.00
2.) large, heavy flywheel that continues to spin for hours as it slows down.
3.) Randall still makes these wheels so parts are still available.
4.) Can be purchased w/o motor attachment and added later
The CONS:
1.) Speed is adjusted/maintained by activating motor drive wheel by contact
with flywheel. Therefore, a constant speed CANNOT be maintained
2.) Rubber drive wheels can wear out quickly, especially if you forget to
start wheel by foot before engaging drive wheel
3.) Rather large wheel (including built in tractor seat) not designed for
portability
Hope this helps!
John Johnson in West Virginia
David Hendley on tue 29 jul 97
Add another vote for the Pacifica Glyde Torc.
I've had mine for 20+ years (model 800, big motor).
I replaced the controller about 4 yrs. ago with the new "magic pedal",
which is even better than the earlier version.
I've also owned a motor assisted kick wheel - Good for learning on, but I'd
hate to have to kick as much as would be required as a studio potter, and a
real disadvantage for large pots. Also, a Brent Model C - Sold it to buy
the Pacifica because the Pacifica was quieter and more responsive. When I
bought the Pacifica I was a little worried about the durability of a
particle-board top (the Brent was steel), but have had no problems.
Happy potting,
David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas
Patti M. Fox on tue 29 jul 97
Pam--
I ended up getting one of each, which satisfies both the natural purist
in me (a Thomas Stuart works nicely) and the IWannaBigPot urges (Brent
CXC). For trimming detail I definately prefer the kickwheel. My
husband put locking castors under the Brent, and now I can wheel it
outside whenever I need to be in fresh air. Enjoy-- Patti
Bob Hanlin on wed 30 jul 97
At 12:11 PM 7/27/97 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>In a message dated 97-07-26 10:18:43 EDT, you write:
>
><< I'm really hoping to hear is what kind of wheels you love to use and
> why. Brands and model information will be greatly appreciated, too >>
>Tina
Tina
I use the small Soldner wheel. I never throw over about 15# and throw
quite a few medium platters 18 -20 inches in diameter. I chose the Soldner
because I could get better control at lower speeds for working the platter
rims. I do a lot of demos in schools, churchs, and other places and the
thing only weighs 65# and I can carry it myself. My former wheel was a
Shimpo had a model name like KR-2 or something. It was good but it weighed
130# and didn't have the low speed control of the Soldner.
Bob Hanlin
bhanlin@ionet.net
Oklahoma City, OK
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