Vince Pitelka on thu 3 may 07
and Quest for objective information
We have ten Axner M-600 wheels in the clay studio at the Appalachian =
Center for Craft. They have survived four years of heavy use so far, =
and there hasn't been a single problem. It's a great wheel for the =
price. But I also have three students who have their own Shimpo Whisper =
wheels, and that is one fine wheel. On a budget, you can't beat the =
Axner, even for institutional use, but if it were for me, I'd spend a =
little extra and get the Whisper. =20
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Craft, Tennessee Technological University
Smithville TN 37166, 615/597-6801 x111
vpitelka@dtccom.net, wpitelka@tntech.edu
http://iweb.tntech.edu/wpitelka/
http://www.tntech.edu/craftcenter/
Mettius on thu 3 may 07
and Quest for objective information
Hello all,
(I'm new to the list)
In my days of googling for objective reviews of potters wheels, I've
come up short. But as the most informative info I found so far in said
searching were posts to this list, it looks like a good place to pull
up a stool and solicit opinions. :)
But first, My Tale of Woe (OK, maybe not WOE), skippable, my questions
are below, in the next section...
---------------------------------------------------------------------
After three days search (googling, reading "reviews" at pottery supply
vendors' sites, etc.), I had at last found it, a vision of the grail
(it is made of clay Indy), was before me. Mr. Kaplan referenced an
article which was "A Comprehensive look at over 30 wheels for the
studio potter."
On the website (Pottery Making Illustrated's) I
was unfortunately, able to find only the survey form itself, and
extra commentary from Mr. Kaplan here: "JK Observations".
http://www.potterymaking.org/JulAug2002.html. What an excellent
teaser. I want to see the movie. ;) As I read it, he
comments on various features found in some wheels which he likes, and
some bad designs on others (which
ones! Agghhh! :)
No electronic copy on the website of the main article. size="-1">After a trip to two local libraries and the assistance of
the reference desk person, I held in my hands the text (only) of
Jonathan Kaplan's article "As the Wheel Turns: A survey of Electric
Potter Wheels". Yey! I rushed to a table to read it. Alas,though the
article was supposed to be 9 pages long (in the magazine), the text
only copy I received from the research database is only 559 words and
lacked any real substance. (Perhaps the meat of the article was in the
missing photos?)
The author states... "What is important to note
is that this survey and review was not designed to select "the best of
worst" or rank wheels on such a scale."
I find this to be rather unfortunate, as this is exactly what I'm
looking for. It seems a shame to have done
what looks to be a
detailed comparison, performed as objectively as possible and not
publish the results (opinion or no). I want an expert potter's
objective opinion on such matters. I have the impression that this was
perhaps done so as to not step on toes or cause "Ford vs. Chevy"
arguments from the religious factions?
As a woodworker I've grown used to the excellent
reviews in Fine Woodworking Magazine, for example, that evaluate the
units and gives ratings (in the author's opinion), but I digress...
My Actual Question(s)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm about to pull the trigger on a wheel purchase. From my reading I've
narrowed things down to two (well, three) wheels.
The question is, which one?
Candidate number 1 is the Shimpo Whisper-VL.
Candidate Two is one of the Axner line. Probably the M-600, but as I'm
waiting for a callback from their tech support to figure out the
difference between the 600 and 900 units. (No specs on their website).
Two remaining concerns, quiet, and splash pans. (I've seen enough
testaments as to quality and smoothness of both machines to be
comfortable there).
I have read various post of people disliking the split splash pans on
the Shimpo, and that the Axners um... were less than adequate. But I
see they redesigned them, so how about the new one? And that the single
piece pans are a PITA to get out (but they are not manufactured
anymore, so moot point, no?)
1. Which do people like better, the Axner (new design) or the current
Shimpo pans?
2. Are the quiet?
The Axers claim to be quiet, and I've used the Shimpo before (it is
quiet!) but I've never heard an Axner (any model) in person. How do
they compare?
Support sounds like it is good/great from either company, though it
looks like Axner has the edge here. Plus I like the idea of the
unibracket and accessories, but this isn't enough of a plus if the
Axner is significantly loader. (I like quiet).
Any help appreciated.
Erich Weidner
Austin, TX
Marcia Selsor on thu 3 may 07
and Quest for objective information
I recently purchased two kilns from Axner and had a great experience
with their staff help.
Ask for Roseanne if you need help.
I checked the website for Axner's wheels. They seemed like the
specs were there. What excatly were you looking for in the specs?
I have found Axner to really be a helpful company to for doing business.
I have used Shimpo Whisppers in Hawaii. They were a good wheel.
So can't really tell you what I'd recommend there.
Marcia
On May 3, 2007, at 10:41 AM, Mettius wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> (I'm new to the list)
> In my days of googling for objective reviews of potters wheels,
> I've come up short. But as the most informative info I found so far
> in said searching were posts to this list, it looks like a good
> place to pull up a stool and solicit opinions. :)
>
> But first, My Tale of Woe (OK, maybe not WOE), skippable, my
> questions are below, in the next section...
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> After three days search (googling, reading "reviews" at pottery
> supply vendors' sites, etc.), I had at last found it, a vision of
> the grail (it is made of clay Indy), was before me. Mr. Kaplan
> referenced an article which was "A Comprehensive look at over 30
> wheels for the studio potter."
> On the website (Pottery Making Illustrated's) I was unfortunately,
> able to find only the survey form itself, and extra commentary from
> Mr. Kaplan here: "JK Observations". http://www.potterymaking.org/
> JulAug2002.html. What an excellent teaser. I want to see the
> movie. ;) As I read it, he comments on various features found in
> some wheels which he likes, and some bad designs on others (which
> ones! Agghhh! :)
>
> No electronic copy on the website of the main article. After a
> trip to two local libraries and the assistance of the reference
> desk person, I held in my hands the text (only) of Jonathan
> Kaplan's article "As the Wheel Turns: A survey of Electric Potter
> Wheels". Yey! I rushed to a table to read it. Alas,though the
> article was supposed to be 9 pages long (in the magazine), the text
> only copy I received from the research database is only 559 words
> and lacked any real substance. (Perhaps the meat of the article was
> in the missing photos?)
> The author states... "What is important to note is that this survey
> and review was not designed to select "the best of worst" or rank
> wheels on such a scale."
>
> I find this to be rather unfortunate, as this is exactly what I'm
> looking for. It seems a shame to have done what looks to be a
> detailed comparison, performed as objectively as possible and not
> publish the results (opinion or no). I want an expert potter's
> objective opinion on such matters. I have the impression that this
> was perhaps done so as to not step on toes or cause "Ford vs.
> Chevy" arguments from the religious factions?
> As a woodworker I've grown used to the excellent reviews in Fine
> Woodworking Magazine, for example, that evaluate the units and
> gives ratings (in the author's opinion), but I digress...
>
>
> My Actual Question(s)
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----
> I'm about to pull the trigger on a wheel purchase. From my reading
> I've narrowed things down to two (well, three) wheels.
> The question is, which one?
>
> Candidate number 1 is the Shimpo Whisper-VL.
> Candidate Two is one of the Axner line. Probably the M-600, but as
> I'm waiting for a callback from their tech support to figure out
> the difference between the 600 and 900 units. (No specs on their
> website).
>
> Two remaining concerns, quiet, and splash pans. (I've seen enough
> testaments as to quality and smoothness of both machines to be
> comfortable there).
> I have read various post of people disliking the split splash pans
> on the Shimpo, and that the Axners um... were less than adequate.
> But I see they redesigned them, so how about the new one? And that
> the single piece pans are a PITA to get out (but they are not
> manufactured anymore, so moot point, no?)
>
> 1. Which do people like better, the Axner (new design) or the
> current Shimpo pans?
>
> 2. Are the quiet?
> The Axers claim to be quiet, and I've used the Shimpo before (it is
> quiet!) but I've never heard an Axner (any model) in person. How
> do they compare?
>
> Support sounds like it is good/great from either company, though it
> looks like Axner has the edge here. Plus I like the idea of the
> unibracket and accessories, but this isn't enough of a plus if the
> Axner is significantly loader. (I like quiet).
>
> Any help appreciated.
>
>
> Erich Weidner
> Austin, TX
> ______________________________________________________________________
> ________ 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.
Marcia Selsor
http://marciaselsor.com
Mettius on thu 3 may 07
and Quest for objective information
I didn't see motor ratings anywhere. Perhaps I missed
it?
All I saw was the statement that one is 50% "stronger" than the entry
unit, the other 400% more, but no specs.
-Erich
Marcia Selsor wrote:
type="cite">I recently purchased two kilns from Axner and had a great
experience
with their staff help.
Ask for Roseanne if you need help.
I checked the website for Axner's wheels. They seemed like the
specs were there. What excatly were you looking for in the specs?
I have found Axner to really be a helpful company to for doing
business.
I have used Shimpo Whisppers in Hawaii. They were a good wheel.
So can't really tell you what I'd recommend there.
Marcia
On May 3, 2007, at 10:41 AM, Mettius wrote:
Hello all,
(I'm new to the list)
In my days of googling for objective reviews of potters wheels,
I've come up short. But as the most informative info I found so far
in said searching were posts to this list, it looks like a good
place to pull up a stool and solicit opinions. :)
But first, My Tale of Woe (OK, maybe not WOE), skippable, my
questions are below, in the next section...
---------------------------------------------------------------------
After three days search (googling, reading "reviews" at pottery
supply vendors' sites, etc.), I had at last found it, a vision of
the grail (it is made of clay Indy), was before me. Mr. Kaplan
referenced an article which was "A Comprehensive look at over 30
wheels for the studio potter."
On the website (Pottery Making Illustrated's) I was unfortunately,
able to find only the survey form itself, and extra commentary from
Mr. Kaplan here: "JK Observations". http://www.potterymaking.org/
JulAug2002.html. What an excellent teaser. I want to see the
movie. ;) As I read it, he comments on various features found in
some wheels which he likes, and some bad designs on others (which
ones! Agghhh! :)
No electronic copy on the website of the main article. After a
trip to two local libraries and the assistance of the reference
desk person, I held in my hands the text (only) of Jonathan
Kaplan's article "As the Wheel Turns: A survey of Electric Potter
Wheels". Yey! I rushed to a table to read it. Alas,though the
article was supposed to be 9 pages long (in the magazine), the text
only copy I received from the research database is only 559 words
and lacked any real substance. (Perhaps the meat of the article was
in the missing photos?)
The author states... "What is important to note is that this survey
and review was not designed to select "the best of worst" or rank
wheels on such a scale."
I find this to be rather unfortunate, as this is exactly what I'm
looking for. It seems a shame to have done what looks to be a
detailed comparison, performed as objectively as possible and not
publish the results (opinion or no). I want an expert potter's
objective opinion on such matters. I have the impression that this
was perhaps done so as to not step on toes or cause "Ford vs.
Chevy" arguments from the religious factions?
As a woodworker I've grown used to the excellent reviews in Fine
Woodworking Magazine, for example, that evaluate the units and
gives ratings (in the author's opinion), but I digress...
My Actual Question(s)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----
I'm about to pull the trigger on a wheel purchase. From my reading
I've narrowed things down to two (well, three) wheels.
The question is, which one?
Candidate number 1 is the Shimpo Whisper-VL.
Candidate Two is one of the Axner line. Probably the M-600, but as
I'm waiting for a callback from their tech support to figure out
the difference between the 600 and 900 units. (No specs on their
website).
Two remaining concerns, quiet, and splash pans. (I've seen enough
testaments as to quality and smoothness of both machines to be
comfortable there).
I have read various post of people disliking the split splash pans
on the Shimpo, and that the Axners um... were less than adequate.
But I see they redesigned them, so how about the new one? And that
the single piece pans are a PITA to get out (but they are not
manufactured anymore, so moot point, no?)
1. Which do people like better, the Axner (new design) or the
current Shimpo pans?
2. Are the quiet?
The Axers claim to be quiet, and I've used the Shimpo before (it is
quiet!) but I've never heard an Axner (any model) in person. How
do they compare?
Support sounds like it is good/great from either company, though it
looks like Axner has the edge here. Plus I like the idea of the
unibracket and accessories, but this isn't enough of a plus if the
Axner is significantly loader. (I like quiet).
Any help appreciated.
Erich Weidner
Austin, TX
______________________________________________________________________
________ 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.
Marcia Selsor
http://marciaselsor.com
______________________________________________________________________________
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.
Charles Moore on thu 3 may 07
and Quest for objective information
Erich,
I have a copy of the PMI article and can photocopy and send. I also =
have an Axner M600 and can comment.
Charles Moore
Sacramento, CA
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Mettius=20
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=20
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 8:41 AM
Subject: Shimpo Whisper-VL vs Axner M-600/M-900, first wheel? , and =
Quest for objective information
John Rodgers on thu 3 may 07
and Quest for objective information
Charles,
Please include me in your mailout and comments on the M600.
Thanks,
John Rodgers
Chelsea, AL
Charles Moore wrote:
> Erich,
>
> I have a copy of the PMI article and can photocopy and send. I also have an Axner M600 and can comment.
>
> Charles Moore
> Sacramento, CA
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Mettius
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 8:41 AM
> Subject: Shimpo Whisper-VL vs Axner M-600/M-900, first wheel? , and Quest for objective information
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> 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.
>
>
>
Charles Hightower on thu 3 may 07
and Quest for objective information
I can't speak about Shimpo, however I have owned an Axner M-600 for three
years. As I posted before, My pedal broke last week and I have decided to
buy a new one at $85 when I have the money. I have rigged it for one speed
for now. The body of the wheel is steel and is heavy. This is very nice as I
throw 50 pounds on it time to time and I like that it stays put. The steel
is powder coated white. This rusted through all over the top and I had to
strip it all away and remove the rust. I have repainted it. This wheel is
indeed quiet. Also, it has torque. I have only had this wheel three years
and once I get a new pedal I don't think I will have to do anymore work to
it for many more. For the little money it costs compared to other wheels, it
is well worth it. My summary would be that it is a very sturdy wheel with
guts. Maybe I just beat the crap out of mine in three years but I have had
those two issues.
Mettius on thu 3 may 07
and Quest for objective information
I'm definitely interested in your comments on the M600.
Thank you for the offer on the article, were it something you could
scan and email, or fax that would be great, otherwise I won't ask you
to snail mail the thing. :)
-Erich
Charles Moore wrote:
type="cite">
Erich,
I have a copy of the PMI article and can photocopy and send. I also have an Axner M600 and can comment.
Charles Moore
Sacramento, CA
----- Original Message -----
From: Mettius
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 8:41 AM
Subject: Shimpo Whisper-VL vs Axner M-600/M-900, first wheel? , and Quest for objective information
______________________________________________________________________________
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.
William & Susan Schran User on fri 4 may 07
and Quest for objective information
On 5/4/07 12:17 AM, "Vince Pitelka" wrote:
> We have ten Axner M-600 wheels in the clay studio at the Appalachian Center
> for Craft. They have survived four years of heavy use so far, and there
> hasn't been a single problem. It's a great wheel for the price. But I also
> have three students who have their own Shimpo Whisper wheels, and that is one
> fine wheel. On a budget, you can't beat the Axner, even for institutional
> use, but if it were for me, I'd spend a little extra and get the Whisper.
I would certainly not compare our school clay studio with Vince's teaching
facility, but we also have ten Axner M-600 wheels. Couple years back I was
provided with a limited budget to purchase new wheels. I was able to buy ten
Axner wheels.
After a few go-arounds with Axner about the crappy splash pans the came with
the wheels, they have been performing well. Some students don't like the
additional distance between wheel head & splash pan at the front of the
wheel, feels it puts them to far away from the wheel head.
The Axner wheels have grease fittings for the wheel head bearings.
FYI to anyone with these wheels - there are two bearings! One right under
the wheel head, covered by a plastic cover, but there's also one under the
wheel and the plastic dust cover must be removed from the bottom to access
this bearing's grease fitting. I think a yearly shot of grease is needed.
In my studio, I replaced an old Pacifica with the Shimpo Whisper VL. I am
very pleased with how this wheel functions. I agree with Vince, between the
two wheels, the Shimpo is my choice.
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
Mettius on fri 4 may 07
and Quest for objective information
Thanks all for the input.
Given all the positives about support from Axner and the fact that they
are made in the states, I felt a pull towards them.
But as quiet is very important, and the M-900 looks to be basically
comparable to the VL in power, and price is about the same, I decided
to order the Shimpo.
Thanks again to everyone who provided feedback to this neophyte. :)
-Erich
William & Susan Schran User wrote:
On 5/4/07 12:17 AM, "Vince Pitelka" <vpitelka@DTCCOM.NET> wrote:
We have ten Axner M-600 wheels in the clay studio at the Appalachian Center
for Craft. They have survived four years of heavy use so far, and there
hasn't been a single problem. It's a great wheel for the price. But I also
have three students who have their own Shimpo Whisper wheels, and that is one
fine wheel. On a budget, you can't beat the Axner, even for institutional
use, but if it were for me, I'd spend a little extra and get the Whisper.
I would certainly not compare our school clay studio with Vince's teaching
facility, but we also have ten Axner M-600 wheels. Couple years back I was
provided with a limited budget to purchase new wheels. I was able to buy ten
Axner wheels.
After a few go-arounds with Axner about the crappy splash pans the came with
the wheels, they have been performing well. Some students don't like the
additional distance between wheel head & splash pan at the front of the
wheel, feels it puts them to far away from the wheel head.
The Axner wheels have grease fittings for the wheel head bearings.
FYI to anyone with these wheels - there are two bearings! One right under
the wheel head, covered by a plastic cover, but there's also one under the
wheel and the plastic dust cover must be removed from the bottom to access
this bearing's grease fitting. I think a yearly shot of grease is needed.
In my studio, I replaced an old Pacifica with the Shimpo Whisper VL. I am
very pleased with how this wheel functions. I agree with Vince, between the
two wheels, the Shimpo is my choice.
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
______________________________________________________________________________
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.
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