Sheridan Blau on wed 11 aug 04
When I recently decided to buy an electric wheel I asked several
potters I knew and most had no strong recommendations to make. The
exceptions were those who recommended Thomas Stuart wheels. People who
use those wheels swear that they are in a class by themselves. I can
tell you from personal experience that one of the owners of the company
that makes the wheels is wonderfully helpful and honest in dealing with
prospective customers. I can also tell you that a world-class potter I
talked to insisted that his Thomas Stuart wheel was the best he ever
had. And when I asked on this list serve about which model to buy I
received lots of mail from experienced potters who reported many years
of great service by their TS wheels.
You can buy TS wheels directly from the manufacturer or from dealers. I
bought mine from Clay-king where I found the owners
also very knowledgeable and helpful. Clay-king sells Thomas Stuart
wheels starting at about $740 for the 1/2 hp (on which you can throw
100 lbs), and going to about $940 for a full 1 hp motor. Brent wheels
are more expensive than these.
Go to ThomasStuart.com to get the story of how their electric wheels
are built and why their motors are stronger and more durable than any
others.
What I am telling you summarizes my research over the past couple of
months, but not my experience in actually working with a TS wheel. I
have ordered my wheel and am awaiting its arrival.
Sheridan Blau
Santa Barbara CA
-----------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2004 12:50:49 -0400
From: AGuyette
Subject: Electric wheel purchase
I am in the process of purchasing an electric wheel. I have looked into
different brand wheels and would like advice on what people like. I
have
only used the Brent C models in the classes I have taken, but that is
out
of my price range. I would like a mid size wheel to center at least 25
lb
of clay and a wheel that will most likely last the longest. I also
would
like the possibility to center more clay in the future. Are there any
wheels comparable to the Brents but not as costly?? I have read about
the
Pacifica GT 400 which sounds comparable. Anyway, any advice on this
subject would be appreciated!!
AGuyette
Steve Slatin on wed 11 aug 04
People like different things. There are very few poor quality wheels being
made, AFAIK. There are lots of wheels with different characteristics.
Wheel heights vary, and you have to be sure you're happy with the height
of your wheel -- some manufacturers have extension kits, but they change
the wheel height quite a bit.
Some wheels have small splash pans (Brent, Pacifica, Shimpo). Some
have little workspace (some Shimpos). Lockerbie makes a small
electric with a removably 'half' type splash pan. Bailey makes one with
a humongous splash pan; etc.
Pedals vary widely in responsiveness. Many now have feedback
systems to maintain velocity under heavy load.
Go to your dealer and try several wheels. See how they feel. Any noise
or vibration you don't like? Will putting drag on the wheel head with your
hands slow it down considerably (watch you fingers)? Is the wheel the
right height? Is the splash pan the kind you want, the right size etc.?
Does the dealer stand behind the product, and does he recommend it?
Personally I have a Pacifica 400 and am totally happy with it. OTOH,
if I knew I'd be so happy with pottery when I was getting a wheel I might
have sprung for the Lockerbie or the Thomas Stuart. Both of these are
extremely smooth in operation, and I think I could adjust to their
splash pans over time. My pottery guru recommends the Lockerbie.
My local dealer recommends the Thomas Stuart. I would trust either
of them.
-- Steve Slatin
AGuyette wrote:I am in the process of purchasing an electric wheel. I have looked into
different brand wheels and would like advice on what people like.
Steve Slatin -- Entry-level potter, journeyman loafer, master obfuscator
Sequim, Washington, USA
48.0937°N, 123.1465°W or thereabouts
---------------------------------
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AGuyette on wed 11 aug 04
I am in the process of purchasing an electric wheel. I have looked into
different brand wheels and would like advice on what people like. I have
only used the Brent C models in the classes I have taken, but that is out
of my price range. I would like a mid size wheel to center at least 25 lb
of clay and a wheel that will most likely last the longest. I also would
like the possibility to center more clay in the future. Are there any
wheels comparable to the Brents but not as costly?? I have read about the
Pacifica GT 400 which sounds comparable. Anyway, any advice on this
subject would be appreciated!!
AGuyette
John Rodgers on wed 11 aug 04
Take a look at the new wheels that Axner has. They are really great from
what I hear.
John Rodgers
Chelsea,, AL
AGuyette wrote:
>I am in the process of purchasing an electric wheel. I have looked into
>different brand wheels and would like advice on what people like. I have
>only used the Brent C models in the classes I have taken, but that is out
>of my price range. I would like a mid size wheel to center at least 25 lb
>of clay and a wheel that will most likely last the longest. I also would
>like the possibility to center more clay in the future. Are there any
>wheels comparable to the Brents but not as costly?? I have read about the
>Pacifica GT 400 which sounds comparable. Anyway, any advice on this
>subject would be appreciated!!
>AGuyette
>
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>
>
John Bandurchin on fri 13 aug 04
We bought a new Shimpo VL Whisper last spring. We love that it is so quiet,
especially when we are listening to something on the TV while throwing. But
we aren't so happy with the quality of the aluminum used to make the
wheelhead. It is getting pitted by reaction to something in the clay. We
also have an old Brent B which still works very well and the wheelhead is in
very good shape - much better quality of aluminum. Shame on you Shimpo -
saving a few cents by using crap to cast the wheelhead.
John Bandurchin
Baltimore Ontario
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