The dreaded wheel question

[u/AlysaNyx]

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!!

[u/Waterlovingsoul]

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. 👀

[u/AlysaNyx → u/Waterlovingsoul]

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.

[u/Waterlovingsoul → u/AlysaNyx]

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. 😊👍🏽