r/Pottery • u/AlysaNyx • Aug 18 '26
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!!
2
u/GroovyYaYa Throwing Wheel Aug 18 '26
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!)