How To Find The Best Pottery Wheels To Meet Your Needs At Home
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A Potters Wheel (also called a Pottery Wheel) is likely to be one of a Potter’s first investments in their craft… so how do you find the best Potters Wheels available? There are a number of considerations, and many manufacturers to consider, so we’ve put together a summary of the best Pottery Wheels on the market, to help you narrow down the specific potters wheel brands and models to consider.
And be careful… this is slippery slope. Next thing you know, you’ll be shopping for kilns!
Pottery Wheels: Choosing The Right Potters Wheel
If you choose wisely, the right potters wheel will last you MANY years, and will be able to accommodate a large variety of projects, suitable to Potters who are just starting out (beginners) as well as those who advance their skills and grow into intermediate or advanced Potters.
Following is a break down of the most important things to consider when purchasing a Potters Wheel, and we will also link to our various Buyers Guides / Reviews to help you select the right Pottery Wheel for your needs.
If you’re new to Pottery, you may be tempted to decide primarily based on price. We have rounded up some top picks for Potters Wheels on a budget, but in general, price is only one of several major considerations.
You’ll want to be sure you choose a wheel that will be able to suit your needs in quality, brand reputation, warranty, and the type of projects that it will accommodate (clay weight) and features.
The Pottery Network’s Best Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide
If you’re looking for my recommended Pottery Wheels, and want to skip the time and energy of researching on your own, you can’t go wrong with any of these machines. These are sold by reputable suppliers, have a solid warranty, and are trusted brands.
If you want to dig into the details, read on for some of the main considerations you should keep in mind when selecting the best potters wheel to meet your needs in the studio!
Best Pottery Wheels (Recommended By The Pottery Network):
Top 3 Recommended Pottery Wheels – For Broad Range Of Uses, Suitable For Beginner – Intermediate/Advanced Hobby Potters
The Following Are Our Picks For The Best Pottery Wheels For:
Beginners / Budget Conscious Buyers / Overall Value
1. Brent Model B
Brent Model – B Pottery Wheel: Our Choice For Best Pottery Wheels For Production Potters / Hobbyists Who Want To Upgrade
Belt Driven, .5 Horsepower, Up to 150 lbs. of clay, 0-240 rpm, Direction Reversing Switch, Pedal Controlled, Splash Pan Included, 1 Free Bat Included
Dimensions: 14″ Wheel Head
10-Year Warranty
2. Nidec Shimpo VL Whisper
Note: This is the wheel I own in my own home studio. You can view my full review of the Nidec Shimpo VL Whisper Potters Wheel here.
Shimpo VL-Whisper Pottery Wheel: Our Choice For Best Pottery Wheels For Beginners Who Want To Invest In A Quality Wheel / Home Studio Hobbyists
Direct Drive Motor (Beltless), .5 Horsepower, Up to 100 lbs. of clay, 0-240 rpm, Reversible Wheel Direction, Pedal Controlled, Adjustable Legs, Converts To Tabletop
Dimensions: 23 1/8″ x 27 1/2″ x 22 3/4″ (with 14″ Wheel Head)
2-Year Warranty
3. Speedball Clay Boss
Speedball BOSS – Clay Boss Potters Wheel: Our Choice For Best Pottery Wheels For Budget Conscious Shoppers / Beginners
Belt Driven, .5 Horsepower, Up to 100 lbs. of clay, 0-240 rpm, Reversible Plug, Pedal Controlled, 2-Part Splash Pan Included, 2 Free Bats Included
Dimensions: 26″ x 21″ x 19 1/2″ (with 14″ Wheel Head)
10-Year Warranty
Most Important Considerations When Selecting A Potters Wheel For The Home Or Pottery Studio
Overall Size and Weight
It may seem obvious, but you want to be sure you consider the space you have available for your Pottery Wheel, and whether you need for the machine to be easily portable (or if you intend to keep it in one place).
Clay Capacity
The next major consideration when buying a Potters Wheel is the power. Pottery wheels vary in size and motor horsepower, so there is a maximum clay weight that each machine will handle. I recommend purchasing a Pottery Wheel that is more than big enough for your anticipated projects, so the machine will be able to accommodate use as you grow into larger forms as a more advanced potter.
Features and Accessories
Depending on your needs, there are different features that may be important to you. Here are some things to consider, and look for in Potters Wheel specifications if they are important features for you:
-Whether the machine has adjustable legs (for height)
-Whether the Pottery Wheel can be used as a standalone OR a tabletop version
-The size of the wheel head
-The size and style of the splash guard
Brand Reputation / Warranty Considerations
Different manufacturers have different reputations and warranty offerings, so it’s important not to overlook the fine print as you narrow down your options. Personally, I wouldn’t invest in a Pottery Wheel with any less than a 5 year warranty (preferably 10 year).
Supplier’s Return Policy
The purchase links provided here all lead to reputable art supply websites, with flexible return policies. Be sure not to be lured solely by the lowest price – as the purchase of a Potters Wheel is a large enough one that you will want to be confident that a supplier will be available to help if you run into an issue or have a problem with your machine.
Pottery Wheels are heavy, so you should also be on the lookout for websites that advertise a low sale price, but then tack on large shipping or freight rates in the end.
People Also Ask (Potters Wheel FAQs):
Who makes the best quality pottery wheels?
What are best pottery wheels?
What is the best Potters Wheel?
What is the best pottery kiln for beginners?
What is the best pottery wheel for beginners?
How much should I spend on a pottery wheel?
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Shimpo VL Whisper Pottery Wheel Review – Why It’s The Best Home Studio Wheel
For those who fall for the art of Pottery making, it’s not long before most Potters will consider purchasing a Pottery Wheel for use at home. This Nidec Shimpo VL Whisper Review will be helpful if you’re considering this Pottery Wheel for your home studio. It’s a relatively affordable and high quality potters wheel to…
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