Martin Rice on mon 13 oct 08
Hi,
I'm about to purchase a throwing wheel, and I'd appreciate some advice
from the group. I've been looking online at various brands and, of
course, with many having very similar specs, I don't really have an
idea of which brand might be better than another, assuming that some
are better than others. So, I'd like to have brand recommendations.
Then there's the question of power. I notice that they're often
differentiated by the number of pounds of clay that they can handle. I
think that a 20 lb. or a 25 lb. wheel would be fine for me and my
wife, but I'd like to check on your thoughts about that, too.
Then there's the question of price. Do you know of any reputable
dealers who offer discounts on new wheels?
I imagine that I'd want one with bat pins, too, because that seems a
lot easier/quicker than other ways of attaching bats. Any thoughts on
that?
Finally, there's the question of new versus old. Is it worth buying a
used wheel? How would one know if it's in good shape without problems?
If it makes sense to look for used wheels, where should one look?
Gayle Bair recommended Potterbarter and Clayart. Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Martin
Signal Mountain, TN
Larry Kruzan on mon 13 oct 08
<<<<<<<<<<<<advice
from the group. I've been looking online at various brands and, of
course, with many having very similar specs, I don't really have an
idea of which brand might be better than another, assuming that some
are better than others. So, I'd like to have brand
recommendations.>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi Martin,
I own two Brent "C" wheels, two Bailey "Pro XL", one "XL", model wheels, and
a Shimpo "Aspire" portable wheel.
The best wheel is the wheel you will use (sounds lame but it is true). At
school I used a Soldner wheel - it fit my wheelchair. Now I have a well
equipped teaching studio with my choice of wheels and I find that for me
there are minor differences I enjoy for certain operations.
I mostly throw on the older of the Brent wheels because I find they are
easier to clean up. I used the Bailey XL for trimming and leave it set up
with a Griffin Grip attached. The large built in splash pan does a good god
job of catching trimmings. The Shimpo Aspire is just used when I go to
schools and do demonstrations, but I do carry it in the motor home when we
are on the road - sometimes I just need to throw for a while (we also carry
a small test kiln to bisque with).
It is always fun to watch students "pick" the wheels they like best, most
try each of them but the Bailey wheels are favorites.
I would suggest that you find a local studio where you could try a few
different wheels to see what fits "you" best. If you go to NCECA you can
see all the wheels in one place and try many of them.
Do not buy a cheap wheel because it is cheap.
Do not buy a low powered wheel because it is cheaper.
If you make one pound pots a wheel with a 25 pound rating may be fine but if
you throw 10 pounds on it you will be disappointed.
Buy the wheel that fits you and has more power than you think you will ever
need - it can last for decades so - like picking a wife - choose wisely.
Larry Kruzan
Lost Creek Pottery
www.lostcreekpottery.com
William & Susan Schran User on mon 13 oct 08
On 10/13/08 8:45 AM, "Martin Rice" wrote:
> Finally, there's the question of new versus old. Is it worth buying a
> used wheel? How would one know if it's in good shape without problems?
> If it makes sense to look for used wheels, where should one look?
> Gayle Bair recommended Potterbarter and Clayart. Any other suggestions?
First thing I'd suggest is a search of the archives as this question has
been posed several times over the years with many suggestions.
Second, what are you going to do with all the pots you and your wife make?
Do you have a kiln? Do you have a place to fire the pots?
Third, have you & wife been taking classes and are now hooked and want your
own wheel? How much of a commitment money-wise are you willing to make?
Buying a used wheel, if you are uncertain of your needs and goals, might be
a good way to go. Potterbarter, Clayart, Craig's List, Ebay are all good
places to check.
Buying new - If you have a good pottery supply place not far from you that's
the first I'd check for wheels - support your local business so they'll be
there when you need them. If not local, then check the major suppliers:
Axner, Bailey's, Clay King and others. Several will have specials, many
offering free shipping.
Wheels I would suggest, and these are my opinions: Thomas Stuart (now
Skutt), Pacifica and Shimpo VL Whisper. My first wheel was a Pacifica kit
wheel, that now resides with one of my students. I now have a Shimpo
Whisper that I like for lack of noise, free wheeling, and that top speed is
slower than some other wheels. At school we have couple of Brent model
"B's", two Thomas Stuart Pro models and twin Axner model 600. Axners are
still running good after 4 years, but the splash pan design is cheap and
crap.
Most wheels will come with bat pins, that you can remove fairly easy.
Good luck, Bill
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
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