RPeckham@COOKSONELECTRONICS.COM on mon 30 sep 02
I too was a little let down by the review of potters wheels. I have a
couple of Creative Industries wheels, and I like them, but they are also
the only electric wheels I have ever used. I would however like to
purchase a wheel with a little better torque at low rpm, or better speed
control at low rpm. So for the last year or so I have been looking at web
sites for the various manufacturers. They all claim more or less the same
thing, and it is difficult to determine which one may be better for the
money, so I was anxiously awaiting the review that was to be published.
When it came, I was let down. It was too nice, and noncommittal. I was
expecting to see something like Car and Driver. Some actually calibrated
results showing torque at wheel head, or speed control under load. Maybe
even some testimonials from the potters that contributed with their
opinions of the wheels capacity, as well as their shortcomings, or a
ranking based on cost and performance etc.. Instead it seemed to almost
be a cut and paste from the manufacturers websites.
I guess it wouldn't be very nice to actually compare the wheel
manufacturers, and point out their shortcomings, especially if they pay
advertising fees to help publish the magazine.
Marianne Lombardo on mon 30 sep 02
Yes, but maybe we potters need to stop being "nice" guys/gals. I read that
article too, and didn't think it was all that helpful. Quite a letdown,
indeed.
It's done with computers, printers, modems, software, etc. all the time and
has been for many years. Nice charts that list both the pros and cons, and
very helpful for the buyers. In the end it's helpful for the manufacturers
as well because they learn from it. And some of those PC magazines are very
blunt and to the point about the shortcomings.
Why not wheels, puggers, extruders, commercial glazes, clays, and anything
else? After all, the advertising fees are to generate revenue, and not
exactly a donation.
To be a successful potter I must learn to make a high-quality, safe product
that will not only perform as expected, but will also withstand a certain
amount of abuse. If there are any "shortcomings" such as decorative only, I
am expected to inform my buyers. Therefore I expect any product I purchase
to enable me to produce my work to also match the same rigorous standards
and to be informed of any shortcomings or potential problems.
A good example of this is the Bison tools. They work great and are a
high-quality product. Philip states right up-front that they will shatter
if dropped. This is not a manufacturing defect; it's simply due to the
material used. Now I know both the pros and cons, and can make my own
decision based upon the facts.
Marianne Lombardo
Omemee, Ontario, Canada
email: mlombardo@nexicom.net
> I guess it wouldn't be very nice to actually compare the wheel
> manufacturers, and point out their shortcomings, especially if they pay
> advertising fees to help publish the magazine.
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