C Newlin on sun 17 nov 02
At 07:05 PM 11/17/02 -0500, Bruce Freund wrote:
>I have a Randall electric kick wheel that is getting pretty old...
>One thing that is very important to me is a HEAVY wheel and
>some place to set your feet on, preferably more than one place so you can
>move around a bit.
Hi Bruce,
I suppose I should qualify my recommendation by sau\ying that when I bought
mine 4 years ago, I had limited throwing experience, being primarily a hand
builder. I had always wanted to throw on a kick wheel, but also wanted the
advantages of electric and had only thrown on an electric. I also saved
most of a year for what would be my one and only wheel so I wanted the most
bang for the buck. I bought a Laguna brand electric kick wheel. I have
been really happy with it. It has large "decks" on either side for
feet, adjustable seat height, variable speen\d and nice break. It takes 2
people to move! I wish the seat could be moved forward towards the wheel
head, and I also wish the foot decks could be raised, but there is ample
room for a brick on them if needed. As this is the only wheel I've ever
really known, I don't know if I give a really informed opinion, but I'm
really happy with it and feel it was a great investment.
Hope that is of some help...
Bruce Freund on sun 17 nov 02
I have a Randall electric kick wheel that is getting pretty old. I am going
to replace it but there is no way to see what you purchase beforehand.
Consequently, I am trying to find out which of the electric kicks is the
best of the bunch. One thing I have never been wild about on the Randall is
the "tractor" seat as it cuts off the circulation to your legs at the front
of the seat. Initially the seat feels OK but after a time it becomes
uncomfortable. One thing that is very important to me is a HEAVY wheel and
some place to set your feet on, preferably more than one place so you can
move around a bit. Quality is the issue and price is not as I spend a lot of
time on these contraptions ! Building one, for me, is out of the question.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Bruce Freund
Maid O'Mud on sun 17 nov 02
Bruce:
I have an old Randall as wheel. Before you shoot the poor thing - try =
what I did. I took the whole seat, pole and all, to our local machine =
shop and they removed the seat and welded it back at an approx. 25-30 =
degree angle (sloping towards the wheelhead). No more cut-off =
circulation to the legs!! I love it. I also have a Brent (1963). I =
put the back legs into cut holes in a 2 x 4 to also slope towards the =
wheelhead. My lower back is very appreciative.
Sam - Maid O'Mud Pottery
Melbourne, Ontario CANADA
"First, the clay told me what to do.
Then, I told the clay what to do.
Now, we co-operate."
sam 1994
http://www.ody.ca/~scuttell/
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Bruce Freund=20
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=20
Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2002 7:05 PM
Subject: Electric Kick Wheel
I have a Randall electric kick wheel that is getting pretty old. I am =
going
to replace it but there is no way to see what you purchase beforehand.
Consequently, I am trying to find out which of the electric kicks is =
the
best of the bunch. One thing I have never been wild about on the =
Randall is
the "tractor" seat as it cuts off the circulation to your legs at the =
front
of the seat. Initially the seat feels OK but after a time it becomes
uncomfortable. One thing that is very important to me is a HEAVY wheel =
and
some place to set your feet on, preferably more than one place so you =
can
move around a bit. Quality is the issue and price is not as I spend a =
lot of
time on these contraptions ! Building one, for me, is out of the =
question.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Bruce Freund
=
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Working Potter on sun 17 nov 02
Bruce,
Why not get a welder and woodworker to modify your wheel.A seat from wood
with the seat customized for you, even with an upholstered addition if
desired.The foot rests could be added where you ''feel'' they would work
best for you.
Misty
Cheryl Hoffman on mon 18 nov 02
Bruce,
I also have an old Randall electric kick wheel, as well as an old
Brent electric kick. I almost made the mistake of trading in my two "old
Girls". I imagine your skill level is much higher than mine...but I could
not throw ANYTHING on the small electric wheel. For me, the process is
completely different...akin to the difference between a stick shift auto as
opposed to an automatic transmission. I use the motor to center, let off the
foot peddle, and use the momentum of the fly wheel to pull.
You may be able to adjust to the electric wheel just fine, but TRY ONE
FIRST, if you have not. For me, it would be like learning to throw all over
again...but then, as I said, your higher skill level may allow you to handle
the transition.
I have covered my seat (the wheel's) with foam and a faux leather
covering to avoid those most lovely tractor seat marks on the back of my
legs...worked out fine.
I feel like I want to start a "Randall Rescue Mission" when I hear of
one headed to the glue factory, as I dearly love my old girl.
Just my humble opinion, based on only my own experience.
Cher Gauvin "The Key to Life is how well you handle Plan B"
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