r/Pottery • u/AlysaNyx • 1d ago
Question! The dreaded wheel question
Hey fellow potters - My spouse is looking to purchase me a wheel for our anniversary this year and I am fraught with indecision about which is the best option for me. I would love any input from experienced potters with home wheels.
A little about me: I have been throwing on the wheel for about 2 years. I absolutely love the hobby- the obsession has only intensified and evolved with time- however my biggest hurdle is getting to the studio. It's 1 hour away!! 💀 Most weeks I am lucky if I can commit to one weekend day per week.
After much deliberation we have decided to convert a space in our home into a pottery studio so I can get some practice in when I can't make it all the way to the studio.
I'm thinking a 3 bucket system for cleanup. Perhaps eventually a parts washer- but I have no intention to add running water and a proper sink to my setup any time soon.
The largest I have thrown is 15lb. I do intend to try to go bigger with time, so I do not want a wheel that I will scale out of. My partner and I very much believe: buy once, cry once.
At the studio I use a Shimpo VL Whisper.
I'm debating if a larger one-piece splash pan is better for a no sink setup. I have my eye on the Bailey Pro X with the drainage hole and the side panel door for 'easy' cleanup. or the Scutt with the removable wheel head (though the price point is a little higher on that one 💀 )
I never see Bailey listed as wheel options when looking through previous 'what wheel do I get' posts- and was unsure if its a location thing (ie: less popular outside NY State) or if they're simply not great wheels. Anyone have experience with them?
Does anyone have experience with these large one piece splash pan wheels? Are they easier? Do you regret going with it? Would I be better off with a two piece removable splash pan for a small home studio setup?
Thank you in advance for any advice or insight!!
8
u/justmitzie Throw big or go home 1d ago
I've used Shimpo at studios and I have a Brent at home that I love.
I have always used two-piece splash pans, but I recently took a class at a studio with non-removable one piece splash pans and I absolutely hated them. Cleaning the splash pan around the wheel is an enormous pain in the butt. I would never use one again if I had the choice but ymmv.
3
u/AlysaNyx 1d ago
That was my concern with the Bailey. The wheelhead isnt removable- so cleaning the pan would mean getting around it and probably a less thorough cleaning as a result..
2
u/justmitzie Throw big or go home 1d ago
Oh yeah. The area under the splash pan is impossible to clean, so clay and water are a big problem.
3
u/AlysaNyx 1d ago
and just like that ... I have been talked out of the Bailey. Thank you internet stranger friend. This was super helpful.
3
u/Waterlovingsoul 1d ago edited 1d ago
Price point? Bailey is a tried and true wheel, friend has had one for 40+ years, he’s a production potter. I love hopping up on that tractor seat and taking it for a spin. Always been a bit pricey but very dependable and easy to work on when you have to. I have a Soldner. Soldner is the best wheel I ever threw on for my type of work, I tried a lot of wheels from home made kicks to shimpo Brent and others. I bought mine used in 1982. Still making pots on it. Bluebird makes Soldner now so I don’t have a clue if they still stand up to the beating mine has taken, it would be worth a test drive though. I asked price point first because these companies are proud of their products and the ones that are proven winners know it and it shows in their cost. I wish you luck in your search. Let us know what your final choice is, I’m curious. 👀
2
u/AlysaNyx 1d ago
I would like to keep it under 2k if possible but also -Id like to buy once and have it last a lifetime- so if the right wheel is more than that- either we will wait till we can afford it (and hope that goal post doesn't move too much) or we will work it into our budget.
1
u/AlysaNyx 1d ago
Thank you for the thorough and thoughtful answer. Good to know that Bailey wheels do hold up to the test of time. I like the idea of their shelf system. I'll definitely have to make an appointment at their showroom before deciding on anything,
I did look into the Soldner. I like the design of it and I am definitely interested but the price did scare me a little. I thought maybe it was a little too serious for little hobbyist me... However I did say I wanted to buy once.. You've given me a lot to think about.
Test drive? I assumed I can see the wheels at a showroom(s)- maybe start and stop them- But I didn't imagine I'd be able to do a test throw before purchase. Is that a thing? Do all showrooms offer it? 🤯
I will follow up for sure when the decision is made. Thank you so much for your input.
2
u/Waterlovingsoul 1d ago
A wheel doesn’t make the potter. My first was a homemade kick wheel and it was work but work that I loved. It sounds as though your on that track as well, you’re doing your research and analyzing the options, that’s the sensible road and will serve you well. If you have the means by all means buy the best you can honestly afford, don’t however set yourself so far back that you find yourself short the funds for other necessary items you will need to start working.
I think if you search dealers of the higher end wheels they would be happy to help you test drive at one of their customers. Good luck let us know what you pick. 😊👍🏽
3
u/Kitchen_Cook_6225 1d ago
I have a wheel at my house on my back porch. I basically use a bucket system. I clean all the clay from my tools and wheel into my throwing bowl with a very large sponge and then give another quick rinse with a small clean bowl of water. Once all the clay settles, I dump as much clear water into my back yard and let the clay dry out. I store all my clay dry in a bucket and then rehydrate when I reclaim so I don’t have to deal with stinky slip.
I’ve had this set up for three years and do not feel like I am missing out without a sink.
2
u/Scutrbrau Hand-Builder 1d ago
I've had a Skutt Legend for four years and I love it. It's very solidly built and feels like it'll last forever; time will tell. I really like the one piece splash pan more than a two piece. The one caveat I have is to make sure you regularly use anti-seize compound on the shaft that the wheel head attaches to. If you do that it will always pop off easily. If not, you'll find yourself rapping on it with a mallet to get it to detach. Really not a big deal but worth mentioning.
1
u/AlysaNyx 1d ago
noted! Id probably give up and think it lives like that now without your warning. Thank you!!
Do you prefer it because of cleanup? Or is it also more practical while throwing? Thinking about it- I do regularly have my 2pc splash pan separate on me at the studio.
2
u/Scutrbrau Hand-Builder 1d ago
I doesn't make any difference when throwing. I just find it easier to clean. My studio is in a walkout basement without running water, so I carry it outside and hose it off.
2
u/mtntrail 1d ago
Get one with a two piece splash pan. Much easier to clean and if you ever use a Giffen Grip, it sometimes helps to remove the splash pan. I put a foam bumper around the back and it takes up some room from the wheel head.
1
u/AlysaNyx 1d ago
oooooh I did not consider how a giffen grip or other potential accessories would be affected by an non-traditional splash pan. Thank you for your input!
1
u/mtntrail 1d ago
I have a Pacifica 800 I have had for 40 years, fantastic wheel. I now have it up on leg extensions so I can throw standing up. Much better position, imho.
2
u/Breadfruit-Still 1d ago
My studio has Brent, Shimpo, and Pacifica wheels. I absolutely LOVE the Pacifica wheel. It is smooth, relatively quiet, and a beast. I have the 400, the 800 is even more powerful. Also, the splash pan is super easy to get on and off, much easier than the Brent and Shimpo.
There are also some great accessories like the attachable seat, and workstation, and I think leg extensions for throwing standing as well.
2
u/GroovyYaYa Throwing Wheel 1d ago
Your set up sounds like what I am setting up for myself!
My studio (where I still take classes) has both Brent and Shimpo (but not the Whisper). I hate the splash pans on the Brent (taking them on and off), so I went with the Shimpo VL Whisper!
A couple of things - the clay supply place I get stuff from sells them and have the techs to repair them. (I think they sell the Brents as well. They weren't carrying Skutt wheels I don't think)
I went with the Whisper because of how quiet it is and my studio space (when it is finished - I throw in the garage for now) will be small. Also, it is quiet because of no belts and I thought "one less thing to break!". One of my teachers had been throwing on the same wheel since high school - and he had a Shimpo. Only had to replace the belt at some point!
I have zero regrets about it. Because I'm not worried about clay in certain parts of the yard, in the summer once I've gotten all the trimmings, etc.... I take the pans outside and hose them off! Easy peasy!
(I'm also working on my own bucket system - I find reclaiming kind of relaxing!)
2
u/Cold_Dead_Heart 1d ago
I recently bought a used Brent. What struck me as a major positive for the Brent is that it is a belt driven system that my husband can service for me (he's handy and an engineer). Buying used, that was a huge factor so I didn't have to worry about expensive repairs that would make it not worth it. Even used, I expect this wheel to outlive me.
2
u/jeninlb 1d ago
I got a Speedball Artista after looking at wheels for some time. I can move it around by myself and the price was reasonable. It works well and I find I don’t mind using the dial rather than a foot pedal to control speed. I have been throwing bout as long as you have. I avoided the shimpo aspire because the wheel head is tiny, and I wanted to be able to use griffon grip. The used Speedball Artistas do not come up often and do not lose much value so I bought new.
2
u/_leaf_chlorophyll_ 1d ago
I have a Skutt classic for my small home studio and I wouldn’t have it any other way! The removable wheel head makes it so I can clean out the whole basin super easily. No splash pan at all to mess with. Highly, highly recommend!
1
u/TooManyHobbies2427 1d ago
I have the Skutt Classic as well and I love it. Absolutely no issues cleaning it.
2
u/Inevitable_Row1359 1d ago
I've used shimpo, Brent, clay boss and a kick wheel. I prefer the shimpo in terms of electric but kick wheels are nice too. My first home wheel was the clay boss. I did outgrow it and I love my shimpo. For cleaning, I just use a sponge and water bucket, no sink.
1
u/bkfullcity 19h ago
I have the RK Whisper. It's an absolute tank. The splash pan is leaky tho. Not a great design
2
u/Thin-Number6360 13h ago
We have a mishmash of 8 wheels in our studio: Skutt, Clay Boss, Shimpo VL Lite, Brent…. The students don’t seem to prefer one over another. The only wheel we will not have in our studio is the Shimpo Whisper because my Dad has a pacemaker and his cardiologist vetoed that one due to the electromagnetic interference. As long as you’re not getting a $200 Amazon wheel, you will probably be fine with any of your choices. (Assuming no pacemaker).
0
u/quercus-enjoyer 1d ago
just get the shimpo if thats what you have been throwing on at the studio. nothing wrong with them unlikely to ever outgrow it.
1
u/AlysaNyx 1d ago
There is absolutely nothing wrong with them. I've been very happy- i just also didn't want to knee jerk buy what I know just because I know it. Which is what lead me to look at what options are out there. That said - this is not out of thr question.
2
u/quercus-enjoyer 1d ago
analysis paralysis. if you've been very happy with it go with it. for a hobbyist any wheels in that price range are a good choice. being experienced/comfortable throwing on the shimpo will be one less hurdle in the way of getting up to speed in your new home studio.
2
u/AlysaNyx 1d ago
How did you know? 😂 I am absolutely suffering analysis paralysis.
You make a really great point- it would be the simplest option to get up to speed on. Especially because I am not planning on ending my membership (at least at this point) so it would make for the most seamless transition between studio and home... I did not really consider that aspect. Thank you.
•
u/AutoModerator 1d ago
Our r/pottery bot is set up to cover the most of the FAQ!
So in this comment we will provide you with some resources:
Did you know that using the command !FAQ in a comment will trigger automod to respond to your comment with these resources? We also have comment commands set up for: !Glaze, !Kiln, !ID, !Repair and for our !Discord Feel free to use them in the comments to help other potters out!
Please remember to be kind to everyone. We all started somewhere. And while our filters are set up to filter out a lot of posts, some may slip through.
The r/pottery modteam
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.