Tag Archives: pottery wheels

Finished a Pottery Class? Here’s How to Keep Going at Home

Finishing a local pottery class often leaves people wanting more. Not everyone wants to keep paying for studio time or waiting for the next session to open up. If you searched for a pottery class near you, loved it, and now want your own setup, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common […]

Is the Speedball Artista Powerful Enough to Grow Beyond Beginner Level?

The Speedball Artista handles real beginner and mid-level work well. Its 25-pound centering capacity does set a real limit, though. A 1/3 HP motor and 11-inch wheel head cover mugs, bowls, and most everyday studio pieces with ease. Larger platters or sculptural work will eventually push past what this wheel can do. This guide covers […]

Direct-Drive vs Belt-Drive Pottery Wheels: What’s the Real Difference?

Direct-drive vs belt-drive comes down to how the motor connects to the wheel head. Direct-drive wheels like the Shimpo VL-Whisper use a magnetic motor system with no belt at all. Belt-driven wheels like Brent and Speedball models use a physical belt to transfer power from motor to wheel head. Each system has real, practical tradeoffs […]

Is the Shimpo VL-Whisper Really That Quiet? Is It Worth the Price?

The Shimpo VL-Whisper is genuinely one of the quietest pottery wheels made. The price reflects real engineering, not just a brand name. Independent comparisons put it around 48 decibels at full speed, close to the sound of light rainfall. For anyone throwing in a shared space, apartment, or late at night, that difference is real […]

Pottery Wheel Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Pottery wheel maintenance mostly comes down to a few simple habits done regularly. Regular cleaning, occasional lubrication, and checking your belt and wheel head for wear cover most of what a wheel needs. Well-built wheels need surprisingly little upkeep beyond this, but skipping it entirely does shorten a wheel’s working life. This guide covers the […]

What’s the Difference Between Brent B and Brent C Wheels?

The difference between Brent B and Brent C wheels comes down mainly to motor power and clay capacity. Brent B runs a 1/2 HP motor and handles up to 150 pounds of clay. Meanwhile, Brent C steps up to a 3/4 HP motor and handles up to 225 pounds. Everything else, the table, drive system, […]