Best Pottery Wheel Stools

If you sit at the pottery wheel, you need a comfortable, functional stool that can be cleaned and will hold up over time. There are a few pottery-specific stools that really are best for throwing, but a basic stool will also get the job done and can double as a step-stool in the studio.

The following post covers a variety of stool options for the pottery wheel, including our top pick, the Shimpo Potter’s Stool. There are also a variety of budget options or stools with other features. In general, pottery stools range in price from about $50 to $125.

The recommendations come from decades of personal experience working with the pottery wheel, and managing academic and community studios and observing stools that have been subjected to heavy use. The following recommendations are based on that experience to give you the best option for a stool that matches your style and budget.

The Shimpo Pottery Stool has four adjustable legs and can be set up at an angle if desired.

TOP PICK: Shimpo Potter’s Stool

The Shimpo Pottery Stool.

The Shimpo Potter’s Stool is the most versatile, comfortable, and functional pottery stool on the market. It has four adjustable legs with nine adjustable slots on each leg, with a range of 19 to 26 inches high. The legs are adjusted by pushing a pin in and moving the leg to the desired slot and letting the pin snap back in to place. The legs also can be adjusted independently, allowing for the stool to be set at an angle if desired. (Most pictures show this stool set up at a precipitous angle but even a slight angle or flat will work for throwing) It also has a comfortable, padded seat, but the padding makes this an uneven surface to stand on so it is hard to use as a step stool in the studio.

The stool can be turned upside down on a wheelhead when not in use, and with a 16 x 16 inch footprint, it is compact and won’t get in the way. Ongoing upkeep is simple: a bit of oil on the adjustable legs when needed.

The only drawback is the adjustable pins can be a bit unwieldy to press in to change, but most potters probably don’t need to adjust their stool too often. Another drawback is that the blue seat cover can be cut or pierced if you somehow get a knife close to the padded surface. But these are relatively minor concerns. Overall, it’s compact, functional, and comfortable stool that is easy to clean and will last forever.

Shimpo Potter’s Stool
19 to 26” high, adjustable
Generally priced $100 to $130 (price seems to vary widely so shop around!)

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Shimpo Potter’s Stool

2. Budget Pick: National Public Seating 18” Stool

3. Other Pottery Stool Options

4. Discontinued Pottery Stools

5. How to Find the Best Seat Height for Throwing

6. Conclusion

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Budget Pick: 18 inch Fixed Height or Adjustable Stools from National Public Seating or OEF Furnishings

18” Stool from National Public Seating in grey.

National Public Seating’s stools are the utilitarian workhorses of studios. Sturdy, stackable, and virtually indestructible, they will last for years of heavy use, and the shorter 18” stool can easily double as a tall step stool or low pedestal for use with your favorite banding wheel. The 18” fixed height stool is a fairly good option for the pottery wheel but some may find it a little short. You can adjust the height by adding a cushion or boards.

There are also adjustable models from 18 to 27 inches however this is a screwed-in adjustment that needs a hex wrench to change. You won’t be making quick adjustments like with the Shimpo Pottery stool.

Another plus to these stools is they are available in a few colors: a basic gray, black, and a grey with a padded vinyl cushion. These stools are very common and widely carried, so it can be good to shop around and see if there’s a sale. Typically they are around $60-$75 and a bit more for the padded or adjustable models, but you might find them on sale or as a multi-pack. They aren’t as versatile as the easily adjustable Shimpo stools, but there’s a lot to be said for having a simple stool around.

National Public Seating 18” Stool in black.

You can also find these stools with a backrest option. That can be nice for taller chairs used for hand building at a table, but a backrest makes it impossible to turn the chair upside down on a wheel head when not in use.

On Amazon, very similar stools are available in many of the same options from OEF Furnishings. Do they come from the same factory? I don’t know, but you can check out the shopping links below and find what works for you.

National Public Seating 18” Fixed Height Stool with hardboard seat
Black or grey with hardboard seat
Available for $60 at Blick or $67 at Amazon

OEF Furnishings 18” Fixed Height Stool with hardboard seat
Grey or Black with hardboard seat
Available for $53 each or as 2 pack for $90 at Amazon

18” Stool in grey with padded vinyl seat from National Public Seating.

National Public Seating 18” Fixed Height Stool with padded vinyl seat
Available in grey or black, $60-$65

The National Public Seating 19”-27” adjustable height “small” stool in black with hardboard seat.

National Public Seating 19”-27” Adjustable Height Stool with Hardboard Seat
Available in black or grey
$75-$85

The National Public Seating 19”-27” adjustable height “small” stool with padded seat in grey.

National Public Seating 19”-27” Adjustable Height Stool with Padded Seat
Available in black or grey
$83-$95

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Other Options for Pottery Stools

National Public Seating Adjustable Swivel Stool

Another option is the National Public Seating Adjustable Swivel Stool. Rather than a hydraulic column that can break down over time, this seat is adjustable by turning the seat and moving what is essentially a big screw up or down.

The adjusting mechanism is housed in a steel center sleeve but the “teeth” of the swivel are exposed as you raise the seat. As long as this is kept clean, the stool should last for a long time. It’s great for academic studios, anywhere you need an adjustable stool, but it is heavier and harder to stack. The stool is available in a variety of styles including wood and hardboard seats, and can adjust from 17 3/4” to 24 1/4” high.

National Public Seating Adjustable Swivel Stool
Available in a variety of colors and styles
$125-$160

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Artisan CK-21 High Density Foam Potters Stool

The Artisan CK-21 is an adjustable stool with a wide base and high-density foam chair.

The Artisan CK-21 High-Density Foam Potter’s Stool is a comfortable and adjustable stool that can go from 15 to 20 inches in height via a hydraulic column. Speedball used to make a very, very similar chair that is no longer listed on the Speedball website, so I assume this rebranded model is about the same and comes straight from the manufacturer. The Speedball chairs were super comfortable and long lasting, although do expect the hydraulic to not work as well over time (i.e. more than a decade) but it’s great to see the Artisan model as this style is one of the most comfortable and adjustable pottery stools on the market.

There are also two upgrade models of the Artisan stool. One model is the same seat but has a tilt adjustment, or you can choose a model with a flat, round, padded seat.

It is on the heavier side and won’t stack, but otherwise it’s a great option. Available only at Clay King in South Carolina for $111.

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How to Find the Best Height for Throwing

Seated throwing at the pottery wheel can be very comfortable if you get your body positioned in the right way. I prefer to sit at least equal or higher to the wheelhead. This allows my upper body and torso to be involved in the throwing. The lower you set your seat in relation to the wheelhead, the more you will only rely on your shoulders and upper back for power, which can lead to strains and problems. You definitely want your abdomen, torso, and even your thighs to be involved in throwing.

Here’s how I suggest you find the position that is right for you. Keep in mind that every body is shaped differently. Different lengths of torsos and arms are really what come in to play with wheelthrowing:

1. Set your chair or stool to be approximately 1 inch higher than your wheelhead. Keep in mind that bats may change the height of the wheelhead. I always sit higher than the wheelhead and instruct my students to start the same way. This allows you to “lean” in and really get a lot of power simply from the weight of your torso.

2. If this is not comfortable, adjust your seat higher in lower in approximately 1/2” intervals until you find a comfortable position.

3. Feel free to move your foot pedal from left to right if possible. You can also raise the footpedal on bricks or boards.

4. Add a brick or upside down bucket underneath your non-pedal foot. Raising your leg allows your thigh to get a bit involved with adding power to your arms.

5. While throwing, try to keep a curve in your lower back by keeping your chest up. This is hard to do.

6. Take frequent breaks to stand up, stretch your arm, or move a bit so your body doesn’t get locked into a static position.

If you have aches and pains, you may need to consider switching your throwing position. It also doesn’t hurt to have a regular stretching routine, either before or after throwing. And adding core / ab exercises to your week will only improve your comfort and ability on the wheel.

If seated throwing is not working for you, keep in mind that many manufacturers make legs for wheels, or you can place a wheel on a table top or elevate it with cinder blocks. (Click here for a guide to table top wheels.) Many people find that a standing wheel is more comfortable and this is what you will find at many factories that work with jigs and molds on wheels. Keep in mind that if you are new to pottery, you may just need to develop new muscles, so start with 30 to 60 minute throwing sessions and grow from there over time.

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Conclusion

This post has reviewed the best stools for use at at pottery wheel and covered some ideas on how to find the most comfortable position for throwing. Our top pick is the economical, sturdy, and functional adjustable Shimpo Pottery Stool. But there are other options so that everyone can find the best stool for their studio.

What stool do you use at the wheel? Let us know in the comments.

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The Best Aprons for Pottery, Ceramics, and Art Studios

Updated March 2025

A functional, comfortable, and good-looking apron can really elevate your studio. It doesn’t have to be super fancy or expensive, just something to get the job done. An old T-shirt or button down shirt might work, but if you want your arms free of extra fabric, a traditional apron just works best. And if you are sitting at a pottery wheel, a specialized, split-leg apron can make a big difference in keeping the rest of your clothes free of clay.

Posted here are some studio favorites that have worked for me, friends, and students. A few are specific to wheel-thrown pottery with a split leg, but others will work for just about any studio situation. In general, most of these aprons feature a simple loop that goes over the neck and ties in the back. There are a variety of smock-like aprons that often have difficult-to-put on straps, but the recommendations below are easy to use, functional, and durable.

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Top Pick: The Claypron

The Claypron is the original, full-coverage pottery apron and was developed by the Echo Ceramics studio in Los Angeles, so it has been tried and tested by many potters. The apron has a loose, easy-to-put-on style with a neck loop, a tie at the waist, and two large overlapping leg panels. It is made from 100% cotton, has two pockets, and is 48” long. It’s a great option if you want a long, full-coverage apron.

This is the favorite of many potters, and the overlapping leg fabric provides ample coverage to protect your pants and legs from clay drips and splashes.

The only drawbacks with this apron is the neck loop is not adjustable and at 48” inches long, it may be too long for some.

The Claypron
Available in a few colors including denim, olive, deep purple, and others
$39.99

The Claypron in blue or red. It is also available in olive. Shop this apron at Blick.

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Budget Pick: Revco Split-Leg Apron

The Revco apron has an adjustable neck and quick-release leg clips.

This affordable, cotton, split-leg apron is a studio favorite that comes in 36”, 42”, and 48” lengths. Although it has thinner fabric than the Claypron, the Revco Split-Leg Apron has the added bonus of an adjustable, quick release neck loop along with two quick-release leg loops per leg, keeping the apron in place as you move. It’s an ok pottery wheel apron but a great option for general duty handbuilding / glazing / everything apron. In the summer months, the lightweight fabric is appreciated.

Sold as a welding apron, this split-leg apron is also a decent option for working on the potters wheel. The cotton fabric covers your thighs and a bit of your knees, and with three lengths you can choose a size that fits you. The reinforced leather leg joint adds strength and durability. But unlike aprons designed specifically for pottery such as the Claypron, the split leg is not double layered, it is simply hemmed down the middle. The apron is machine or hand washable.

The Revco apron. Note the leg clips which can be used or not. The neck strap has the same quick-release clip, making it easy to take on and off.

Overall this is a great apron that typically retails for $24–$28. The 36” length will work for around 5’ 8” or shorter, while the 42” will work for those around 5’ 8” to 6’ feet in height. Select the 48” length if you are taller or prefer full coverage.

Revco Split Leg Apron
36” $24
42” $28
48” $23

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Deluxe Pick: Potters Apron from Atelier Pracht

The Atelier Pracht Potters Apron, pictured here in yellow ochre. Note the towel loop!

The Atelier Pracht Potters Apron is a well-thought out, heavy-duty canvas apron made and shipped from the Netherlands. It has a doubled-over, split-leg design along with an adjustable neck loop, long tie straps, and a loop for holding a towel. It’s available in six colors in normal and also “petit” or shorter sizes. You can also communicate with the Etsy seller and request custom lengths or different fabrics.

This is a great potters apron. Go for this one if the Claypron is too long or if you prefer thicker fabric. This is an apron that will last forever. It has great fabric, styling, and features. The only drawback would be it might be too thick if you are working in hot or humid climates.

This apron is available via Etsy and typically retails for around $51 plus shipping from The Netherlands.

Potters Apron from Atelier Pracht
Available in yellow ochre, marine blue, beige, grey blue, forest green, and black
$51

This deluxe potter’s apron features thick, doubled-up cotton with nice details on the neck loop and ties.

A detail shot of the adjustable neck loop, which is riveted to the apron fabric.

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick: The Claypron

• Budget Pick: Revco Split-Leg Apron

• Upgrade Pick: Atelier Pracht Potter’s Apron

• More Apron Options

• Under NY Sky Pottery Aprons

• ClayNGlaze Pottery Apron

• Jspft Generic Pottery Apron

• makemake tools Pottery Apron

• Hedley & Bennet Aprons

• BKLYN Claypron

• Under NY Sky Cross-Back Barber Apron

• Denim Apron options

• Print-on-demand Aprons with fun designs

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More Apron Options:

Under NY Sky Pottery Aprons

The Under NY Sky Pottery Apron is a 43 inch long, split-leg apron available in three colors.

Under NY Sky makes a few pottery aprons.

The Under NY Sky Pottery Apron is a newer option that is a strong competitor to the Claypron. It’s 43 inches long, has overlapping fabric at the legs, an adjustable neck strap and is a bit cheaper than The Claypron. The main difference is that it is made from an 82% cotton / 18” poly blend while The Claypron is 100% cotton.

Under NY Sky Pottery Apron
Available in Beige, Grey, or Green
$32–$35

Under NY Sky also makes a 53” long, full-coverage option made from a poly / cotton twill with a variety of pockets and loops. It also has an overlapping, split leg design that makes it comfortable and functional for sitting at the potter’s wheel. It is very long and best for taller adults.

Under NY Sky Full-Coverage Potter’s Apron
Available in five colors
$43

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ClaynGlaze Pottery Apron

The ClaynGlaze split leg pottery apron also has two hip pockets on the sides.

The ClaynGlaze Pottery Apron features blue cotton, a split leg, along with straps that tie at the neck and at the waist. It has full leg coverage and two hip pockets. It’s a great, full-coverage option for throwing on the wheel.

This apron is just under 45 inches long and ties at the neck as well as the waist. It also has two hip pockets. It ships from the UK and is available via Etsy.

ClaynGlaze Split-Leg Pottery Apron
$54

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Jspft Split-Leg Pottery Apron

The Jspft Split-Leg Pottery Apron is available in five colors and 3 lengths, including pumpkin color pictured here.

One of those strangely named “Amazon” brands, Jspft makes a simple split-leg pottery apron in “mid-weight” 100% cotton in five colors. The nice thing about these aprons is they come in three sizes, ranging from 36” to 43” and it has an adjustable neck strap.

Hand-builders may want the shorter option, but the longer 43” option will be great on the wheel for most people. Choose this option if you want a lighter weight material than The Claypron.

Jspft Split-Leg Pottery Apron
Available in 5 colors
36”, 39” and 43” lengths available
$35

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makemake tools Pottery Apron

The makemake tools pottery apron is available in five colors included cinnamon.

A newer option is the split-leg pottery apron from makemake tools. It seems to be modeled after The Claypron but is a bit shorter, around 39” inches, and is made from a 65% cotton / 35% poly blend fabric. It has an adjustable neck loop, back ties, and is available in five colors.

makemake tools Pottery Apron
$55–$58

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The Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron in purple.

Hedley & Bennett Aprons

Beloved in kitchens, the Hedley & Bennett Aprons are equally at home in studios. Available in variety of prints and styles, the basic Essential apron typically retails for around $85 and features high quality fabric, an adjustable neck loop, tie straps, and a length of around 33 inches. These stylish aprons are great for handbuilding, but plan to add a towel for your knees and thighs if you are on the wheel.

These aprons really hold up—personally I’ve had one for kitchen use at home (and occasional studio use) and it is weathered but going strong after more than a decade.

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BKLYN CLAY-PRON

The BKLYN CLAY-PRON

Designed with Leslie King, the BKLYN CLAY-PRON is a 43” long, 100% cotton split leg apron. Made of a thicker but still comfortable fabric, it’s available in 5 colors and would look just as good in the kitchen as the studio. It has an adjustable D-ring on the neck, side pocket, and ties in the back. It has a thicker fabric than the Claypron, but it weathers and wears into a comfortable and stylish studio favorite.

Made in Brooklyn, New York, the apron costs $80 and is available directly from BKLYN CLAY.

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Under NY Sky Cross-Back Barber Apron

This split-leg nylon apron is long-lasting and super tough and is a great hand-building apron. At 35 inches long with water-resistant nylon fabric, it’s also great for sculpture or painting.

Under NY Sky Cross-Back Barber Apron.

This apron will cover your torso and upper thighs. The split leg makes it comfortable for sitting down, but you’ll need to grab some extra towels if you are using this on the pottery wheel as it won’t cover your knees.

This apron attaches with quick-release buckles at the neck and waist. It has reinforced corners, a variety of open and zippered pockets, and loops for hanging a hammer or other tools. It’s a well thought out, functional apron.

The only drawback is that it’s not very long (this may be a plus for some) and the thicker nylon fabric may not move as easily with your body. But it’s a super tough apron that will last for many years.

Under NY Sky Cross-Back Barber Apron
Available in Black
$40–$43

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Denim Apron options

These simple denim aprons are a good option if you are looking for a durable split-leg pottery aprons that also happens to be very short. These aprons are most suitable to those who are 5’ 6” or shorter The apron is made from a thin denim with a tie at the waist. There are also two small pockets.

The aprons are 35” inches long from the top of the chest fabric to the bottom and the fabric is hemmed down the middle. They are a significantly cheaper than other options because of the simpler design and thinner denim, typically retailing for $13, but these are a good option for classroom settings.

Bestoall Denim Apron
$13

The Bestoall Denim Split-Leg Apron

A similar but discontinued Mocohana Pottery Apron. Note the very high seam and short torso coverage. It’s best for people 5’ 6” or shorter.

Blick Thrower’s Apron

The no-frills Thrower’s Apron is available at Blick.

Blick art stores also carry a generic “thrower’s apron” made from denim. It’s 45 inches long with no frills. It just ties at the top and back, it has optional leg loops, and the material is hemmed down the middle.

Thrower’s Apron
$23

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Aprons with Fun Designs

Bad Pottery Cat apron. Find it at Redbubble.

Print-on-demand powerhouse Redbubble has aprons as one of their options, and there are a lot of interesting and funny aprons available with pottery themes. Generally they retail for $24 each plus shipping. Here are a few of our favorites, but you can also search the site and find dozens of examples.

ClayBoss pottery apron. Find it at Redbubble.

Pottery Cat on the wheel apron. Find it at Redbubble.

Ceramica Kiln ‘Em All pottery apron. Find it at Redbubble.

Pottery apron. Find it at Redbubble.

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Conclusion:

This post has covered a wide variety of aprons for use on the potter’s wheel, in ceramic studios, or in any sort of painting or sculpture studio. In general, a longer split-leg apron is good for those working at the potter’s wheel, while a shorter apron is great for ceramic hand building or sculpting. Our top picks range from a budget option of $24 to an upgrade pick of around $55. Most ceramic aprons are in the $30-$40 range, and they also make a great gift if you are looking for a gift for a potter.

What kind of apron do you use in the studio? Let us know in the comments.

You Might Also Enjoy:

Click here to read our recommendations on the best tools for pottery beginners.

Gift Guide for Potters and Ceramic Artists.

Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide

Best Masks for Ceramic Studios

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Best Bats for the Pottery Wheel

Updated for 2025

This is a complete guide to all the different types of pottery wheel bats on the market, including different materials, bat systems, and assorted tools that are useful with bats.

Bats are available in various sizes and a variety of materials, including plaster, plastic, medex, MDF, and tempered hardboard such as Masonite. In addition to individual bats, there are also bat systems with inserts that can speed up the throwing process.

This post will attempt to cover all the bats available on the market, explain the options, and help you pick the right bats for your studio. This guide is based on more than 20 years of personal experience with pottery and wheelthrowing, including managing a variety of studios and using all sorts of different bats.

A 12” Speedball Plastic Bat on a 14” wheel head.

TOP PICK: Speedball Plastic Bats

The top pick for most studios are Speedball Plastic Bats. Available in 3 sizes and a variety different colors, they have a lip that makes picking up and removing from the wheel a breeze, they don’t warp, and they are long-lasting.

Injection molded, all the bats (even the square!) have universal 9” and 10” pin spacing. They are easy to clean and store, and a good value for the money.

One tradeoff is that plastic bats are not absorbent. Absorbent bats, such as Hydrobats, are a definite upgrade but they often cost almost twice as much. But given the price, durability, and all-around functionality, the Speedball plastic bats definitely have a place in a lot of studios.

Speedball Plastic Bats
7 1/2” square, $8-$10
12” round, $11-$13
14” round, $12-$15

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The bottom of a 12.5” HydroBat, note the red rubber bat pin grommets.

UPGRADE PICK: Hydro-Bats

Hydro-Bats are made from Hydro-Stone, a gypsum compound that is harder than plaster, and feature rubber grommets cast into the bat. Most have 10” pin spacing but there are other sizes as well. The absorbent Hydro-Stone virtually eliminates the need to cut your works off with a wire, and it is more resistant to chipping and scraping than plaster. They are thicker than plastic bats, about 1/2” thick, but if you have the room, these are a joy to use.

Hyrdo-Bats are manufactured by The Ceramic Shop in Philadelphia, PA and are available there and from a variety of other ceramic suppliers.

Hydro-Bats
Available in almost 20 sizes both flat and shaped like plates, bowls and platters,
Prices range from $10 to $50 each
As an example, the flat 12.5” bats are around $21

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About Bats:

Bats are useful for a variety of reasons: they provide a platform to pick up and move your work as it is drying, they protect the wheelhead, and they might even make clean-up easier. You can throw directly on the wheel head, but for wide or flat forms, you will definitely need a bat to successfully move it off the wheel.

Scroll down for a full review of a all types of bats.

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Table of Contents:

• Top Pick: Speedball Plastic Bats

• Upgrade Pick: HydroBats

• Amaco Plasti-Bats

• Laguna Plaster Bats

• Masonite Bats

• Medex Bats

• Bat Systems

• Bat Accessories

• Summary

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The 7.5 inch square Speedball Plastic Bat

Top Pick: Speedball Plastic Bats

The bottom of the Speedball Plastic Bat.

Speedball Plastic Bats are injection molded and available in three sizes: 14 inch round, 12 inch round, and 7.5 inch square. All feature universal 9 and 10 inch pin spacing (yes, even the square!). They have a grid of support on the underside, are about 1/4” thick, and do not warp. They don’t chip, but they can be cut by sharp knives.

A side view of the lip on the Speedball Plastic Bat.

The best feature of these bats is the lip on the side. This makes them very easy to remove, as opposed to the Amaco Plasti-bats, which sit flush with the wheel head. The one drawback is with the pin opening on the bottom, you can find yourself hunting to match the bat up with pins.

These bats can be stored horizontally or vertically. The most interesting is the space-saving 7.5 inch square bat, which can really reduce storage space if you are making a variety of bowls or platters.

They are available in a variety of different colors, including brown, blue, green, orange, teal, purple, pink, and red.

Speedball Plastic Bats
7 1/2” square, $8-$10
12” round, $11-$13
14” round, $12-$15

The 12 inch Speedball Plastic Bat on a 14” wheel head.

The 14 inch Speedball Plastic Bat.

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Upgrade Pick: Hydro-Bats

The bottom of a 12.5 inch diameter Hyrdo-Bat, with the red rubber grommets that fit on standard 3/8” bat pins.

Hydro-Bats are a line of bats made from HydroStone, a U.S. Gypsum product that is harder and stronger than plaster but still absorbent. They are widely available, but are manufactured by the team at The Ceramic Shop in Philadelphia. In addition to the absorbent surface, the bats have a lip for easy removal, and rubber grommets that easily fit over bat pins.

The complete line has flat bats, hump bats, and a variety of plate and platter shapes. The flat bats have two sizes of pin spacing: the standard 10” pin spacing comes in diameters ranging from 12.5 to 28 inches, and the smaller 6” pin spacing has bats that are 8.5 and 10 inches in diameter. The 6 inch pins might fit tabletop wheels or there is also a 10” to 6” adapter available.

Hydro-Bats do take up more space, they are about 1/2 inch thick. And if they become saturated with water, they won’t be very useful until they dry out. But the absorbency of the HydroStone makes these a great option for throwing bigger forms, as you will have more even drying on all sides of the vessel. When the clay pulls away from the bat without sticking, your ware will be at the perfect dryness for trimming.

Hydrobats will chip or take cuts from very sharp knives, but from experience I can say that you can drop them without much risk of them breaking (you might get some chips though.) Overall, these are my favorite bats to use because they make trimming much easier, and they are stronger and easier to use than homemade plaster bats, or other absorbent bats without grommets. They do cost more, but it’s worth it.

Hydro-Bats
Available in almost 20 sizes, prices range from $10 to $50 each.
Flat 12.5” bats are around $21

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Amaco Plasti-Bats

Amaco Plasti-Bats are available in 12” and 14” diamater.

Amaco Plasti-Bats are 1/4” thick hard plastic with holes for bat pins drilled through. Available in 14 and 12 inch diameter, and 9 inch square, the holes are a universal 10 inch spacing. It would be simple to drill new holes if needed for alternative pin spacing. Simple, easy, and effective, these are functional bats that will get the job done.

There is also a 9” square Amaco Plasti-Bat, which also has holes for 10” pin spacing.

With no ribs or lip, either side can be used and cleanup is very easy. As with all plastic bats, they are non-absorbent.

The drawback with these is that while they are easy to attach to the wheel head because you can see the pin holes, the lack of a lip makes removal a bit hard. Some sort of tool or knife is needed to wedge one side of the bat up, so that your fingers can get underneath. Without the ribbing, these can warp if stored incorrectly. It’s best to store these horizontally, but they can be stored vertically as long as pressure is not applied.

These bats used to be some of the cheapest on the market, but now they cost almost as much as Hydro-Bats, making them a less attractive pick.

Amaco Plasti-Bats
9” square, $16.75
12” round, $25
14” round, $30

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Medex Bats

Medex Bats are a made by a variety of manufacturers including Speedball and Penguin Pottery. Medex is a 3/8” thick, engineered particle board that is made with no formaldehyde. It’s smooth, dense, and water resistant. Think of it as thicker Masonite.

With Medex, avoid soaking or long-term ware storage, or the bats may warp and/or grow mold. But if kept clean and cycling through your studio, these bats should stay flat and are cost-effective. They are more prone to warping than plastic bats, but if used correctly, they are a cost-effective option.

Potters choose these over plastic bats as the absorbency of the material will help your ware dry more evenly. Depending on the vendor, these range from half the price of a Hydro-bat to just a few dollars less, so it might be worth it to pay extra and upgrade to the Hydro-bats

Speedball Medex Bats
12” round, $12-$17
14” round, $14-$20
16” round, $17

Penguin Pottery Medex Bats
9” square, set of 5 bats: $45 ($5 each)
12” round, set of 5 bats, $65 ($13 each)

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Masonite Bats

A 12” Masonite bat with universal 10” bat pins.

Masonite bats are made by a variety of manufacturers. They are affordable, thin, and can be real workhorses if used correctly. Masonite is a 1/4” thick, tempered, water-resistant hardboard that is usable on both sides and is slightly absorbent, making it ideal for helping pots dry. Their affordability also makes these common in production pottery, but if they stay wet for a long time (such as long-term storage of wet ware) or are soaked, they will warp, break down, or get moldy. They will also scratch if metal tools are used too aggressively on the surface.

The best way to use masonite bats is to remove the pot when it is ready for trimming, then clean the bat with a minimum of water, and allow the bat to dry before using again. Also, never soak a Masonite bat or flex it when wet, and store them horizontally. With care, Masonite bats can last a long time.

Masonite bats, generic manufacturers
12” round, around $5 per bat (usually sold in multi-packs)

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Baltic Birch / Tiger Ply Plywood Bats

Plywood bats

Bailey Ceramic Supply in New York makes 3/4” thick Plywood Bats in either Baltic Birch or Tiger Ply. (Baltic Birch Plywood is hard to come by because of the war in Ukraine so they have switched to Tiger Ply.) Absorbent like plaster, these bats are lighter than plaster or Hydro Stone, and won’t break or chip if you drop them. They are also more rigid for larger forms—plastic gets floppy at larger diameters. You could make your own plywood bats but these are predrilled and ready to go.

Like Masonate / Medex / hardboard, plywood will warp and get moldy if clay and ware is stored on them for a few weeks. Clean up with a minimum of water, and remove your piece as soon as you are able. It’s also a good idea to let these dry out in between uses. If properly cared for, plywood bats are long lasting.

Plywood bats
12” round to 29.5” round, $17 to $74

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Bat Systems

Bat systems feature a large bat and smaller inserts that can be swapped out. The idea is to save space on the shelf, and not have to bother attaching bats over and over. It’s particularly ideal for smaller work such as mugs, and small cylinders and bowls. The downside is that you commit to one manufacturer if you need extra or replacement bats. Some potters make their own version of these using a drill and a jigsaw. Only commit to a bat system if you know it’s the right system for you, the size of work you make, and your studio. It can be a definite space saver, though, so it is worth considering if it makes sense for you..

The Penguin Pottery Heavy Duty Bat System is made from MDF.

Penguin Pottery Heavy Duty Bat System

This system features a 14” circular bat with 6 inch square inserts, all made of Medex / MDF. The pins on the large bat are set for a 10” bat pin spacing, and the system is made in the USA. The inner bats are easily removable via four finger holes.

The Penguin Pottery Bat System comes with the 14” bat and 5 inserts, along with 2 pins.
Listed at $71

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Dirty Girl Bat Systems

The Dirty Girl round bat system.

Dirty Girl tools makes two bat system, a square and round set. The large bat is 12.5”, and the smaller bats are 6.5 inches.

It’s not listed on the site, but it appears the larger bat is Medex or pressboard, and the inserts are thinner Masonite or some kind of tempered hardboard.

Dirty Girl Bat System
includes 10 bat inserts, $78

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Snap Bat Throwing System

The all plastic Snap Bat system.

The Snap Bat Throwing System is an all-plastic option developed by The Ceramic Shop in Philadelphia. The large bat is 11.5” round and 1/2 thick, and the smaller bats 7 x 7 inches square and 1/4” thick.

Snap Bat Throwing System
comes with 5 inserts
Listed at $83

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Generic Bat Systems

The WonderBat Square Bat System.

There are a variety of generic bat systems available on Amazon.

As with all the sort of generic “Amazon Brands,” these products seem to come and go, and are often direct copies of some of the bat systems listed above.

Buyer beware! These may be a great deal, or they might be a piece of junk.

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Bat Accessories

There are a variety of accessories and add-ons that can help with bats and the throwing process.

Xiem Studio Tools BatMate.

Xiem Studio Tools BatMate

The BatMate from Xiem Studio Tools is a 12-inch diameter piece of synthetic fabric that can be placed in between a bat and wheel head to virtually eliminate any wobble, improving the accuracy of throwing and trimming. Many potters, however, wet the fabric and place it directly on a wheel head to use when trimming pots. Pots will stay put just by tension, without adding little balls of clay wadding. This saves time and works just as well.

It’s probably not necessary if you get Speedball Plastic Bats or Hydro-Bats, but it may be helpful for masonite or other bats that might have a slight warp. And it’s also a great tool for trimming small pots. At around $15, this is a tool that gets used all the time once it’s in a potter’s kit.

Xiem BatMate
12 and 14 inch diameters, $11-$14

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Xiem Tools Bat Lifter

If you have bats without a lip, the Xiem Tools Bat Lifter will save your fettling knife or nails, helping you easily pick up one side of the bat. If you have Amaco Plasti-Bats, you definitely want one of these!

Xiem Tools Bat Lifter
$7-$15

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WiziWig Tools Clay Shield

The WiziWig Tools Clay Shield.

The WiziWig Tools Clay Shield is a set of 14 flexible panels that will guard your throwing area from trimming and throwing splatters. Each panel is 4 1/4” wide, 8 3/4” tall, and has a base that slides under your splash pan. When combined, the Clay Shield will cover a 20 inch diameter. Coverage varies depends on set up and your wheel, but overall, this is a simple tool that can make a big difference in cleanup. It does require some set up and can get in the way, but if you’re working in tight quarters it can really help.

If this doesn’t seem right for you, some people tape newspaper, cardboard, or even flexible cutting boards to achieve the same ends.

WiziWig Clay Shield
$35-$37

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Foam Trimming Bat

Foam Trimming Bats by StudioPro.

StudioPro and others make foam trimming bats. These are foam glued to a bat. You can make your own, but StudioPro offers two options: one has 1/4 in foam for smaller pots, and another has 3/4” foam for heavier or uneven pots. Simple, easy and time saving, if you think a foam bat is going to help you, it probably will.

StudioPro Foam Trimming Bats
14” or 18” round
1/4” or 3/4” thick foam

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Brent Batmobile

The Brent Batmobile is a mobile cart perfectly designed to hold scores of round bats. It can accommodate bats that are 12 to 14 inches tall, and has locking 4 inch rubber casters. It’s not cheap—you might try a DIY option—but Brent’s entire product line is built to withstand heavy use in a production or busy academic studio. It will last forever.

Brent Batmobile Bat Cart
$790

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Grinding Discs

There are now a variety of grinding discs that fit right on your wheel head. A great solution—you’ve already got this spinning motor with a waterproof splash pan! Some grinding discs have sticker backs that can be used with a bat. If you’re interested in this, a good place to start is with our DIY grinding disc tutorial.

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Summary

This post covered a variety of bats for use on the pottery wheel. There are bats available in plastic, HydroStone, plaster, Masonite and other hardboards, and even plywood. There’s also a variety of bat systems and other bat accessories. Overall, my favorite bat is the Speedball Plastic Bat for it’s easy to move lip and resistance to warping. Hydro-Bats are my favorite for absorbent bats.

What are your favorite bats?

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The Best Banding Wheels for Pottery and Ceramics

The Nidec Shimpo 9 1/2” wide banding wheel.

Banding wheels are one of the most useful tools in a ceramic studio, especially for handbuilding, decorating, and carving. They allow you to turn a piece while building, and can be extremely useful during the glazing process.

A good banding wheel will spin freely and with some speed, allowing you to hold a brush steady and paint a “band” or line of or underglaze glaze. But they can be so much more than that.

This post will cover quality banding wheels that can handle the weight of clay and be cleaned. You don’t want to mess with cheap plastic options, or lazy susans that aren’t designed to get dirty and be cleaned again. Those cheaper options will often break down or don’t have enough weight to spin freely.

The best banding wheels are heavy and made out of metal, but there are a variety of options to fit each studio and budget. Read below for a full buyer’s guide to banding wheels.

This guide is based on personal experience with all the banding wheels, along with observations of what works and holds up in academic and community ceramic studios, and what tends to fall apart and not be worth the money.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Shimpo Banding Wheels

2. Budget Pick: CSI Banding Wheels

3. Great option: Generic Metal Banding Wheels from Falling in Art etc

4. Other Banding Wheels

5. Summary

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Top Pick: Nidec Shimpo Banding Wheels

The complete line of Shimpo Banding Wheels. The three shorter options are 2 1/4” tall while the two “pedestal” banding wheels are 4 3/4” and 7 1/2” tall.

Nidec Shimpo banding wheels are made of cast iron and painted with rust-resisted blue paint and are heavy, durable and will last a lifetime. They have sealed ball bearings, a one-piece design that will not come apart when picked up, and the weight of the cast iron results in a smooth, even spin. These banding wheels are a pleasure to use whether you are coil building, painting, carving, or sculpting.

Once again, these are solid, durable cast iron. Take good care of this banding wheel and it you will be passing it down to the next potter in decades or longer. They are easy to clean, just don’t submerge the whole thing in water.

Shimpo banding wheels come in five sizes ranging from 7” to 11 3/4” wide. The three smaller wheels are all 2 1/4” tall, while the two taller sizes are 4 3/4” tall and 7 1/2” tall.

My preference is for the shorter, lower-profile banding wheels but a pedestal-style banding wheel may work for your studio. Some may find these banding wheels to be on the heavy side, but the weight works to your advantage to create a steady, even, long-lasting spin.

Shopping tip: These banding wheels tend to be cheaper at Blick than Amazon. Yes, the Nidec Shimpo are the most expensive banding wheels out there but they are also the heaviest, most durable, and the weight allows them to spin for much longer than other banding wheels. In the 5 years we have been maintaining this guide to banding wheels, the Nidec Shimpo banding wheel prices have only increased by a few dollars to they have remained a good value.

The Shimpo 25L Banding Wheel is 9 7/8” x 2 1/4”

Shimpo Banding Wheel Specs:
Model number, diameter, height, and weight:

18L 7” x 2 1/4”, 6.5 lbs, $66-$82 (Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick)

22L 8 3/4” x 2 1/4”, 13 lbs, $77-$90 (Shop at Blick)

25L 9 1/2” x 2 1/4”, 15 lbs, $131 (Shop at Amazon)

25H 9 7/8” x 7 1/2”, 19 lbs, $123-$148 (Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick)

30M 11 3/4” x 4 3/4”, 28 lbs, $142-$172 (Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick)

More pics of the Nidec Shimpo banding wheel

Top view

Bottom view

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Budget Pick: CSI Banding Wheels

CSI Banding Wheels come in sizes ranging from 8” to 16” in diameter.

CSI Banding Wheels are heavy-duty, economical banding wheels made from two Formica-covered particle boards with stainless steel ball bearings. They are 2 inches tall and range from 8 to 16” in diameter. These banding wheels are portable and stackable, and are lighter than cast-iron options such as the Shimpo. They have decent turning capacity but they don’t turn as readily and easily as the Shimpo banding wheels. They are great for everything except a very fast and continuous painting of a line or band.

For heavy sculptures or vessels these are great options for handbuilding where you will be turning the piece slowly. The 8” and 10” wheels have a 200 lb capacity, the 12” is rated to 300 lbs, and the 14” and 16” are rated to an 800 lb capacity.

The CSI banding wheels range in price from around $28 to about $42. That’s an incredibly great deal for a heavy-duty banding wheel, making this a great option for educational studios, beginners, or those more focused on sculpture and handbuilding rather than spinning decoration.

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Metal Wheel Budget Pick: Falling In Art Banding Wheel

These generic metal banding wheels, available under a variety of names online such as Falling In Art or US Art Supply, are highly rated and run about half the price of the Shimpo banding wheels. Available in 7” and 12” diameter, with a 4 inch pedestal, and a weight of about 10 lbs, these wheels have a set screw to hold the top and bottom pieces together. They are not quite as heavy as the Shimpo, but much heavier than other options such as the CSI Turntables or plastic wheels. For 1/3 to 1/2 of the price of the Shimpo banding wheels, these are a decent option for any studio, especially if you are on a budget.

As with all the banding wheels, do not submerge these in water for cleaning to avoid damaging the ball bearings.

7” banding wheel, generally $28

12” banding wheel, generally $38-$40

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Other Banding Wheels options:

Laguna Banding Wheels

The Laguna NL-278 Banding Wheel is 12 inches wide and 2 inches tall.

Laguna Clay makes a line of banding wheels with a cast iron base, steel bearings, and aluminum wheel head. Often, the wheel head will be very similar to the wheel head of a regular pottery wheel.

There are 6 options in the Laguna product line; 4 pedestal banding wheels that range from 5” to 6.5” tall, and 2 that are 2 inches tall. My favorite model is NL-278 which is 12 inches wide and 2 inches tall and retails for around $140. It’s basically a full-size wheel head, but as a banding wheel.

Because these are aluminum on top, they don’t spin as long as the Shimpo wheels, but they are well made and hold up. These wheels are available at a variety of ceramic suppliers, or directly from Laguna via their Axner Clay website.

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Yncotte 7” Aluminum Banding Wheel

This light duty banding wheel is 7” wide, made out of aluminum, and is ok for light duty work. It doesn’t spin very long, due to the light weight. But it can be used in either direction and it fits just about anywhere as it is small.

I have used these more recently in a number of academic studios and they are definitely better than a plastic banding wheel, but given the $32 price tag, I would go for either the Falling In Art banding wheel, or spend more and get the Nidec Shimpo Banding Wheel.

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Amaco #5 Banding Wheel

The Amaco #5 Banding Wheel is a 7” wide aluminum banding wheel that sits on a pedestal stand. Along with the Shimpo and CSI banding wheels, it’s quite common to see this in many ceramic studios. The smaller size, lighter weight, and pedestal stand makes it popular for decorating, carving, scraffitto work, and painting. It is not designed for heavy weight, but it is sturdy.

The drawbacks with this stand is that it is in two pieces and will separate if picked up by the top piece. There are also a variety of mixed reviews online, mentioning poor construction quality. AMACO may be having production issues with this unit, but in my experience, it’s a quality turntable that is great for small decorative tasks.

As of 2025, this turntable doesn’t appear to be listed on the Amaco website or at any stores. It is most likely out of production, but you may still see it for sale used.

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Shop pottery shirts and aprons at Redbubble.

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Plastic Banding Wheels

The Richeson Plastic Banding Wheel is 8” wide and 1 1/2” tall.

To be completely honest, I feel that plastic banding wheels are not worth buying. They can’t really be used for painting or banding, as the light weight doesn’t result in any lasting spin. They are also prone to breaking. You’ll be better off spending a bit more to get a CSI wheel or Falling in Art.

The only reason I can see to get a plastic banding wheel is for working with young children. They are lightweight and stackable (but not robust…treat them carefully!) Or the other reason if you just need a lightweight turntable for detail work such as carving or fine detail sculpting.

Given the price of these, ranging from $21 to $36, the money would be better used to get a metal banding wheel.

Richeson Plastic Banding Wheel
8” diameter, 1 1/2” tall, $21

The Amaco Decorating Wheel is 8” wide, all plastic, and is available in brown or off white.

Amaco Plastic Banding Wheel
8” diameter, $36

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Jack Richeson Mobile Sculpture Stand and Turntable

A mobile sculpture stand gives you the freedom to work on pottery and sculptures from all sides, and roll your work station out of the way if needed. This can be a great option for figurative sculpture, or if you want to create an additional workspace without adding another table. To work on this stand comfortably, you’ll need a tall stool or work standing up. The center shaft is adjustable for a working height of 39.5 to 44 inches. The wooden work surface is 12 inches square, and the base is 29 inches square with 4 locking caster wheels. It’s a great stand for working on sculptures, pottery, or as a display stand.

Jack Richeson Mobile Sculpture Stan
$215 to $225.

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Summary

This post has covered a variety of banding wheels, turntables, and sculpture stands. In general, the best option is the heavy-duty cast iron Shimpo banding wheels, especially if you need to get a smooth, steady spin for painting pottery. If you are working with heavy sculptures, the CSI Turntables are a sturdy, economical option. And there are other cheaper and lighter options.

What banding wheels do you use? Let us know in the comments.

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Best Masks for Silica Dust in Pottery and Ceramic Studios — updated for 2025

The 3M Half Mask with P100 particulate filters is the best mask option for ceramic studios.

Silica dust is a real hazard in ceramics studios and it’s important to have the right mask. Cloth masks or basic nuisance-grade dust mask will not offer enough protection against silica. The best options are respirators with P100 or P95 filters, or N95/KN95 masks. This is also the level of protection businesses are required by OSHA to provide to employees if silica dust is present.

Respirable silica is very fine with almost invisible particles that can stay airborne for some time, and repeated exposure can lead to silicosis or black lung. To protect against silica, it is important that masks fit correctly. If air can leak around the sides, it really defeats the whole purpose. This is especially of concern if you have facial hair, as that can cause the mask to not be properly sealed to the face. In that case, you may need a full face mask or to trim your beard.

Overall, the best mask is going to be one that you reach for and wear during dust-generating tasks. Any protection is better than none. Personally, I use a respirator with P100 filtration whenever I am working with clay, plaster, wood, or other materials that create dust.

Also consider what is causing dust in your studio and seek to minimize that activity if possible. Keep an organized studio, use wet cleaning and sanding methods, and avoid creating dust. You may want to consider adding a dust collection system. For additional recommendations, visit our guides for cleaning tools and HEPA vacuums.

The reviews in this article are based on personal experience with a wide variety of masks along with experience working in ceramic studios for more than 20 years.

TOP PICK: 3M Half-Facepiece Respirator with P100 Filters

3M 6300 Half-Facepiece Mask without filters attached.

The 3M 6300 Half-Facepiece Respirator is a comfortable, reusable mask with filters that can be replaced as needed. This facepiece will take the round P95 or P100 particulate filters, or the cartridge style filters that are rated for particulates and some types of gases. Either will work, but you might find the round particulate filters to be more breathable. 3M also makes upgraded half masks (see below for more info) but this basic model is affordable, long-lasting, and will get the job done.

The Half-Facepiece respirator can be purchased as a plain mask, or packaged with filters or cartridge filters. Amazon has a variety of options; Home Depot and Lowes and other hardware stores tend to sell the more expensive version with cartridge filters. This may be useful if you also paint or have volatile gases in your studio, but the round P100 filters are perfect for ceramic studios where silica and other airborne dust particles are the main concern.

Note: this half-facepiece mask has unfiltered exhaust valves that are not appropriate for Covid safety in shared spaces.

3M 6300 Half-Facepiece Respirator
Available in size small, medium and large
Typical price
Respirator only: $14-$21
With P100 filters: around $25-$26
With cartridge filters: around $39

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The pink, round 3M 2097 P100 filters will fit the half facepiece mask.

P100 Filters and other options

The round, pink 3M 2097 Filters rated to P100 will offer the highest level of particulate protection. You could go with the slightly cheaper, white P95 filters but in my opinion, P100 filters are the way to go.

When using these half masks, there can be some moisture buildup inside, but in general, I find them more comfortable than disposable masks.

Replacement prices:

P100 filters are around $14-$20 for a package of two sets of filters

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DISPOSABLE MASK TOP PICK: 3M 8210 N95 Masks

The 3M 8210 N95 mask has straps that go over the head.

N95 or KN-95 Masks are NIOSH rated to filter 95 percent of dust particles and are good for multiple uses if kept clean. N95 Masks have straps that go over your head, making them fit more snugly. KN-95 masks typically have ear bands and fit more loosely, however, they often seem to be constructed with a bit more breathing room around your mouth.

A solid option for an N95 is the 3M 8210 N95 Mask. It typically comes in bulk packs where each mask costs about $1 to $1.50 each or around $20-$30 for a box of 20 masks.

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ALTERNATE DISPOSABLE PICK: KN-95 Masks

Armbrust is an Austin, Texas-based mask manufacturer. Their KN-95 masks are available in a variety of colors. Shop at Armbrust

Throughout the Covid pandemic, the availability and quality of masks varied widely, with a variety of manufacturers attempting to fulfill the demand. There also have been reports of fake name-brand masks and other problems. It can be very confusing to buy a “real” N95 or KN-95 mask, as detailed in this NY Times report from 2021.

KN-95 masks, which have ear bands as opposed to the over-the-head N95 style, have become quite common but the number and variety available are confusing. One place to start is by reviewing CDC-approved mask manufacturers as explained here or listed by the CDC here.

The Texas-based, U.S. manufacturer Armbrust makes very high quality surgical masks, KN-95 masks, and kids KN-95 masks. Not only are they NIOSH approved, but the masks are available in a variety of colors and they are made in the USA.

Prices for Armbrust KN-95 range from $15 for a pack of 5 (or $3 per mask) to almost $1,000 for a pack of 540 masks. There are significant discounts if you subscribe to regular mask delivery.

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Tightest Fit: Pouch or “Duckbill” Style N95s

The Kimtech Pouch Style N95 has two soft straps that go over your head.

They may look sort of funny, but in my experience, the pouch or “duckbill-style” N95s have the tightest fit of any disposable masks. You can see the mask material move in and out as you are breathing, and it seems to provide excellent coverage for Covid and dust.

A great option for this style of mask is the Kimtech line from Kimberly-Clark. Made in the USA, the Kimtech N95s cost $50 for a box of 50 masks.

More mask reviews below:

Those are my top picks for studio dust masks that are appropriate to use for silica. Keep reading for a deeper look at various half-facepiece masks and other disposable mask options.

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Table of Contents

• Half Facepiece Masks (3M 6300, 3M 6500, 3M 7500)

• Filters for Half Facepiece Masks

• RZ Masks

• Disposable Masks

• Summary

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Half Facepiece Masks: 3M Models

As reviewed above, the top pick for a dust mask for a pottery or ceramic studio is a 3M 6300 Half Facepiece mask. It’s the basic model but will get the job done. But that’s not the only model made by 3M. There is also “upgraded” models made with softer plastic which also have a few different options for valves and latching straps.

The 3M 6300 Half Facepiece Mask.

3M 6000 series Half Facepiece Mask

The 6000 series is the standard mask in the 3M line, and seems to be readily available in the 6300 model, but you may occasionally see the 6200 or 6100. From what I can tell, these are all about the same. Made of “thermoplastic elastomer,” the masks will work with 3M filters or cartridge filters, and can be taken apart and cleaned.

The masks are available in size small, medium and large and range in price from around $14 to $20.

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3M 6500 Cool Flow Half Facepiece Mask

3M 6503QL Rugged Comfort Quick Latch model.

The 3M 6500 series is termed the “rugged comfort line” and features a softer silicone face seal, a low profile design, a “Cool-Flow” valve, and some models have a quick-latch drop down feature.

The most common and popular model in this series appears to be the 6503QL Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Model. In addition to the silicone lining, this mask features upgraded straps.

Available in small, medium or large sizes, it typically retails for $28 to $31 for the mask and filters are extra. The model sold at Home Depot is around $50 and comes with cartridge-style filters.

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3M 7500 Half Facepiece Mask

The 3M 7502 Half Facepiece Mask.

The 7500 Half Facepiece line from 3M has the same features as the 6500 line, with the silicone lining and Cool Flow valve, but it has one main difference: the exhalation valve air is routed down to reduce fogging. If you wear glasses or googles, you should consider this mask.

Available in small, medium, and large size, the 7500 line typically retails for $33 to $45 for the mask and filters cost extra. plus filters.

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3M Filter Options for Half Facepiece Masks

There are two styles of filters available for 3M masks: round particulate filters and cartridge filters, which work for particulates and gasses. For ceramics, particulate filters are adequate but if you stain wood, paint, or other activities with volatile gases, the cartridges will be a better option.

Particulate Filters

There are two options for round particulate filters: P95 and P100. The P100 offers a higher level of filtration. For a ceramic studio, the 2071 or 2091 filters are your best options. There are a few other filter options aimed at welders, smelting, and chemistry applications.

The P100 filters cost around $14-20 for a box of 4 filters.

3M Cartridge Filters

3M Cartridges are almost all rated P100 and will filter particulates, gases, and vapors. There are a variety of options but the basic 60291 should cover most art studio applications. These are a bit overkill if you are just worried about silica / particulates, but are a good option if you are painting or working with anything that produces volatile fumes. The cartridges are generally about double the cost of particulate filters. At big box hardware stores, they typically only sell the cartridge filters or mask combos, as shown below.

The cartridge filters cost around $20-$30 for a replacement pair of filters. At the time of this write, Home Depot had the best deal on replacement cartridges.

For a complete overview of all the mask and filter options available from 3M, click here or here.

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RZ Masks

The M3 Mask features 3 strap options. Pictured here is the dual strap configuration.

RZ Reusable Face Masks are an interesting mix of a disposable mask with some features of a respirator. Founded in 2010, you can now find these masks at a lot of hardware and home improvement stores, as well as online. The masks are not yet NIOSH rated but they now have some models with a European FFP2 rating. Full approval of these masks would be helpful in comparing these to other masks on the market, but in general these are great workshop masks and there are a variety of sizes and features. (For technical info on RZ masks and the testing they have undergone, click here. )

The M3 Mask from RZ is the top seller and features 3 different strap options so that you can find the perfect fit. The options include a neck strap, ear loops, or dual head strap (pictured at right). RZ claims a 50% increased airflow with their new filter options, and the same 99% filtration of particles down to 0.1 micron.

The M3 Mask retails for $40 and includes the 3 strap options, a carrying case, and 2 filters. Replacement filters cost $15 for a 3 pack.

The RZ M2.5 Two Strap Mask is an upgraded version of the M2 bask with two head straps.

The M2.5 Two Strap Mask from RZ features a mesh fabric, hook and two straps, with carbon filters that filter 99% of particles down to .1 micron. The filters are somewhat similar to a disposable mask and fit into the bigger mask housing. These masks were designed with unfiltered exhalation valves but the company now makes valve caps for use in shared environments where only filtered exhalation is recommended for the best Covid safety.

You will need to replace the carbon filters over time. Think of this mask as a more comfortable hybrid of a respirator and a disposable mask.

The RZ M2.5 retails for $30 and comes in a variety of colors. Replacement filters are available in a 3 pack for $8 to $15.

The Original M2 mask from RZ has a neck strap.

RZ makes a variety of masks with different strap configurations and colors, along with filter options.

Shop all RZ products by clicking here.

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Other Disposable Masks

The 3M N95 and KN-95 masks listed at the top of this post are great options, but there are other disposable masks.

Moldex 2300

The Moldex 2300 Mask.

The Moldex 2300 is another N95 particulate respirator that also features an exhaust valve. This helps reduce moisture buildup.

The Moldex 2300 is available in a 10 pack for around $44.

The Moldex 2200 (does not have an exhaust valve) is available in a 20 pack for around $26.

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Honeywell Nuisance Masks

Honeywell Nuisance Masks

The Honeywell Nuisance Masks are cheap and easy to find, but they are not rated for hazardous dust or particulate use. Too often, I’ve seen these as the masks offered to students in ceramic classes. I guess they are better than no mask but there’s no reason to be casual about silica dust. These might be fine in a pinch, but they are not NIOSH approved and may give a false sense of security. For art studios, it’s best to use the proper N95 or higher masks.

The reason these masks are shown here in this review is that this is what I have seen stocked in many ceramic studios for student use. They are not suitable for silica protection.

These masks cost around $15 for a 50 pack.

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Summary

This post has covered a variety of masks to deal with silica and other particulates in a ceramic studio. The first step should be to avoid making dust if possible. But to deal with silica, use a NIOSH approved half facemask respirator, or N95 rated disposable masks. Your long-term health is worth it, and investing in quality personal protective equipment is always a good idea.

What type of mask do you use to protect against silica and other particulates? Let us know in the comments.

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Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide

Best Scales for Ceramic Studios

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The Best Scales for Ceramic Studios and Workshops 2025

A scale for a studio or workshop is a heavily-used tool that needs to be accurate, easy to use, and durable. These days, you can get a great scale without spending a lot of money. This post will cover affordable but durable scales that get the job done and hold up under the heavy use of an academic or community ceramic studio, but they are also great options for a personal studio.

These scales have been tested and used in ceramic studios for measuring glaze materials, or weighing clay, plaster, water, and packed boxes for shipping. The ratings are based on personal experience and observations of scales in use in numerous academic and community ceramic studios.

An older model of the OXO 11 Pound Food Scale purchased around 2018, still going strong. It’s shown here with the Ohaus Maxi-Scoop bowl and a metal scoop.

The OXO 11 Pound Scale has a removable, metal top and a light up display.

TOP PICK: OXO 11 Pound Food Scale

The OXO 11 Pound Food Scale is the top pick for a scale in a ceramics or art studio. With accuracy to 1 gram, this scale has a large enough capacity for smaller batches of glaze or plaster-mixing needs. It’s made for home kitchen use but is super tough and has thoughtful design features such as a pull-out, light-up display. It runs on 4 AAA batteries, and is accurate to 1/8 ounce or 1 gram. It is simply incredible that a scale under $55 is this accurate. For similar or more accurate scales (options like this reviewed below) you’ll easily pay $100 or more.

The pull-out, light-up display on the OXO 11 lb capacity scale (Shop at Amazon)

The scale has two buttons: lb/kg toggle, and power / zero. It’s simple and intuitive, and the pull-out display helps if you are using wide bowls. The top stainless steel platform can also be removed for cleaning.

This scale can accommodate up to 11 pounds or almost 5 kilograms at a time. The display will help you know when you’re reaching capacity by displaying more bars on the right-hand side. When mixing glaze, the 5,000 gram capacity is definitely enough. But if you work with larger amounts of material, a higher-capacity scale is reviewed below.

Prior to working with the OXO 11 Pound Scale, I only wanted to use more professional scales with 0.1 gram accuracy. But this is an affordable, durable, well built, and most importantly, accurate scale. The 1 gram accuracy is exact enough for most purposes, and it will survive many years of use in any studio. I liked this scale so much that I bought the smaller OXO 5 Pound Food Scale for use at home in the kitchen.

A note on 1 gram accuracy: For smaller glaze batches, this may not be accurate enough. For example, if you are trying to measure 10 grams of a material for a 500 gram batch of glaze, being off by one gram might change your results. But as you mix larger batches (typically 3,000 grams of dry materials is about 1 gallon of wet glaze) the 1 gram accuracy is enough. It’s a trade off in price versus accuracy. If you need 0.1 gram accuracy, more accurate scales are reviewed below.

OXO 11 lb Scale, typically $55
OXO 5 lb Scale, typically $32
Accurate to 1 gram

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick: OXO 11 Pound Food Scale

• Budget Pick: Accuteck All-In-One 50 lb Scale

• Upgrade pick: MyWeigh iBalance 5500

• Heavy Duty / Large Pick: MyWeigh HD-300 Shipping Scale and Accuteck Heavy Duty Scale

• Manual Scale Pick: LEM Stainless Steel Scale

• Other Scale Options

• Scale Accessories

• Summary

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Budget Pick: Accuteck All-in-One Digital Scale

The Accuteck All-In-One Digital Scale

The Accuteck All-In-One 50lb Digital Scale (Shop at Amazon) is a great budget option. It can weigh up to 50lbs of material, is well-built, and is very affordable—usually priced under $20. It has been a go-to budget scale option for almost 10 years now. It’s not the most accurate, but is great for weighing clay or other general purpose needs.

This scale runs on 3 AAA batteries or an optional 5V plug-in adapter. It is accurate to 0.2 ounce, or about 2 grams. It is definitely not as accurate as our top pick, but if you need something for the occasional glaze batch, it will be ok. It is also great to keep on the wedging table for measuring pieces of clay. If used on a wedging table, it’s not a bad idea to put it in a ziploc bag to keep it clean.

When I originally purchased this, I didn’t expect it to be so well built and have been extremely happy with the purchase. In a world full of low-quality generics and knock offs, I would definitely recommend this scale if you are on a budget. The only drawback is that it is only accurate to about 2 grams. This scale wouldn’t be very accurate if you were measuring small quantities of glaze materials.

Accuteck 50lb Digital Scale, typically $19.99
Accurate to around 2 grams

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Upgrade Pick: MyWeigh iBalance 5500

The MyWeigh iBalance 5500 scale is accurate to 0.1 grams and has a 5500 gram / 12 lb capacity.

The MyWeigh iBalance 5500 (Shop at Amazon) is a great upgrade pick for a studio scale. It’s accurate to 0.1 grams while maintaining a large capacity of 5500 grams or about 12 pounds. It has a stainless steel top, optional AC power adapter, simple and intuitive buttons, and a 3 year warranty. The four feet can be independently leveled.

It’s a workhorse for glaze mixing that allows you to do large batches, or fine tune a small amount of material to a high degree of accuracy. You’ll pay more for this specifity — around $250 at the time of this post — but if you need the range from a few grams to larger amounts, this scale will deliver. There are other models in the MyWeigh iBalance line too, ranging up to 11,000 gram capacity.

MyWeigh iBalance 5500, $249
Accurate to 0.1 grams

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Heavy Duty Picks

You may need a few different scales for all your needs in the studio. If you weigh and ship large boxes or mix plaster, a wider heavy duty scale is what you need. The go to for this category used to be the Rubbermaid Scale, but a few years back that was changed to only be accurate to about 1/2 a lb while still costing over $200.

Previously, this guide recommended the MyWeigh HD-300 Shipping Scale. It’s a great scale and while it still seems to be available a few place, it is harder to find. It’s around $100 and is very sturdy and should last a lifetime.

This guide is now also recommending the cheaper Accuteck Heavy Duty Scale. At only $42 it is quite affordable and while it is used in many studios, it doesn’t have the overbuilt quality of the MyWeigh HD-300, so be sure to treat it carefully.

The Accuteck Heavy Duty Scale features a metal top while still maintaining a thin build.

Accuteck Heavy Duty Scale

The Accuteck Heavy Duty 440 lb Shipping Scale (shop at Amazon) is a great deal at $42, and will provide a scale that can weigh large boxes, plaster, buckets of water, or large amounts of clay or glaze materials. It runs on 4 AAA batteries or a 9V plug, which is included.

It is accurate to 50 grams or 0.05 lbs, which is quite good for a scale of this size. Just don’t use it for small batches of clay or glaze tests.

It is not the strongest build, there are tradeoffs for getting something this cheap, but it will serve you well if you treat it carefully. It is thinner and takes up less space than the MyWeigh HD-300 reviewed below, so that may be a plus if you need something like this but have limited space.

Accuteck Heavy Duty Scale, $42
Accurate to 50 grams

The MyWeigh HD-300 Shipping Scale is a workhorse of a scale with a beefy build quality.

MyWeigh HD-300 Shipping Scale

The MyWeigh HD-300 Heavy Duty Shipping Scale (shop at Amazon) is the top pick for a shipping scale, but it’s also accurate enough for large batches of plaster, concrete, or other studio materials. It can measure up to 300 pounds with an accuracy of 0.1 lbs or to within about 2 ounces. It has a steel top and a remote display on a six foot cord, so you can easily get the weight of even the largest package. It’s powered by 4 AA batteries or an optional AC power adapter. It also has a built-in USB port, if you want to set up communication with printers or other devices. Finally, it has adjustable feet and easy to clean surfaces. This is a great heavy duty scale that comes in around $130. There are plenty of cheaper shipping scales, but if you read online reviews closely, you’ll see that they fail or are inaccurate, while this scale is built too withstand the test of time.

MyWeigh HD-300 Heavy Duty Shipping Scale, 300lb limit, $130
Accurate to 0.1 lbs or about 50 grams

For a complete look at Heavy Duty Scales, click here.

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Manual Scale Pick: LEM Stainless Steel Scale

The LEM Stainless Steel Scale.

The LEM Stainless Steel Scale is a great option for weighing wet clay, plaster, or as a shipping scale. It has a 10” x 8” steel platform, and can weigh up to 44 lbs / 20 kg with an accuracy of 2 ounces or around 50 grams. It’s not accurate enough for mixing glazes, but for just about everything else, this is a great option that is affordable, durable and doesn’t need any batteries or plugs. Sometimes it’s good to keep it simple and for $50, you can’t go wrong with this scale.

LEM Stainless Steel Manual Scale, $50
Accurate to 50 grams

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Other Scale Options

Rubbermaid Commercial 150lb Scale

Rubbermaid Commercial 150lb Digital Scale

The Rubbermaid Commercial 150 Pound Scale is another option for a rugged scale that can measure packages, plaster, or any type of material.

It has a wide metal platform, and the display can be mounted on the wall or pulled to the side with a 9 foot cord. The scale has a capacity of 150 pounds or 68 kilograms, and runs on a 9V battery or option AC adapter.

The drawback of this scale is that it is only accurate to about 1/2 pound. Previous models of this scale were more accurate to around 2/10 of a pound, so it is disappointing that Rubbermaid has let the quality drop. There are also complaints online about this unit, specifically the controller, breaking after a few months of use. That hasn’t been my experience though, so I would still recommend this with the caveat that you treat the control / display panel carefully. It’s priced about the same as the MyWeigh shipping scale, or around $130.

Rubbermaid Commercial 150 lb Digital Scale, $173
Accurate to 0.5 lbs

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The Ohaus CX1201 Scale, 1200 gram capacity with 0.1 gram accuracy.

Ohaus Digital Scale

Ohaus is one of the most trusted names in scales, and the the Ohaus Portable Balance CX1201 is accurate to 0.1 grams with a capacity of 1200 grams or about 2.6 pounds. It costs almot $150 and runs on 3 AA batteries or an optional plug.

I prefer the larger capacity of the MyWeigh 5500, but this scale has a balance of accuracy, cost, and quality that is hard to beat. If you regularly measure smaller batches of glaze and need 0.1 gram accuracy, this scale will deliver.

Ohaus Portable Balance CX1201, $149
Accurate to 0.1 gram

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Triple Beam Mechanical Scales

The Ohaus Triple Pro Scale

Not as common now, but these used to be the standard for glaze labs. Now, almost everyone has switched to digital scales. I definitely have. But, if you want to go old school or want to keep it simple and not worry about batteries or breakdowns, a triple-beam scale is the way to go. They are extremely accurate, long-lasting, and durable. It just takes a bit longer to get a measurement.

There are a variety of generics out there, and Ohaus makes a few models of triple beam scales. The basic model will weigh up to 610 grams and retails for $139. That’s not much weight, but it is accurate to 0.1 grams.

For a larger capacity, look at the Ohaus Triple Pro Mechanical Triple Beam with a 2610 gram capacity that is accurate to 0.1 grams. The scale has a basic capacity of 610 grams, but you can add counterweights to increase the capacity to 2610 grams. If you want to invest in a long-term piece of equipment, this is the kind of tool you could pass down to your grandchildren. It retails for $206.

The generic brand QWORK makes a very similar scale with a 2610 gram capacity and 0.1 gram accuracy for just $60. It has a lower build quality than the Ohaus, but it is significantly cheaper.

Ohaus Triple Pro Scale, 2610 gram capacity, $206
Accurate to 0.1 grams

Ohaus 610 Gram Scale, $139
Accurate to 0.1 grams

QWORK Triple Beam, 2610 gram capacity, $60
Accurate to 0.1 gram

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Favorite Scale Accessories

A scale scoop is great for weighing dry materials.

Scale Scoop Bowl

A plastic bowl with a pouring spout, such as a scale scoop, is my favorite bowl to use on a scale. They do cost extra, but the upgrade might be worth it for your studio. Usually around 10 inches wide with a pouring spout, you can get quite a bit of dry material piled up in this bowl. Of course, you can use any sort of bowl to measure dry ingredients, but this one just seems to be ideal for scales and it’s the one I reach for first when I’m mixing glazes.

If you see the Ohaus Maxi-Scoop, that’s a great option.

Another option is the Penn Scale Scoop, which is 10 inches wide at the rim, 2.75 inches tall, and has a 6 inch wide base. It’s listed at $33.

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Metal Scoops

Metal scoops are the easiest way to pick up glaze materials, plaster, or any dry material. They are also long lasting and easy to clean. A variety of sizes works, or some people like to keep an individual scoop in each bucket of material.

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Ohaus Footed Scoop Bowl

The Ohaus Footed Scoop Bowl.

The Ohaus Footed Scoop is another great option for mixing dry materials. It doesn’t hold as much material as the Maxi-Scoop, but the design of this bowl is much easier to pour.

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Summary

This post has covered a variety of scale options suitable for a ceramics, sculpture, or art studio. Many of these will work at home too. My top pick is the OXO 11 Pound Scale for it’s combination of accuracy, durability, and price. But there are a variety of other options too, along with my favorite accessories for mixing glaze and other materials.

What scale do you use in your studio? Let us know in the comments.

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MyWeigh HD-300 and Other Heavy Duty Scales Review

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Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide

All Tool Review Posts

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2025 Pottery Wheel Buyer's Guide — The Best Wheels For All Studios

A classroom set of our top pick, the Shimpo VL-Whisper pottery wheel. The latest model of the Whisper has a slightly different table top shape but same super-quiet motor.

This guide will help you choose the wheel that is best for your studio and budget. This guide includes our recommended picks, an overview of the features found on pottery wheels, and a comprehensive guide to every model of wheel we could find on the market.

First, a quick rundown of our top picks, with more detailed descriptions below:

The Shimpo VL-Whisper is our top pick for a pottery wheel.

TOP PICK:
As in previous guides, our top pick for all studios in 2025 is the Shimpo VL-Whisper. It’s a super-quiet workhorse with a 1/2 horse power motor that usually costs around $1,600–$1,800.

The Shimpo VL-Lite is our top pick for a budget wheel.

BUDGET PICKS:
For a budget / entry level wheel, we love the Shimpo VL-Lite. It’s got a belt-driven, 1/2 horse power moter and usually retails for around $900. It is also the most affordable wheel designed for professional use.

The Speedball Clay Boss is another great wheel that is available at a more budget-friendly price.

Another great budget wheel is the Speedball Clay Boss, which also has 1/2 HP belt-driven motor. It did, however, take a big price jump recently and now typically retails for around $1,000 to $1,040.

The CXC is the top-of-the-line Brent Wheel and has a 1 HP motor.

UPGRADE / PRO PICK:
Any of the above wheels are great and are used by many professionals, but for extra power and a heavy-duty build, check out Brent wheels such as the Model C or CXC; a Skutt Wheel, especially the Skutt Classic with an aluminum splash pan; or a Soldner Wheel. Both Skutt and Brent wheels usually retail for $2,000 and up and Soldner Wheels start at $2,350.

The Skutt Classic pottery wheel features a cast aluminum splash pan.

In addition to reviews and recommendations of top wheels, this guide will cover:

• What to look for when buying a wheel

• Tips on where and how to buy

• Provide a side-by-side comparison chart of just about every wheel on the market so that you can make the most informed decision.

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Changes for 2025
A few of the big changes for 2025:

1. Brent Wheels have a slightly more streamlined approach. The B model now has a 14” wheel head (up from a 12”) so the main difference between the B, C and CXC models now is the motor strength.

2. Skutt Wheels have also streamlined their product line. As opposed to multiple options of motor strengths in the Legend and Classic model, now just a 1/3 HP model of each are listed.

3. Soldner Wheels are still not available at most retailers, but they can be ordered directly from the manufacturer, Bluebird Clay. The models and features have changed with new ownership.

4. Price increases: Almost every wheel is more expensive than our last guide (from October ‘23), and some are hundreds of dollars more, building in massive increases in the five years of this guide from The Studio Manager. Some manufacturers, however, are little changed from fall of ‘23. For example, the Speedball Clay Boss and Nidec Shimpo VL-Lite used to be available for around $700-$750 in 2020. The VL-Lite was usually around $860 in 2023 and now is around $900. The Speedball Clay Boss is still around $1,000 to $1,050. Outside of entry-level models, there have been more aggressive price increases. In 2020, The Shimpo VL-Whisper was around $1450. That climbed to around $1,550 in 2023 and now $1,650 and up. The Brent C used to be around $1,500 in 2020 as well, then climbed to around $1,950 in 2023. It is now listed at $2,700 but is typically available for around $2,100, or about a 40% increase over the typical 2015 price.

5. Budget / Entry Level wheels: A few ceramic retailers are carrying Bth wheels, a new entry in the budget line of wheels and a possible competitor for the Shimpo VL-Lite and Speedball Clay Boss.

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Note on “Under $200” wheels:
This guide covers wheels from manufacturers including Bailey, Brent, Lockerbie, Pacifica, Shimpo, Skutt, Soldner, and Speedball. These are designed for professional, heavy-duty use. Wether you spend $850 or $1,850, you will get a wheel that could last a lifetime.

The small Vevor wheel is available for just $130.

But what if you are just starting out and want to try wheelthrowing for less? It is probably best to try the wheel in a class, but if you really want something at home, there are numerous wheels that are available online for such as a Vevor for $142 or even just $120. These wheels are small, have weak motors that max out with about 5 pounds of clay, no holes for bat pins, and may not hold up under regular use. You can make them work, but that $100 to 200 would be better put towards any wheel listed in this article, which will last 10 to 20 years or when used properly, a lifetime.

Another option is to check out our guide to table top and portable wheels, which start around $600.

For a complete review and guide to full-size wheels, keep scrolling.

How This Guide Was Created

This guide draws on almost 25 years of experience working in ceramic studios, including using almost every single model of wheel listed in this guide. While for the most part, if the wheel spins, it will do what you need to do, each manufacturer brings something different to the table and this guide will help you narrow down the right model for you. The technical and pricing info was drawn from visiting numerous websites to compile technical and price information, and is updated as of February 2025.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Shimpo VL-Whisper

2. Budget Picks: Shimpo VL-Lite or Speedball Clay Boss

3. Pro Pick: Brent Wheels, Soldner, or Skutt Wheels

4. Other Great Wheels

5. Understanding Pottery Wheels

6. How To Shop For A Wheel

7. Pottery Wheel Comparison Charts

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Top Pick: Shimpo VL-Whisper

The Nidec-Shimpo VL-Whisper pottery wheel, our top pick for a wheel. It has a super-quiet motor, adjustable legs, and a lot of thoughtful features.

Our top pick for all types of studios and skill levels is the Nidec Shimpo VL-Whisper pottery wheel. Introduced almost 20 years ago, this has become one of the top-selling wheels mainly due to its innovative 1/2 horse power, direct-drive DC motor that uses magnets to drive the wheel. This system makes the VL-Whisper truly the most quiet wheel on the market. Almost every other wheel uses a belt-drive system that makes more noise and has more moving parts that can break down over time.

The Shimpo VL-Whisper with the legs removed, for use as a table top wheel if you prefer to stand while throwing.

Along with being super quiet, the VL-Whisper magnetic drive has instant torque and is powerful enough for most potters. The rest of the wheel is well designed with a three legs, sturdy plastic top, 2-part splash pan that surrounds a 14” wheelhead, a moveable floor pedal, and a switch to run the wheel clockwise or counterclockwise. The 1/2 horsepower 400 watt motor is rated to a centering capacity of 100 lbs and the wheel comes with a 5 year warranty.

The VL-Whisper has other thoughtful engineering touches, including adjustable, removable legs that allow for tabletop use or a variety of heights on the floor. The wheelhead also turns freely at 0 rpm, allowing for use as a banding wheel (although it is more that it spins freely rather than working as a true banding wheel.” The VL-Whisper weighs around 120 lbs and measures 23 1/8” x 27 1/2” and can range from 11” to 21” in height.

The drawbacks to this wheel would be that the splash pan is not the sturdiest. If you are careful and just using it yourself, it will be fine, but I have noticed that it is more prone to cracking in heavy-use communal studios than the Brent splash pan. The foot pedal cord is also prone to twisting. But these are relatively minor issues.

Some pro potters may want a more powerful motor, and some beginners may find the price tag prohibitive (typically $1,750), but I can really say without a doubt that this is the best overall wheel on the market. What really sets it apart is the quiet motor, adjustable legs, 0 rpm banding wheel option, and how it is just a thoughtfully designed, sturdy machine. The Nidec Shimpo company has also done a good job keeping the price down. Brent B wheels, for example, used to priced about the same as the VL-Whisper, but now the entry-level Brent is typically $200 to $300 more than the VL-Whisper.

This wheel is available at just about every ceramic supplier worldwide. The wheel is readily available at Blick art stores in North America or can sometimes be found at Amazon as well.

Shimpo VL-Whisper
14 inch wheel head, reversible, 1/2 horsepower
List price: $1,900
Typical Price: $1,600-$1,800

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Budget Picks: Shimpo VL-Lite or Speedball Clay Boss

The VL-Lite from Shimpo is a great, budget-friendly wheel.

The Shimpo VL-Lite and Speedball Clay Boss are the best budget wheels on the market, but the VL-Lite is now usually priced around $100 cheaper than the Clay Boss, making it the clear favorite on price.

The VL-Lite has 1/2 horsepower motor, 12 inch wheel had, sturdy plastic table top with metal legs, and is reversible via a switch.

The drawback to this wheel would be it’s somewhat limited, 25-pound centering capacity. But for many, that would be an extremely large amount of clay! So you have to think about what you typically throw and consider if this is the right wheel for you.

Shimpo VL-Lite
12 inch wheel head, reversible, 1/2 horsepower
List Price: $1,060
Typical Price: $901

The Speedball Clay Boss, has a 1/2 horse power motor and a lighter body construction that many prefer for ease of moving the wheel around.

The Speedball Clay Boss has a 1/2 horse power motor, a belt-driven, 14” wheelhead, and a standard triangular design that weighs around 83 pounds, making it one of the lightest full-size wheels on the market. (The VL-Lite weighs 85)

The Clay Boss has a detached foot pedal, and is reversible by switching the direction of the plug, so it will work for throwing clockwise or counter clockwise. Speedball rates it at a 100 pound throwing capacity.

There aren’t any big downsides to this wheel, but there are trade offs. It doesn’t have the most robust build on the foot pedal. And it’s belt-driven, so it will be noisier than our top pick, the Shimpo VL-Whisper. But it’s still a great wheel that will get the job done.

Speedball Clay Boss
14 inch wheel head, reversible with plug, 1/2 horsepower
List Price: $1,299
Typical Price: $1,040

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Pro Pick: Soldner Wheels or Skutt Wheels

The Soldner P-450, a 3/4 horse power pottery wheel. Soldner wheels are known for their ultra-responsive foot pedal and are now ultra-customizable with a variety of table top and color options.

For potters looking for an upgraded experience, the best option are Soldner or Skutt wheels. These wheels feature large, oversized motors and extra-responsive, upgraded foot pedals, combined with sturdy legs and tops. Do you need a wheel like this? If you are serious potter, spending a few hours a day on the wheel or more, the larger motors will really deliver for you and not overheat (The Shimpo VL-Whisper is great in this regard too). But the big upgrade for many will be the super-sensitive foot pedals.

Soldner Wheels and manufacturer Bluebird Clay were purchased by a new owner in 2022 or 2023 and are still the same great quality with some changes. You can now choose a standard pedal or the upgraded Soldner pedal, along with choosing a plastic table top or the classic Soldner plywood top. (Speaking as an owner of an older Soldner wheel before these changes were offered, go with the upgrades if you can afford it.) There have been some other changes as well, such as colors and a few options on the motor, but all with the eye to building upon the Soldner Wheel history while updating the product line. The Soldner wheels are known for their smooth, strong motors with a top-of-the-line foot pedal that will adjust to every touch you give. These wheels are a pleasure to use. Any of the six wheels in the line up are great.

There is no doubt that these are expensive wheels, but they are made in Colorado to your specifications and in the scheme of things, a wheel that will easily last you 30 years or more is probably worth the extra hundreds of dollars you will spend. Visit bluebirdclay.com to learn more and shop for Soldner Wheels.

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The Skutt Classic wheel with a built-in, aluminum splash pan.

The Skutt Pottery Wheel line features three wheels, including their entry-level model, the Prodigy, which has a circular splash pan on a table much like other wheels.

Pros will want to look at the two higher-end models which feature large and deep splash pans.

The Legend wheels have a removable wheel head and splash pan for easy cleanup, and is available 1/3 hp options. Skutt previously offered a 1/2 and 1 HP option, but those aren’t listed online any more.

The Classic wheel has a built in, super sturdy aluminum splash pan and also has the a 1/3 HP motor (the 1/2 and 1 HP options also appears to be gone.

The Skutt wheels also have an optional “SSX” foot pedal upgrade, which gives you an ultra-responsive, smooth response that puts these in the same range as the Soldner wheels. As of 2023, Skutt wheels also feature a new color scheme of red and black.

Skutt Classic
14” wheel head, reversible
Built in splash pan
List Price: $2,195
Typical price: $1,900 to $1,950

Skutt Legend
14” wheel head, reversible
Removable splash pan
List Price: $2,325
Typical Price: $1,850-$1,900

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Shop pottery and ceramic shirts at Threadless.

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Other Great Wheels: Brent Wheels and Others

The Brent B, a 1/2 horse power pottery wheel that is one of the most popular wheels on the market.

In addition to the options above, there are other pottery wheel options to consider, particularly wheels from Brent, Bailey, and Pacifica.

For many potters, their favorite wheels are made by Brent. Known for their distinctive yellow ochre plastic tops and splash pans, you have probably seen or used a Brent as they are arguably the best-selling wheels in North America. (This data isn’t public but Brent and Shimpo seem to be the two most common wheels).

As a point of comparison, the Brent B is closest to the other wheels we have recommended above. It has a 1/2 horsepower motor, can go forward and reverse, and now has a 14 inch wheel head. When new, these wheels are very quiet even though they utilize a belt-driven system, and with a 10-year warranty, you can be assured that Brent wheels will last for decades.

While the Brent wheels are incredibly popular, they are not our top pick for two reasons: The Shimpo VL-Whisper is much quieter. And the Soldner and Skutt wheels come with added features, such as better foot pedals and oversized motors. Brent doesn’t have these upgrades, but if they had a more responsive foot pedal option, they would be strong contenders along with Soldner and Skutt wheels

As of early 2025, it appears that Brent has streamlined it’s offering but switching the B model to a 14” wheel head. They also now offer each of their wheels in an all-black option, in addition to the classic yellow ochre. The only difference now is the strength of the motor, so choose accordingly between the B, C, or CXC model.

For a complete guide to Brent wheels, click here.

Brent B
14” wheel head, reversible
1/2 HP motor
List Price: $2,600
Typical Price: $2,000-$2,300

Brent C
14” wheel head, reversible
3/4 HP motor
List Price: $2,700
Typical Price: $2,100-$2,400

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Understanding Pottery Wheels, a Pottery Wheel Buying Guide

In this section, we’ll go through each part and feature to help you understand wheels and how to choose the best one for you. Unfortunately, there’s usually not a store or supplier where you can go and sit down and try every wheel, so going through each part of the wheel will help you understand the different features offered by each manufacturer.

Motor

The biggest difference between wheels, even within a manufacturer’s product line, is usually the motor. With wheels on the market ranging from 1/4 horsepower to 1 horsepower, most potters will find that a 1/2 HP motor is the sweet spot of plenty of power without paying extra. If you are able to test wheels in person, you will see the difference in size of motors too. Not all motors are created equally, even if they are rated to the same HP. You may want to also compare the wattage of the motor, to see which motors may have a higher capacity and will hopefully better withstand overheating under heavy use.

With that in mind, if you can afford it, go for the biggest motor that fits your budget to give yourself more longevity.

Centering Capacity

A similar consideration to the motor power, centering capacity is often mentioned with wheels. It’s a somewhat useful metric that is basically a stand-in for horsepower. Skutt, however, refuses to provide this centering capacity number, arguing that it is a useless metric. But since most manufacturers use it, we’ve kept it in our chart below. Centering capacity is related to both the power of the motor, the torque it gives at start up, and the sensitivity of the foot pedal. If it matters to you, and you have the money, you won’t be disappointed with a bigger motor with more centering capacity. Realistically, most potters aren’t centering more than 10 or 20 lbs so wheels advertising 200 or 300 lb centering capacities are really indicating that they have an overbuilt motor that will be able to take a lot of use.

Table Top, Legs, Frame

The next biggest difference is the material and design of the table and legs. Most wheels have a sturdy plastic top, and metal legs. Some have beefier legs, metal tops, or in the case of Soldner wheels, a marine-grade plywood top option. Manufacturers typically have one or maybe two table styles, and will build different features on top of these frames. These frame constructions will determine the dimensions and some of the weight of the wheel. When choosing a wheel, consider the size, weight, and type of frame and table top that will work for your studio. If you are moving wheels around, say in a classroom, then a lighter wheel may be better.

Splash Pan

Another point of comparison is the splash pan. Typically a two-part plastic pan that clips around the wheelhead, splash pans are useful for collecting throwing water or trimming scraps. Some wheels, such as Baileys and Skutts, have large one-piece splash pans that cover the whole top of the frame. Some of these one-piece splash pans are removable, and others are built in and can be cleaned and emptied via a drain plug. As cleanup is a big part of throwing, choosing a splash pan that suits you can be important.

Weight / Dimensions

Most wheels are about the same size and shape, with some variation with half moon shapes with Soldner and Lockerbie wheels. The weight is determined by the size of the motor and the frame construction. A lighter wheel, such as a Speedball, is easier to move while pro-type wheels, such as Skutt, have marketing pictures of potters standing on top of the wheel. How you are going to use a wheel and your studio space will really determine if you need a lightweight or heavyweight wheel. Some manufacturers have add-on shelves that attach to the wheel for more working space, but you can also set your wheel up next to a low table to have more shelf space within reach.

Wheel head

Most wheels have a 12”, 13” or 14” wheelhead with bat pins spaced 10” a part. Some smaller wheels or table top wheels will have different styles. Measure a wheel head that you like using to determine the size you like, although most wheels now have a 14” wheel head.

Another point of consideration is if the wheel head can be removed or replaced. Typically, this is only built in for everyday cleaning in a few models from Skutt and Bailey. For ongoing maintenance, most wheel head ball bearing assemblies are completely sealed and not designed to be oiled or repacked with grease. If your wheel head develops a grinding sound, you may have to replace it.

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Foot Pedal

A foot pedal may seem just like a simple speed control, but the pro-level Skutt and Soldner wheels use their ultra-responsive (and more expensive) pedals as a selling point. In addition to the upgraded pedal options, also consider if the foot pedal and on-board electronics are providing some kind of computer-controlled speed modulation to keep things even (such as Pacifica wheels), or just letting you control the speed with the pedal (such as Brent, Shimpo, Soldner, and Skutt wheels.) The more experienced you are, the less you’ll want the wheel making decisions for you.

One other point of consideration with foot pedals is whether it is fixed or not. Every model listed below has a moveable foot pedal except the Shimpo RK-Whisper, which has an attached pedal on the right side. A moveable foot pedal lets you to choose which side to place it, and allows you to raise the pedal on bricks if needed.

Speed

Many manufacturers provide a rotations per minute (RPM) figure in relation to motors, which we’ve included below. Once again, these give you a rough approximation of motor power and torque, but they are all within a range that is about the same, ranging from 0 to 240-260 rpm max. The Lockerbie motor has a much lower max rpm but it’s a super beefy 1/3 HP motor that trades a high speed for great torque.

Reversability

Most good wheels these days come with a convenient switch where you can reverse the direction of the motor, allowing you to throw clockwise or counter clockwise. Some lower-priced wheels have a reversible plug, where you have to manually switch the direction of the cord to have the wheel go clockwise or counter-clockwise. Some wheels are not reversible at all.

Adjustable Legs and Leg extenders

Some wheels, such as Soldners, come with adjustable legs so that you can set the wheel height exactly how you want it. Almost any other wheel will have to be adjusted with shims or bricks, if you want to move it up a few inches.

A few manufacturers make leg extenders, so that a wheel can be converted to a standing wheel. This style of throwing can be more comfortable for your lower back. Definitely consider this when choosing a wheel, or look at the models such as the Shimpo Whisper, which has removable legs and a flat bottom so that it can be easily placed on a table.

Shipping and Assembly

Some wheels arrive completely assembled, others need some light assembly such as attaching legs. They also vary on whether they ship via FedEx / UPS or by freight. Expect to pay extra for shipping and delivery, unless you are picking a wheel up in person. Also consider how you will get the wheel into your studio, as they can be heavy. Some vendors will include free shipping so definitely compare prices with shipping included to find the best deal.

Warranty

Warranties on wheels range from 2 to 10 years. But every wheel listed below is a top-quality product that should last for decades. If you are careful and respectful, you shouldn’t worry too much about a shorter warranty. But if you are buying for an educational or communal studio where wheels can really be abused, you might want to consider wheels with longer warranties.

In our experience, the main upkeep on wheels is keeping them clean and trying to occasionally add some oil to moving parts. Foot pedals can be adjusted, electronics such as switches can be replaced. The biggest concern would be a wheel head bearing assembly getting repeatedly swamped with too much water in the splashpan. But if you are careful, a wheel may never need any major repairs.

The “under $200” wheels don’t seem to come with any warranty at all.

Price

All the factors above contribute to the price. The lowest price possible is often the driving force of any purchase, and if that is you, we recommend the Shimpo VL-Lite wheel, which typically cost around $900. For this lower price you are getting a lighter, less beefy frame and most likely a noisier motor but one that will still get the job done for you. Professional-grade wheels typically cost $1,500 and up to $2,000 or more, depending on the options you select. If you are on the fence when choosing upgrades such as a bigger motor or a better foot pedal, consider how you will feel in 5 to 10 or 20 years. You probably won’t think about the extra few hundred dollars you spent initially, instead you will be happy that you got the upgrades to make your wheel last a lifetime.

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Where to Shop and Buy Pottery Wheels

Before buying a wheel, think about what you have used and what features you need. If you currently have a favorite style or brand of wheel, you’ll probably be happy sticking with that style. For research, the best place to start is your local ceramic shop where you can hopefully “test drive” different models to see what feels good to you. Consider asking if they have floor models or special deals on wheels already in stock. Unfortunately, most ceramic suppliers do not have every model of wheel available in the store to try out, so you will almost always be choosing based on limited in-person experience.

If you are shopping online, we have provided links to some wheels at Blick (North America) and Amazon. Some ceramic stores advertise a price that includes shipping, while others add it on in your cart. So definitely shop around and see where you can find the best deals. If you order from online vendors, the wheel is most likely going to be shipped directly from the manufacturer anyway, so you should try to find the best deal.

Wheel Repair and Warranty

After buying a wheel, you will be dealing with the manufacturer if you need any repairs, although a relationship with a local ceramic shop is a great resource if you need help with repairs or adjustments. Manufacturers such as Skutt and Bailey are known for their great online and phone customer service. Other manufacturers, such as Brent, provide lots of support both in person and with repair videos on YouTube.

Most likely, nothing will go wrong with your wheel in the short term but you should expect to make adjustments to foot pedals. And if you are messy, or have an academic studio, expect students to jam clay into any open spot on the wheel, potentially damaging parts such as on/off switches or swamping the wheel head with water, getting water into the bearing assembly. For most quality wheels, repair parts are readily available from ceramic suppliers or the manufacturer. The good news is that manufacturers are increasingly using sealed switches and other waterproof parts.

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Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart

This chart is in alphabetical order by manufacturer, including Bailey, Brent, Bth, Lockerbie, Pacifica, Shimpo, Skutt, Soldner, and Speedball. These are all trustworthy brands and any of the wheels listed below will last a long time. We have done our best to compile a typical range of prices found online and in store, along with each wheel’s features, updated as of February 2025. There is also a description of what to expect from each manufacturer’s wheels.

The Bailey Pro-XL Pottery Wheel is our pick for the best Bailey wheel. It has a 1-piece splash pan and a 1/2 HP motor.

Bailey Pottery Wheels

Bailey Wheels are manufactured by the Bailey Pottery Corporation of Kingston, New York. Known for innovative and high quality slab rollers, kilns, extruders, and other equipment for ceramic studios, the Bailey wheels are characterized by a large, table-sized splash pan. There are two main models, the ST and the PRO model, which each come in three different options. The ST models have a 2-piece, removable splash pan while the PRO models have a 1-piece, counter-sized fixed splash plan with a plug and a drain tube.

Bailey sells optional leg extenders that work with all the models, which can extend the height from 29 to 37 inches.

All the models utilize a standard belt drive system, and have detached foot pedals.

The prices on Bailey wheels have not changed since our last guide in fall of 2023. I’m not sure if they are sitting on a large inventory of unsold stock, or they can absorb the rising costs of manufacturing, but it’s nice to see someone hold the line on pricing and it makes the wheels increasingly competitive while still being a somewhat niche brand in comparison to Brent, Shimpo, and Speedball.

For the best option, go with the ST-XL or PRO-XL, which both feature a 1/2 HP motor, 13” wheelhead, and a reversing switch.

Bailey Pottery Wheels

Available at baileypottery.com

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
ST	$1,687	$1,351	1/4 HP	12"	10"	Yes, plug	22.5 x 25.5 x 21"	93 lbs	0-200	5/10 years	50 lbs
ST-X	$2,055	$1,541	1/4 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	103 lbs	0-200	10 years	50 lbs
ST-XL	$2,154	$1,702	1/2 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	123 lbs	0-200	10 years	100 lbs
PRO-50R	$1,874	$1,499	1/4 HP	12"	10"	Yes, plug	24.25 x 29 x 20.25"	92 lbs	0-200	10 years	50 lbs
PRO-X	$2,109	$1,581	1/4 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	102 lbs	0-200	10 years	50 lbs
PRO-XL	$2,141	$1,692	1/2 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	116 lbs	0-200	10 years	100 lbs

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Shop pottery shirts at Threadless.com.

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Brent Pottery Wheels

The Brent B Pottery Wheel, a full-sized wheel with a 1/2 HP motor.

Brent wheels are the workhorses of the ceramics world. These are some of the most popular wheels and you will see these yellow ochre machines just about everywhere. Founded in 1967 by Robert Brent, the wheels have been manufactured by the American Art Clay Company (AMACO) since 1978. The wheels are sturdy, dependable, and easy to adjust and repair. Expect these machines to easily last 15 to 20 years or more even under the heaviest of uses.

The product line is straightforward with one style of frame available in yellow ochre or all black. The difference in the models is simply a larger motor.

The Brent B has a 1/2 hp motor, the C has a 3/4 hp motor, and the CXC has a 1 hp motor. (As of 2023, Brent no longer listed the 1 1/2 hp CXC model.)

One note is the Brent centering capacity, as listed below. These are some really big numbers — Brent claims a 150 lb centering capacity for the Model B with a 1/2 HP motor. Most other manufacturers claim 50 lbs for a 1/2 HP motor. So these numbers may be a bit inflated but we’ve included Brent’s numbers below.

Brent wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart to shop at Dick Blick. For a complete overview of the product line, click click here.

Brent Pottery Wheels

Click links in the chart to shop at Blick or Amazon.

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Shopping Link	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
B	$2,600	$1,999-$2,300	Blick Amazon	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	119 lbs	0-240	10 years	150 lbs
B Black	$2,650	$2,100		1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	119 lbs	0-240	10 years	150 lbs
C	$2,700	$$2,100-$2,400	Blick	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	121 lbs	0-240	10 years	225 lbs
C Black	$2,750	$2,200-$2,450	Blick	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	121 lbs	0-240	10 years	225 lbs
CXC	$2,800	$2,200-$2,600	Blick	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5" H	129 lbs	0-240	10 years	300 lbs
CXC Black	$2,875	$2,250-$2,650	Blick	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5" H	129 lbs	0-240	10 years	300 lbs
Model 16	$4,800	$3,995-$4,320	Blick	1/2 HP	12"	10"	Yes, switch	36 x 36 x 21-35" H	287 lbs	0-240	2 years	150 lbs

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Bth Pottery Wheels

A newer entry to the North American market, Bth Pottery Wheels are available at just a few ceramic suppliers. The two models are competitively priced entry-level wheels.

This is the one wheel I haven’t been able to use in person yet. Reviews in online forums report decent quality on the wheels with some questions about the design of the splash pan, which attaches with magnets. With that said, it is always great to see new products enter into this relatively small field.

Bth Pottery Wheels

Available at The Ceramic Shop and other suppliers.

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
B2	$1,058	$849	500 watt	12"	10"	Yes, switch	31 x 26 x 23"	51 lbs	0-300 rpm	5 years	88 lbs
D3 Andromeda	$1,680	$1,344	400 watt	14"	10"	Yes, with switch	28 x 25 x 16.5-20.5"	89 lbs	0-300 rpm	5 years	130 lbs

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Lockerbie Pottery Wheels

The Lockerbie Motorized Kick Wheel, a true workhorse of a wheel with possibly the biggest motor on the market.

Lockerbie Wheels are an interesting option manufactured by Laguna Clay in California. There are three models: a kickwheel (K), a motorized kickwheel (EK), and a reversible motorized kickwheel (EK-R). These are big, heavy wheels but if you want to switch between a kickwheel and a motor, this is the best option on the market. All models feature an adjustable wooden seat, a metal splash pan, and an all-metal frame with a concrete flywheel.

The flywheel results in a steady, even spin when used as a kickwheel. While centering and throwing on a non-motorized wheel can take a lot of work, trimming on a kickwheel is an absolute pleasure. The upgraded model with a motor is where this wheel really shines. It’s got a large, powerful motor that while only rated to 1/3 HP and a max of 157 rpm, has a lot of torque and can definitely handle more than the rated 50 lbs centering capacity. When you press the pedal, the motor engages the flywheel through a rubber wheel, or what Laguna calls “rubber friction drive.” This rubber wheel does wear out over time but is easily replaced. When you release the pedal, the kickwheel will continue to spin, until you stop it with a foot or let the flywheel come to a stop.

Lockerbie wheels have been around since the 1960s and in 2007, the company merged with Laguna Clay. The wheel style and design has been virtually unchanged for decades but it is a tough, well-designed beast of a wheel. It’s a great option for educational studios or if you want to have a kickwheel option. The simple, no frills design results in a relatively low price but you will need to pay for freight shipping. Between the fall 2023 guide and early 2025 writing of this guide, each model increased in price by about 10%, or between $150 and $200.

Lockerbie Pottery Wheels

Available at axner.com and other ceramic suppliers.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Kickwheel	$1,735	N/A	13"	10"	N/A	42 x 36 x 30"	325 lbs	N/A	5 years	N/A
Electric	$2,070	1/3 HP	13"	10"	No	42 x 36 x 30"	365 lbs	0-157	5 years	50 lbs
Electric-Reversible	$2,230	1/3 HP	13"	10"	Yes	42 x 36 x 30"	365 lbs	0-157	5 years	50 lbs

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Pacifica Pottery Wheels

The Pacifica GT400, one of two wheels from Pacifica with 1/4 HP motor and a 13” wheelhead.

Pacifica has been making wheels since 1972 and was purchased by Laguna Clay in 1992. There are currently two wheels in the product line, the GT400 and GT800. Both wheels are have belt driven, 13” wheelheads, optional leg extensions, and a water-resistant foot pedal. The difference is in the size of the motor, 1/4 HP for the GT400 and 1/2 HP for the GT800.

Pacifica differs from other manufacturers in claiming that, through it’s belt and electronic system, it’s 1/4 HP motor has an effective 1/2 HP, and the 1/2 HP motor has an effective 1 HP. Should these claims be believed? It’s hard to know. What can be said is that these wheels have on-board systems that attempt to modulate the wheel speed and torque to provide even power. In my opinion, the more experienced you are the less you will want these electronic modifications deciding wheel speed for you.

Pacifica wheels do have some of the highest RPMs on the market, topping out at 260 rpms, which is slightly higher than most wheels. Expect these wheels to have a lot of torque. In addition, these wheels are affordable and are a great option for students, educational studios, or serious hobbyists.

Pacifica Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart to shop at Blick. Prices of Pacifica wheels have gone up about 10 percent since 2023.

Pacifica Pottery Wheels

Click the links to shop at Blick.

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
GT400	$1,385	$1,260	1/4 HP	13"	10"	Yes	31 x 27 x 20"	92 lbs	0-260	5 years	80 lbs
GT800	$1,635	$1,635	1/2 HP	13"	10"	Yes	31 x 27 x 20"	105 lbs	0-260	5 years	100 lbs

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Nidec-Shimpo Wheels

The Shimpo VL-Whisper, a 1/2 HP wheel with the quietist motor on the market and a 14” wheelhead.

Shimpo has a straightforward line of three different full-sized wheels and a table top wheel. Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1952, Shimpo wheels are distributed world wide. North American operations opened in Chicago, Illinois in 1974 as the Nidec-Shimpo Corporation.

Shimpo’s top-of-the-line VL-Whisper (VL stands for Velocity) is our favorite pottery wheel due to its innovative and quiet magnetic direct drive 1/2 HP 400 watt motor. The wheel is reversible, has a 14” wheelhead, and a detached foot pedal. The wheelhead on the VL-Whisper and RK-Whisper models also turns freely at 0 rpm, for use as a banding wheel.

The classic Shimpo RK-Whisper has been updated to feature the same super-quiet magnetic motor as the VL-Whisper, but with a 12” wheelhead and fixed foot pedal.

The classic Shimpo RK model now has this same super quiet 1/2 HP 400 watt magnetic Whisper motor, but with a 12” wheel head. Most importantly, this model has a fixed foot pedal on the right side and hand lever. Many love this fixed foot pedal but definitely try this out before buying.

Rounding out the Shimpo product line, the VL-Lite model is a strong competitor for Speedball and other budget models. It features a 1/2 HP 100 watt belt-driven motor, 14” wheelhead and detached foot pedal.

Note that the info below includes both the horse power and wattage for the motor. Not every manufacturer provides the wattage info, but in this case it helps distinguish between the two motors with the VL-Lite having a lower wattage and less powerful motor.

Shimpo Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers, Amazon, or click the links in the chart to check prices at Blick.

Nidec Shimpo Pottery Wheels

Click the links below to shop at Blick or Amazon.

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Shopping Link	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Aspire table top	$690	$670	Blick	1/3 HP 100w	7"	6"	No	14.5 x 20 x 9"	25 lbs	0-230 hand, 0-250 foot	5 years	20 lbs
VL-Lite	$1,060	$901	Blick	1/2 HP 100w	12"	10"	Yes, switch	22 x 28 x 21"	85 lbs	0-250	5 years	25 lbs
RK-Whisper	$1,740	$1,400-$1,500	Blick	1/2 HP, 400w	12"	10"	Yes, switch	20 x 21 x 20"	118 lbs	0-250	5 years	100 lbs
VL-Whisper	$1,900	$1,600-$1,800	Blick Amazon	1/2 HP, 400w	14"	10"	Yes, switch	23.2 x 27.5 x 22.75"	122 lbs	0-250	5 years	100 lbs

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Skutt Wheels

The Prodigy Wheel, the entry-level model from Skutt.

Skutt is well known as a manufacturer of electric kilns, and they have been manufacturing wheels since 2008 when they acquired Thomas Stuart Wheels in 2008.

The Skutt line of wheels has been trimmed to just 3 wheels. Previously, there were 3 options of motors each in the Legend and Classic models, but each just has a 1/3 HP option.

The wheels are:

• The entry-level Prodigy wheel

• The Legend wheels with a removable, one-piece, plastic splash pan

• The Classic wheels with a built-in, aluminum splash pan that has a plug and drain tube for cleaning

The Skutt Legend Wheel, which has a removable wheelhead and splash pan.

All the wheels are also available with an optional “SSX” pedal upgrade, which promises a more even and controlled throwing experience, especially at low speeds. In our opinion, if you are getting a Legend or Classic, you should get the SSX upgrade.

If you read through Skutt’s information, they claim to have the thickest wheelheads, beefiest frames, and oversized motors that can go all day without overheating. Skutt also doesn’t make claims on the centering capacity of their models, arguing that this commonly-used metric is almost meaningless. We agree that it’s just a stand-in for horsepower, so you can judge accordingly by reviewing the chart below.

The Skutt Classic wheel with a built-in, cast aluminum splash pan.

Finally there are also optional leg extensions that allow these wheels to be converted to standing options. These are awesome wheels that would work for just about everyone. They do come at a premium price, but the features and quality deliver and Skutt is well known for its customer service and commitment to its products.

The red and black color scheme was new for these wheels in 2023.

Skutt Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart for models available at Blick.

Skutt Pottery Wheels

Click the links in the chart to shop at Blick.
*Note that Skutt does not provide RPMs or Centering Capacity.

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Shopping Link	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Prodigy	$1,715	$1,400-$1,700	Blick	1/3 HP	12"	10"	No	24 x 30 x 24"	94 lbs	-	10 years	-
Removable splash pan:
Legend	$2,325	$1,900-$2,300	Blick	1/3 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	117 lbs	-	10 years	-
Built-In Splash Pans:
Classic	$2,195	$1,950-$2,150	Blick	1/3 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	127 lbs	-	10 years	-

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Soldner Wheels

The Soldner P series features a half-moon shaped table.

Paul Soldner was one of the original innovators of motorized pottery wheels and founded Soldner Wheels in 1955. For decades, they have been manufactured by Bluebird Manufacturing of Fort Collins, Colorado. In 2023, that company changed hands and is now know as Bluebird Clay. There have been a number of changes to the product line, but the basics are the same: the Studio or S series with a smaller table, and the P or Professional series with a half-moon shaped table. Both styles come with a variety of options now, including choices of motor, pedal, and table top material. If you are going to spend the money on a Soldner, our recommendation is to get the upgraded Soldner pedal and go for the classic plywood table top.

The Soldner wheels are known for their ability to handle large amounts of clay, ultra-smooth, proprietary foot pedal.

The Soldner S series has a studio-sized wheel head. Pictured is an older model from pre-2023.

The wheels come with optional splash pans, or the two-piece Brent splash pans will fit every model. The wheels also feature adjustable legs, which can accommodate a variety of heights for seated pottery. Both the S and P series now ranged from 21.5” to 26” high (The older models were listed as ranging from 19” to 28”.)

Soldner wheels are less common but they have a devoted fan base. They are an absolute pleasure to use, with the foot pedal delivering even, steady power. And the plywood table top is distinctive and very pleasant in the studio environment, as well as being super-tough.

Recently, Bluebird upgraded the motors in these wheels to brushless motors, and improved the foot pedal to make it more waterproof for classroom use.

Soldner Wheels are mostly available directly from Bluebird Clay in Fort Collins, Colorado and shipping is available.

Soldner Pottery Wheels

Available at Bluebird Clay.

Model	List Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
S100	$3,450	1/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	? x ? x 21.5-26"	? lbs	?	?	?
S150	$2,350	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	? x ? x 21.5-26"	?	?	?	?
P200	$3,750	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	38 x 28 x 21.5-26"	?	?	?	?
P250	$2,650	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	38 x 28 x 21.5-26"	?	?	?	?
P400	$3,995	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	38 x 28 x 21.5-26"	?	?	?	?
P450	$2,750	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	38 x 28 x 21.5-26"	?	?	?	?

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Speedball Pottery Wheels

The Speedball Clay Boss, a 1/2 HP pottery wheel with a 14” wheelhead. Our top pick for a budget wheel.

Speedball Pottery Wheels are known for being lighter-weight wheels that still deliver a professional quality motor. Speedball started making wheels in 2009 when they acquired Creative Industries of Cajon, California, which began making wheels in 1971. Many of those Creative Industries wheels are going strong today, although Speedball has changed the table shape and upgraded the line with newer features.

There are three regular-sized wheels in the Speedball product line:

The Clay Boss is an affordable, entry-level wheel. It features a 1/2 HP belt-drive motor, a 14” wheel head, reversible motor by switching the direction of the plug, and can handle 100 lbs of clay. Building on the Clay Boss, the Big Boss and Boss Elite have virtually similar frames and options, but with bigger motors and larger centering capacity.

The Speedball wheels are a great option if price and weight are concerns. There is a trade off with a lighter-weight frame but that also allows you to easily move the wheels around as needed.

Speedball Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart to shop at Blick.

Speedball Pottery Wheels

Click the model name to shop at Blick or Amazon.

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Shopping Link	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Artista table top	$675	$565	Blick Amazon	1/3 HP	11"	10"	No	24 x 18 x 9"	26 lbs	0-220	2 years	25 lbs
Clay Boss	$1,299	$1,000-$1,040	Blick	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, plug	21 x 26 x 19.5"	83 lbs	0-240	10 years	100 lbs
Big Boss	$1,599	$1,279	Blick	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, plug	21 x 26 x 19.5"	89 lbs	0-250	10 years	150 lbs
Boss Elite SQ	$1,799	$1,499-$1,700	Blick	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, plug	21 x 26 x 19.5"	96 lbs	0-240	5 years	175 lbs

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Conclusion

Thank you for reading our guide to pottery wheels. It is comprehensive overview of every professional grade wheel we could find on the market, comparing all the features and options of each wheel. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments.

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Table Top Wheel Buyers Guide 2023

Best Loop Tools For Trimming Pottery

Gift Guide for Potters and Ceramic Artists 2023-2024

The Best Banding Wheels

Best Pottery Wheel Stools

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Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart 2025

The Shimpo VL-Whisper, the top pick in our Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide.

This chart includes every wheel made by dependable manufacturers, including Bailey, Brent, Lockerbie, Pacifica, Shimpo, Skutt, Soldner, and Speedball. The chart includes specifications, typical price ranges, and other information to help you make a decision when shopping for a wheel. Additions for 2025 include Bth pottery wheels.

Note: The chart below uses affiliate links with Dick Blick and Amazon. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bailey Pottery Wheels

Available at baileypottery.com

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
ST	$1,687	$1,351	1/4 HP	12"	10"	Yes, plug	22.5 x 25.5 x 21"	93 lbs	0-200	5/10 years	50 lbs
ST-X	$2,055	$1,541	1/4 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	103 lbs	0-200	10 years	50 lbs
ST-XL	$2,154	$1,702	1/2 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	123 lbs	0-200	10 years	100 lbs
PRO-50R	$1,874	$1,499	1/4 HP	12"	10"	Yes, plug	24.25 x 29 x 20.25"	92 lbs	0-200	10 years	50 lbs
PRO-X	$2,109	$1,581	1/4 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	102 lbs	0-200	10 years	50 lbs
PRO-XL	$2,141	$1,692	1/2 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	116 lbs	0-200	10 years	100 lbs

Brent Pottery Wheels

Click links in the chart to shop at Blick or Amazon.

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Shopping Link	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
B	$2,600	$1,999-$2,300	Blick Amazon	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	119 lbs	0-240	10 years	150 lbs
B Black	$2,650	$2,100		1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	119 lbs	0-240	10 years	150 lbs
C	$2,700	$$2,100-$2,400	Blick	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	121 lbs	0-240	10 years	225 lbs
C Black	$2,750	$2,200-$2,450	Blick	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	121 lbs	0-240	10 years	225 lbs
CXC	$2,800	$2,200-$2,600	Blick	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5" H	129 lbs	0-240	10 years	300 lbs
CXC Black	$2,875	$2,250-$2,650	Blick	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5" H	129 lbs	0-240	10 years	300 lbs
Model 16	$4,800	$3,995-$4,320	Blick	1/2 HP	12"	10"	Yes, switch	36 x 36 x 21-35" H	287 lbs	0-240	2 years	150 lbs

Bth Pottery Wheels

Available at The Ceramic Shop and other suppliers.

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
B2	$1,058	$849	500 watt	12"	10"	Yes, switch	31 x 26 x 23"	51 lbs	0-300 rpm	5 years	88 lbs
D3 Andromeda	$1,680	$1,344	400 watt	14"	10"	Yes, with switch	28 x 25 x 16.5-20.5"	89 lbs	0-300 rpm	5 years	130 lbs

Lockerbie Pottery Wheels

Available at axner.com and other ceramic suppliers.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Kickwheel	$1,735	N/A	13"	10"	N/A	42 x 36 x 30"	325 lbs	N/A	5 years	N/A
Electric	$2,070	1/3 HP	13"	10"	No	42 x 36 x 30"	365 lbs	0-157	5 years	50 lbs
Electric-Reversible	$2,230	1/3 HP	13"	10"	Yes	42 x 36 x 30"	365 lbs	0-157	5 years	50 lbs

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Pacifica Pottery Wheels

Click the links to shop at Blick.

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
GT400	$1,385	$1,260	1/4 HP	13"	10"	Yes	31 x 27 x 20"	92 lbs	0-260	5 years	80 lbs
GT800	$1,635	$1,635	1/2 HP	13"	10"	Yes	31 x 27 x 20"	105 lbs	0-260	5 years	100 lbs

Nidec Shimpo Pottery Wheels

Click the links below to shop at Blick or Amazon.

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Shopping Link	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Aspire table top	$690	$670	Blick	1/3 HP 100w	7"	6"	No	14.5 x 20 x 9"	25 lbs	0-230 hand, 0-250 foot	5 years	20 lbs
VL-Lite	$1,060	$901	Blick	1/2 HP 100w	12"	10"	Yes, switch	22 x 28 x 21"	85 lbs	0-250	5 years	25 lbs
RK-Whisper	$1,740	$1,400-$1,500	Blick	1/2 HP, 400w	12"	10"	Yes, switch	20 x 21 x 20"	118 lbs	0-250	5 years	100 lbs
VL-Whisper	$1,900	$1,600-$1,800	Blick Amazon	1/2 HP, 400w	14"	10"	Yes, switch	23.2 x 27.5 x 22.75"	122 lbs	0-250	5 years	100 lbs

Skutt Pottery Wheels

Click the links in the chart to shop at Blick.
*Note that Skutt does not provide RPMs or Centering Capacity.

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Shopping Link	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Prodigy	$1,715	$1,400-$1,700	Blick	1/3 HP	12"	10"	No	24 x 30 x 24"	94 lbs	-	10 years	-
Removable splash pan:
Legend	$2,325	$1,900-$2,300	Blick	1/3 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	117 lbs	-	10 years	-
Built-In Splash Pans:
Classic	$2,195	$1,950-$2,150	Blick	1/3 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	127 lbs	-	10 years	-

Soldner Pottery Wheels

Available at Bluebird Clay.

Model	List Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
S100	$3,450	1/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	? x ? x 21.5-26"	? lbs	?	?	?
S150	$2,350	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	? x ? x 21.5-26"	?	?	?	?
P200	$3,750	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	38 x 28 x 21.5-26"	?	?	?	?
P250	$2,650	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	38 x 28 x 21.5-26"	?	?	?	?
P400	$3,995	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	38 x 28 x 21.5-26"	?	?	?	?
P450	$2,750	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	38 x 28 x 21.5-26"	?	?	?	?

Speedball Pottery Wheels

Click the model name to shop at Blick or Amazon.

Model	List Price	Typical Price	Shopping Link	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Artista table top	$675	$565	Blick Amazon	1/3 HP	11"	10"	No	24 x 18 x 9"	26 lbs	0-220	2 years	25 lbs
Clay Boss	$1,299	$1,000-$1,040	Blick	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, plug	21 x 26 x 19.5"	83 lbs	0-240	10 years	100 lbs
Big Boss	$1,599	$1,279	Blick	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, plug	21 x 26 x 19.5"	89 lbs	0-250	10 years	150 lbs
Boss Elite SQ	$1,799	$1,499-$1,700	Blick	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, plug	21 x 26 x 19.5"	96 lbs	0-240	5 years	175 lbs

Sources and Research

The information in the chart was compiled by visiting manufacturers’ websites, reviewing product manuals, and researching products on various retailers’ websites. Every effort has been made to provide accurate, up-to-date info. If you notice any errors, please contact us.

Click here for our complete 2025 Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide.

Or check out our 2023-24 Table Top Wheel Buyer’s Guide.

Other posts of interest:

Gift Guide For Potters and Ceramic Artists

Best Loop Tools for Trimming Pottery

For more info on Pottery Wheels and where this data was sourced from:

Bailey: baileypottery.com

Brent: amaco.com/t/equipment/brent/wheels

Lockerbie: www.lagunaclay.com/potterswheels

Pacifica: www.lagunaclay.com/potterswheels

Nidec Shimpo: Japan www.nidec-shimpotougei.jp/en/pe; North America: www1.ceramics.nidec-shimpo.com

Skutt Thomas Stuart: skutt.com/pottery-wheels

Soldner: bluebirdclay.com

Speedball: speedballart.com

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Nidec-Shimpo Pottery Wheels Buyers Guide 2025

Note: Updated pricing and info as of February 2025

Nidec-Shimpo makes four different wheels ranging from the tabletop Aspire to the ultra-quiet VL-Whisper. The wheels are beloved, especially the classic RK style, and the four wheels do a great job of covering the prices and features that will work for any potter. The company also makes a variety of attachments and add-ons that make these wheels some of the most popular with professionals and production potters.

This post will cover all the models, features, and accessories in the Shimpo product line. For other manufacturers, check out our 2025 Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide and our Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart. (Will be updating those pages soon)

Nidec acquired Shimpo some years ago and while they are listed as “Nidec” or “Nidec-Shimpo,” most still call these Shimpo wheels, so we will use that name throughout this post.

Top Pick: VL-Whisper

The VL-Whisper pottery wheel

The VL-Whisper is our top pick in the Shimpo product line, and it’s also the top pick in our Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide. It has an innovative, magnet-driven wheel that doesn’t make any sound while still supplying great power, torque, and control. It can easily switch between forward or reverse directions. The adjustable legs can also be removed or lowered, and the plastic box covering the magnets and controls will sit flat on a tabletop, allowing you to easily convert this model into a powerful tabletop wheel.

This VL-Whisper has been on the market for more than a decade and has quickly become one of the most popular wheels among professionals and anyone looking for a quiet wheel. It has also held somewhat steady on price; as other comparable wheels have crept into the $2,000 range, this wheel is listed at $1900 and can often be found for $1,600-$1,800. About five years ago, it as typically around $1,500, so there hasn’t been a massive increase in the cost of this wheel.

Keep scrolling for a complete overview of Shimpo pottery wheels.

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Table of Contents

• Overview of Shimpo Wheels

• Aspire Tabletop Wheel

• VL-Lite

• RK-Whisper

• VL-Whisper

• Shimpo Pottery Wheel Accessories

• Notes on repairing Shimpo wheels

• Summary

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Overview of Shimpo Wheels

Founded in 1952 in Tokyo, Japan, Shimpo wheels are distributed worldwide. North American operations opened in Chicago, Illinois in 1974 as the Nidec-Shimpo Corporation. Increasingly, Shimpo products are branded with just the Nidec name but for this guide I will continue to use Shimpo as that is what most people call these wheels.

Shimpo also makes high quality pugmills, ball mills, slab rollers, banding wheels, and handheld extruders. There are also a variety of pottery wheel accessories (see below) that will work with the pro-level RK-Whisper or VL-Whisper. Shimpo also has a tabletop wheel and a budget model, the belt-driven VL-Lite.

Shimpo wheels have long been studio favorites for many potters. They are high quality, long lasting, easy to adjust and there is truly no other wheel quite like the little turtle-shaped RK models. With the newer offerings such as the VL-Whisper, Shimpo has opened up to a larger audience and to my eye, is about equal with Brent in terms of popularity in studios, community centers, and academic institutions.

The next sections will cover Shimpo wheels from cheapest to most expensive.

Notes on buying wheels online:

Wheels are available from a variety of vendors, and it’s good to shop around. Some stores will include shipping in the price, while other stores add shipping, which can cost $200 or more. With this in mind, it’s important to compare the total cost including shipping and delivery.

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The Shimpo Aspire tabletop wheel with the hand lever for speed.

Aspire

The Shimpo Aspire tabletop wheel has a 1/3 horse power motor and 7 inch wheelhead. It is belt-driven and is rated to a 20 lb centering capacity. There is also an optional foot pedal. The unit weighs 31 lbs, making it a truly portable wheel that can be put away when not in use. The bat pins have a 6 inch spacing, and there are a variety of bats available for this size.

The Shimpo Aspire with the optional foot pedal.

Shimpo Aspire features
Motor: 1/3 horsepower
Wheelhead: 7 inch diameter
Reversible: No
Dimensions: 14 x 20 x 9 inches tall
Weight: 31 lbs
Speed: 0 to 230 rpm handheld, 0 to 250 rpm with foot pedal
Warranty: 5 years
Centering Capacity: 20 lbs
List Price: $690 for hand crank and $780 with foot pedal
Usually available for $590 to $670

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VL-Lite

The Shimpo VL-Lite pottery wheel.

The VL-Lite is Shimpo’s entry-level, full-size wheel. It is a strong competitor for Speedball and other budget models, with a 1/2 HP 100 watt, belt-driven motor, 12” wheelhead and is reversible. It’s relatively lightweight at 85lbs, and is rated to a centering capacity of 25 lbs.

VL-Lite features
Motor: 1/2 horsepower, 100 watts
Wheelhead: 12 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch
Dimensions: 22 x 28 x 21 inches tall
Weight: 85 lbs
Speed: 0 to 250 rpm
Warranty: 5 years
Centering Capacity: 25 lbs
List Price: $1,060
Typically available at $901

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RK-Whisper

The RK-Whisper model now has a virtually silent, magnetic-driven wheel.

The classic RK-Whisper is a beloved pottery wheel with a distinctive rounded-off rectangular shape and fixed foot pedal on the right side. Previous models had a belt-driven wheel and motor, but It is now made with the same, super-quiet 1/2 HP, 400 watt magnetic “motor” as the VL-Whisper, but with a 12” wheel head. It may look like the classic model but under the hood it is state of the art.

RK-Whisper features
Motor: 1/2 horsepower, 400 watts
Wheelhead: 12 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch
Dimensions: 20 x 21 x 20 inches tall
Weight: 118 lbs
Speed: 0 to 250 rpm
Warranty: 5 years
Centering Capacity: 100 lbs
List Price: $1,740
Usually available for $1,450–$1,600 depending on shipping options

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VL-Whisper

The Shimpo VL-Whisper

Shimpo’s top-of-the-line VL-Whisper (VL stands for Velocity) is innovative and quiet, with the same 1/2 HP, 400 watt magnetic drive as the RK-Whsper but with a 14” wheelhead. The magnetic drive is ultra-quiet, powerful, and ready with instant torque when the pedal is engaged. There are no belts or motors in the Shimpo Whisper models, making them a truly distinctive option on the pottery wheel market. The wheel is reversible with the turn of the switch and the wheel head will turn freely at 0 rpm for use as a banding wheel, although it does not turn as easily as a regular banding wheel.

My only complaint with the VL-Whisper is the splash pan is not as durable as the Brent splash pans. This is only a concern in shared studios, such as a community center where splash pans are cleaned often and can be abused by inexperienced users. An individual potter will be able to maintain a crack-free splash pan forever.

VL-Whisper features
Motor: 1/2 horsepower, 400 watt
Wheelhead: 14 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch
Dimensions: 23 x 27.5x 22.75 inches tall
Weight: 122 lbs
Speed: 0 to 250 rpm
Warranty: 5 years
Centering Capacity: 100 lbs
List price: $1,900
Price: Usually available for $1,650–$1,850 depending on shipping options

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Shimpo Pottery Wheel Accessories

Shimpo makes a variety of innovative accessories for wheels. For the most part, these are designed to be used with the RK models, but most will fit on the VL-Whisper as well. These accessories will most likely not fit well with the VL-Lite, but they possibly could be used with wheels from other manufacturers. The RK models and VL-Whisper have two bolts on the wheel tabletop that are designed to be used with these attachments, making Shimpo some of the most popular wheels with production potters.

Potter’s Stool

The Shimpo Potters Stool is the most comfortable pottery stool on the market, and is also completely adjustable. Besides the comfort, it’s also nice to have the seat set up at a slight angle, or keep it flat. Your choice! Each leg adjusts independently with a locking button.

Typically available for around $100–125

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The Shimpo Jigger Arm.

Jigger Arm Attachment

The Shimpo Jigger Arm Attachment is a speciality tool for use with jigger/jolly plaster molds. It allows you to quickly make accurate pots using a pottery wheel. The product manual states that it will fit on the VL-Whisper, RK-Whisper, and the older RK-10 and RK-2 models. Contact Nidec-Shimpo if you have other models, but in general, it seems like it will work with most wheels that have a 12” or larger wheelhead.

To see these jigger arms in action, check out this video about Jono Pandolfi.

The Shimpo Ball Mill attachment on an RK wheel.

Ball Mill Attachment

The Shimpo Ball Mill attachment will turn your wheelhead into a ball mill without the added expense of a new machine. Ball mills are used for grinding and unifying glazes.

This attachment retails for around $560 while the smallest ball mill from Shimpo is about $1000, so this represents a real savings. Like the jigger arm, this attachment will definitely work with the VL-Whisper, RK-Whisper, the RK-10, and RK-2 models, and it may work with other wheels that are 12” in diameter or larger.

These days, many glaze products are so finely milled that a ball mill isn’t exactly a studio necessity, but it can still be a nice thing to have, such as making your own underglazes from ball clay and stain.

Extension Tables for RK Models

The Shimpo RK models do not have much table space, which is ideal for small studios. But if you want more room, Shimpo makes two add on tables that add either 2 or 4 square feet of work area within arms reach.

The small table adds 2 square feet of working area.

The large table adds 4 square feet of working area.

Extension Legs for VL-Whisper

Extension legs for the VL-Whisper models.

Although the VL-Whisper can sit flat on a tabletop, you can also convert it into a standing wheel with these leg extensions. They will bring the wheelhead to a height ranging from 35 to 37 inches, and they work by replacing the standard legs that come with the wheel.

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Notes on Repairing Shimpo Wheels

Shimpo pottery wheels have stood the test of time and there are many of these wheels on their second or third decade of constant use. They are good machines that are worth the money. However, like any wheel, there will be maintenance and repairs over time. Repair parts for Shimpo wheels are available at many ceramic suppliers.

On the older RK models with a motor and belt, you can make most adjustments to the speed and pedal by adjusting screws on the machine. And the older Shimpo switches seem more resilient than the electronics that Brent used to use, however Brent has begun using sealed switches that don’t seem to be affected by clay-covered hands.

The newer VL-Whisper and RK-Whisper models use fewer moving parts as they are magnet driven rather than having a motor and a belt. Ideally, this should mean fewer repairs. For the most part, it seems that most Whisper models are still going strong but as we get to 10 or 15 years out from when these models first came on the market, I expect there will be more repairs needed. However, I had a hard time finding message board and other info about broken Whisper models, and I haven’t seen them break down myself.

Overall, my biggest complaint with Shimpo wheels is that the splash pans are less resilient. This is not a concern for an individual, who can maintain their wheel with care. But in shared spaces such as community centers, where the splash pans are cleaned multiple times a day and dropped and abused, the Shimpo splash pans develop cracks faster than the Brent splash pans.

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Summary

Shimpo Wheels are great wheels. If you decide to get one, it will be a useful studio tool for decades. With four wheels on the market, Nidec-Shimpo has really targeted their offerings with quality wheels that will work for any level of potter.

The Aspire is a great tabletop wheel for a hobbyist, kid, or a pro looking for a mini-portable wheel.

The VL-Lite is an affordable, entry-level wheel that will make great pots and is easier to move.

The RK-Whisper takes the classic Shimpo wheel shape and updates it with the super-quiet Whisper magnet drive with a 12 inch wheel. And the VL-Whisper is super quiet and offers a 14 inch wheel head with the same 1/2 hp, 400 watt Whisper magnet drive.

Combine this with offerings such as the Jigger Arm Attachment, and you’ve got a flexible and useful line of wheels.

What do you think about Shimpo wheels? Let us know in the comments.

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For more on pottery wheels, check out:

2025 Pottery Wheel’s Buyers Guide

2023-24 Tabletop Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide

Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart

Brent Pottery Wheels Buyers Guide

The Best Banding Wheels

Best Pottery Wheel Stools

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Brent Pottery Wheels Buyers Guide 2025

Edited and updated for 2025.

Brent wheels are popular, dependable wheels known for an overbuilt style that features a strong plastic table with steel legs, sturdy splash pan, and a variety of belt-driven motors. You will see these yellow ochre machines everywhere and that’s because of their dependability and long-lasting quality. In addition to narrowing the product line a few years ago to just four wheels, Brent now offers most wheels in an all-black option. The yellow ochre is so classic but I can see the appeal of the black wheels.

Brent wheels come with a 10 year warranty but expect them to last much longer than that. In my experience, the main issue with Brent’s is when beginning potters overload the splash pan with water, so try to prevent swamping the wheel housing and you should be fine.

Since last updating this Brent pottery wheel buyers guide in 2023, the main change is that the Model B now features a 14” wheel head, just like the model C and CXC. This means that the main (and possibly only?) difference between the wheels is the motor. The B has a 1/2 HP motor, the C has a 3/4 HP motor, and the CXC has a 1 HP motor.

This post will cover all the models and features of Brent pottery wheels. For other wheels, check out our 2025 pottery wheel buyer’s guide or a comparison chart of wheels.

TOP PICK: Brent Model C

Brent Model C pottery wheel in the classic Brent yellow.

The top pick for a Brent Wheel is the Model C. It features a 14” wheelhead, 3/4 HP motor, and can go forward or reverse with the flip of a switch. The Model C is listed at $2,600 but is generally available for around $2,100 to $2,400. (The price difference is often related to free shipping or not, so compare offers carefully)

Model C is also available in a sleek, all-black model for around $50 more.

The C model strikes a balance of features and affordability: The Model B has a less-powerful motor, while the CXC features a larger and more costly motor.

Most Brent Models, including the C, are also available in all black.

Read below for more info and an overview of each wheel offered by Brent.

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Table of Contents

• Overview of Brent Wheels

• Brent Model B

• Brent Model C

• Brent Model CXC

• Brent Model 16

• Brent Pottery Wheel Accessories

• Discontinued Brent Models

• Notes on repairing Brent Wheels

• Summary

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Brent Wheels: Overview and Background

Founded in 1967 by Robert Brent, the wheels have been manufactured by the American Art Clay Company (AMACO) since 1978. There have been a variety of wheels over time (including the IE models which were discontinued around 2022) but for decades, Brent has had a classic lineup of wheels built on top of a similar table and frame. Each wheel has the same, high-quality foot pedal, the same frame, and same splash pan. The only differences will be wheelhead size and the power of the motor.

Brent wheels are easy to adjust and repair, and really hold up under heavy use such as at schools or community centers. In my experience, Brent splash pans are the sturdiest on the market and can take the most abuse. Brent has also made upgrades in the past few years, such as sealed switches that are easier to clean.

Brent wheels use belt-driven motors. These are strong motors with good torque; definitely get the largest motor your budget can afford. New Brent wheels are quiet and might stay that way over time, but if the wheelheads get waterlogged or the wheel gets abused (this will happen in most shared studio spaces) expect the belt, wheelhead and/or motor to develop some noise. It’s not the loudest sound, but if this is a concern, check out other wheels such as the ultra-quiet Shimpo Whisper.

The B and C models are where most will find the sweet spot of power and price within the Brent product line. The difference in these models are the size of the motor (1/2 HP vs 3/4 HP). The CXC models are basically the same as the C, but with a 1 HP motors.

One note is the Brent centering capacity. These are some really big numbers — Brent claims a 150 lb centering capacity for the Model B with a 1/2 HP motor. Most other manufacturers claim 50 lbs for a 1/2 HP motor while other manufacturers don’t even use these numbers. So centering capacity may be a bit inflated but Brent’s numbers are included below. In general, I think Brent uses centering capacity to mean how much clay can be turned on the wheel. If you build big pots on the wheel, go for a bigger motor.

Overall, Brent makes great, dependable wheels. The Brent Wheels are workhorses that won’t disappoint and will be a trusty, dependable studio tool for decades.

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Brent Model B

Brent Model B Pottery Wheel.

The Brent Model B is currently Brent’s entry-level wheel. This model now features a 14” wheel head like the other Brent wheels, and a 1/2 HP motor. This motor is quite strong but if your budget allows, you might consider getting the Model C with a larger wheelhead and motor for about $100 more.

This wheel is now availale in the class Brent yellow, or all black.

Brent Model B features
Motor: 1/2 Horsepower
Wheelhead: 14 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch on the control panel
Dimensions: 21 x 28 x 21.5 inches
Weight: 119 lbs
Speed: 0 to 240 rpm
Warranty: 10 years
Centering Capacity: 150 lbs
Listed Price: $2,600 for yellow, $2,650 for black
Usually available for between $2,000 to $2,400, depending on if shipping is included or not

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Brent Model C

Brent Model C

Brent Model C has the sweet spot of features and price in the Brent lineup, making it our top pick. It’s also available in an all black model. Model C has a 3/4 horsepower motor and a 14” wheelhead.

Brent Model C is also available in an all-black model.

Brent Model C features
Motor: 3/4 Horsepower
Wheelhead: 14 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch on the control panel
Dimensions: 21 x 28 x 21.5 inches
Weight: 121 lbs
Speed: 0 to 240 rpm
Warranty: 10 years
Centering Capacity: 225 lbs
Manufacturers price: $2,700 for yellow, $2,750 for black
Usually available for $2,100 to $2,300 depending on shipping options

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Brent Model CXC

The Brent CXC pottery wheel.

The Brent Model CXC is virtually identical to the Model C, except that it has a 1 horsepower motor. It is now available in all black as well.

Brent Model CXC features
Motor: 1 Horsepower
Wheelhead: 14 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch on the control panel
Dimensions: 21 x 28 x 21.5 inches
Weight: 129 lbs
Speed: 0 to 240 rpm
Warranty: 10 years
Centering Capacity: 300 lbs
Manufacturer’s Price: $2,800 for yellow, $2,875 for black
Usually available for $$2,200 to $2,500 depending on shipping options

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Model 16

The Brent Model 16 accessible pottery wheel.

The Brent Model 16 is an accessible wheel for use in rehabilitation programs or for potters in wheelchairs. It’s a really innovate design that adds flexibility and accessibility to a studio. It is completely adjustable, such as a crank to raise or lower the wheel/table, so it can be used sitting down or standing up.

The Model 16 can roll on casters and fit through a 36” door, and the casters can be secured so that it will not move while in use.

Regarding the wheel specs, it’s the same numbers as the Model B, with a 14” wheel head and a 1/2 horsepower motor. (Previous models of the Model 16 had a 12” wheel head.)

Brent Model 16 features
Motor: 1/2 Horsepower
Wheelhead: 14 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch on the control panel
Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 21 to 35 inches high
Weight: 287 lbs
Speed: 0 to 240 rpm
Warranty: 2 years
Centering Capacity: 150 lbs
Manufacter’s price: $4,800
Usually available for $4,000 to $4,400

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Brent Pottery Wheel Accessories

Brent Workstation

A Brent Workstation mounted on a Model C wheel.

The Brent Workstation is (was?) a bean-shaped plastic table that will attach to almost any Brent wheel manufactured after 2009. It can really expand the work area within arms reach. It’s made of 3/8” thick black plastic—the same plastic used in Brent Plasti-Bats. It’s easy to clean, durable, and functional.

Unfortunately, as of this writing in early 2025 I don’t see the workstation listed for sale any where or on the Brent website.

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Brent Leg Extensions

The Brent Leg Extension Kit pictured here with a Model B wheel.

The Brent Leg Extension Kit will convert most Brent wheels made after 2009 into a standing wheel. The steel legs are adjustable from 35 3/4 to 40 3/4 in one inch increments.

To use, simply place the pin at the desired height and slide the leg extensions over the wheel legs, and then tighten the screws to hold in place. These extenders will work with any wheel leg that have 2 3/8” diameter leg tubes.

The leg extenders retail for $405 but can often be found for around $300.

Brent Leg Booties

Brent Leg Booties will give your wheel a lift of 2 or 4 inches. It’s a useful addition that can be screwed on tight. You can also place your wheel on cinder blocks or pieces of wood, but these are a more stable option. They will fit any Brent wheel made after 2009.

Listed at $64 but typically available for a bit less.

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Discontinued Brent Pottery Wheels

The Brent IE wheels were designed to work as full-size wheels or table top.

As recently as 2020, Brent made the IE models that could be used as a regular pottery wheel or could easily convert to a table top wheel. They are no longer listed on the AMACO Brent website, but you may find them available used.

Similarly, in 2023 we noted that the Model EX with a 1 1/2 HP motor is also no longer listed on the Brent website or is available for sale.The Model EX is still available at some retailers. Shop EX wheel at Amazon

In the past, Brent has made kick wheels and other models, so you may seem some interesting used wheels out there.

For a short history on Robert Brent, the inventor of Brent wheels, check out this PDF or this 2018 article from the Santa Rosa (Calif.) Press-Democrat.

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Notes on Repairing Brent Wheels

Brent Wheels are easy to repair and parts are readily available from AMACO Brent and ceramic supply stores.

The most common adjustment needed is to adjust the speed of the wheel via the foot pedal. This can be done by removing the bottom plate of the pedal and adjusting the potentiometers, which control the low and high limits on the wheel.

Other common repairs include replacing faulty on / off switches. You may also need to replace a belt. Brent has created repair videos for many of these common fixes, which can be found on YouTube.

The wheelhead is not designed to be oiled. Instead, the expectation is that the entire wheelhead assembly would be replaced if needed. For the most part, I think a wheel for an individual that is well maintained won’t need to be repaired much, if it all. But wheels that are used by beginners may have issues, such as being completely swamped by too much water, and the wheelhead can start making noise. For these more serious repairs, you may wan to ask at your local ceramic supplier if they know anyone who repairs wheels and can do these fixes for you.

Finally, if you find a used wheel you may or may not be able to find repair parts. Some of the original Brent wheels from the 1970s and 1980s are still working, or are still out there and turn up for sale. It’s hard to say if they are repairable. But a Brent Wheel that is 10 or 20 years old will probably be more straightforward to fix and use standard parts.

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Summary

Brent Wheels are sturdy, dependable wheels that have been some of the most popular pottery wheels for the past 50 years. They are a worthwhile investment if you are serious about pottery. The product line doesn’t include a entry-level budget model, but instead focuses on professional-grade wheels that are great for beginners or professionals. If it’s the right wheel for you, it’ll be a dependable part of your studio for decades.

You might also enjoy:

2025 Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide

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Table Top Wheel Buyers Guide 2023

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The Best Banding Wheels

Best Pottery Wheel Stools

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Review: Western Digital My Passport Ultra 5 TB HDD External Hard Drive

This post is a review of the Western Digital My Passport Ultra 5 TB External Hard Drive. I have been using it for more than 3 months with no problems, and it builds on my years of experience with multiple Western Digital external hard drives, both HDD and SSD, which all still work.

An external hard drive is vital for anyone working digitally, for backing up and moving files around, and saving space if your computer drive starts to fill up. A good hard drive will last a long time and the expense of buying one is worth it when you consider all the time and effort that goes into the files you have made.

A few years ago, I reviewed the small and versatile Western Digital 1 TB My Passport SSD External Drive, and it is still going strong with no problems. But after upgrading to a laptop with a larger drive, I needed to find a larger external drive for backup files.

While I prefer SSD or Solid State Drives because they have no moving parts, the SSD drives seemed to only go as large as 2TB and I was looking for something larger than that. The Western Digital My Passport Ultra HDD or Hard Disc Drive fit the bill for me, with options from 2 to 6 TB. Based on the price break, I went with the 5TB option at around $140 as opposed to the 6TB option at almost $200.

In my time using this external drive I have found it fast, reliable and have had no problems. It just works when I need it with no issues. As I use a Mac, I partitioned the drive into two parts: a Time Machine backup and a second drive where I can drop large files

The Western Digital My Passport Ultra HDD 5TB measures around 3 by 4.3 inches and is 0.75 inches thick.

The drive itself measures around 4.3 inches x 3 inches x 3/4 inches thick, making it much larger than the WD SSD drive I had been using. But the thickness also depends on the capacity of the drive: the 2TB and 4 TB models are listed at 0.5” thick, while the 5TB and 6TB models are listed at 0.75” thick. My 5TB drive feels like a slightly large deck of cards with a boxy thickness. But the drive still fits comfortably into the side pocket of my tomtoc laptop sleeve.

As mentioned, I prefer SSD drives because they have no moving parts. But I needed a larger drive so I went with this HDD option. It is advised to be more careful with HDD drives; as they have moving parts it is best not to move them while in use. With both types of drives, do your best to not drop or let the drives overheat.

The Western Digital My Passport Ultra HDD drive ranges in price from $89.99 for a 2TB drive to $199.99 for a 6TB drive.

For a slightly cheaper option, you could also look into the Western Digital Elements HDD portable drive. It has a slightly different case and a 2 year warranty, as opposed to the 3 year warranty for the My Passport.

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Storage Needs for Artists

As an artist, it’s important to document all your work with high quality images, and store those files along with having a backup. One option is an online backup, or you can back up the files to an external hard drive.

When storing files, it’s good to make a robust file management system. A simple method is by year and month, or by type of work.

Summary

Backup storage of your important files is vital, and an external hard drive is an easy, affordable solution. An HDD external drive is economical and effective. SSD drives are lighter and with fewer moving parts, may be more future proof. Whatever you use, just make sure to back up your important files.

What back up system or external hard drive do you use? Let us know in the comments.

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Best Carving and Sgraffito Tools for Decorating Pottery

Carving and altering the surface of a ceramic vessel or sculpture is a great way to make the piece truly your own, and there are a variety of tools that can make this an easy process. A carving tool might be as simple as a dull pencil, something from the kitchen, or an item that you already have from a basic ceramics tool kit.

Definitely start with what you have and don’t get tools you don’t need or won’t use, but sometimes the right tool makes all the difference for carving, shaping, and faceting your pottery or sculpture.

Here’s a few great tools:

The Osti Wire Cheese Slicer has a thick and thin side.

Wire Slicer for Faceting

A double sided, stick-shaped wire cheese slicer can be a game-changer for faceting pottery. This slicer, from Osti, can be tightened at the top and has a 2mm or 4mm thickness. It retails for $13, but there are a variety of slicers out there. In a pinch, you can use a cut-off wire but a slicer like this will be more even.

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Stylus Tools

Kemper makes a few double-sided, ball-tipped stylus tools that are great for sgraffito.

Ball-tipped stylus tools are great for sgraffito work. They can be found in a variety of sizes such as the double-end tools with hardwood handles made by Kemper, which are usually available for $4 to $6 each.

You can also use a dull pencil as a stylus, but it does wear down and requires sharpening somewhat often. Or, there are plenty of generic double-ended stylus tool. Click the link below or search for “embossing stylus tool.”

DiamondCore Stylus Tool

DiamondCore makes diamond burr stylus tools that are doubled headed and have foam grips over a wooden handle. These are beautiful tools and very nice to use, but they do come at a premium price, now almost $50 each or $130 for a set of three. With a price 8 to 10 times the cost of a Kemper ball stylus, it’s a real decision to get one of these but if they are in your budget, you won’t regret the purchase.

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Scoop-Shaped Clean Up Tool

The Kemper clean up tool.

Carving tools such as the Kemper Clean Up Tool features a scoop end with a point, and another end with a blade for cutting. It can be used for cutting larger areas, scraping, or as a fine point. Kemper makes a few different clean up tools and the clean up tools are also available as generics. The Kemper model usually costs $3 to $5.

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Small Loop Carving Tools

The Kemper Wire Loop Sgraffito tool is a great option for detailed carving.

Wire Loop Sgraffito Tool

In addition to stylus tools, another great option for sgraffito carving is a small wire loop tool. Much smaller than a normal loop tool, these really help you get great lines.

The Kemper WLS “wire loop sgraffito” tool is a great option with two loops on a double ended tool. It generally retails for $4 to $6.

Other Wire Stylus Options

The Kemper WS wire stylus has one wire tip.

In addition to the the WLS, there is also the single headed Kemper WS Wire Stylus, which generally costs $6-$12.

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The Xiem Incising Pen Tool has two interchangeable tips.

The Xiem Scratch Pen Incising Tool takes the ideas of the Kemper wire tools to another level, with interchangeable tips and a silicone handle. It generally retails for $15 for the handle with two tips.

There is also an option on this tool to buy the handle plus 8 different tips. Shop this option at Etsy.

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Ribbon and Loop Tools

The Kemper R2 ribbon tool has a curved side and a flat side.

Ribbon tools and loop tools are another great carving tool. Both are a metal band or wire loop connected to a wooden handle, and often are double side. The small, curved ribbon tool is a great carving tool and there are also many options with different shapes and sizes. Loop tools are often larger and used for trimming pots.

Most introductory pottery kits come with a ribbon tool and a loop tool, but if you don’t have one, look into a Kemper R2 Double Ended Ribbon Tool. It typically costs around $6.

Mini Ribbon Tool Sets

A typical generic mini ribbon tool set includes 6 tools.

Mini Ribbon Tool Sets are made by Kemper, Xiem, and generic manufacturers and are also great for sgraffito and carving. You might find a similar product with the Xiem Scratch Incising Pen (detailed above) but having these sets will also give you the different shapes of ribbon tools, often at an affordable price. This is one product where I think the generic is almost the same as the branded product, and you can often find sets of 6 tools for $7 to $10.

The Kemper set of 6 tools is listed at $13 at Blick, and $20 or more at Amazon.

The Xiem Mini Ribbon Tools come in sets of 3 (by color) or as a set of all 9 tools.

The Xiem Tools Mini Ribbon set features 9 tools with tempered stainless ribbon blades and aluminum handles. It typically retails for $24 at Blick or you can find the tools in packs of 3 broken down by color (see pic at right), for around $14 a pack at Amazon.

Other Mini Ribbon Tools

There are a wide variety of small ribbon tools out there, some ribbon blades on one side and wooden tools on the opposite end. As always, get what is best for you!

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Larger Loop and Ribbon Tools

Larger loop tools definitely have a place as carving tools. Generally, I use the standard Kemper loop tools because they are affordable and well made.

The Xiem Pro Multi-Function Tools feature a rounded side and a square side with a smaller blade that is closer to a ribbon tool size, making them ideal for detail work.

But for an upgrade, I have really enjoyed using the Xiem Pro Multi-Function tool. It has a doubled ended ribbon tool on the end of a wooden handle, which has a rounded side and a square side. In a recent test of loop tools, it was one of my favorites. The Xiem Multi-Function tool comes in small, medium, and large sizes and generally cost around $17 each. The medium is a great place to start if you are getting one.

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Other Tools for Carving, Sgraffito, and Decoration

A 6 pack of metal decorating combs.

Combing Tools

Serrated ribs and combing tools are another great option for modifying the surface of clay. You can make these yourself, such as from metal or plastic, or there are plenty of options online for a few dollars per rib. Pottery stores carry wooden options, or you can find metal or plastic ribs by searching for “cake decorating combs.” Often, a 6 pack of cake decorating combs are around $10.

One note on these multi packs, is that you may only need one or two of these combs. Some of the smaller grooves may not be as useful for decorating ceramic surfaces.

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Pottery Knives and Scrapers

For carving and decorating, knives and scrapers are most useful for clean up, especially in the bone dry stage. If you have a basic pottery tool kit, you already should have a fettling knife and a simple metal rib. But if you don’t, definitely get at least one knife and a metal scraper for your tool kit.

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Fluting Tool

The Xiem Fluting Tool has three blades.

Our final recommendation is a bit of a specialized tool — you can get a similar effect from a rounded ribbon tool, but this Fluting Tool from Xiem is well thought out and nice to use. It’s a handle with three sizes of fluted carving tools that can be swapped out as needed. There are also replacement blades available, making this a tool set that you can keep using for a long time, even if the blades wear out. It typically costs around $18-22 for the set.

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Conclusion

This post has covered a variety of tools for carving, faceting, decorating, and altering the surface of a ceramic sculpture or vessel. There are a lot of great tools out there, but also ways to do a lot of this with tools you might already have around the house.

Do you you have a favorite carving tool? Let us know in the comments.

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Pottery Wheel Buyer's Guide — The Best Wheels For All Studios 2023

Note: This post is out of date and will be archived soon.

Click here to visit the new and updated 2025 Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide

A classroom set of our top pick, the Shimpo VL-Whisper pottery wheel. The latest model of the Whisper has a slightly different table top shape but same super-quiet motor.

Updated and revised, October 2023

This guide will help you choose the wheel that is best for your studio and budget. This guide includes our recommended picks, an overview of the features found on pottery wheels, and a comprehensive guide to every model of wheel we could find on the market.

First, a quick rundown of our top picks, with more detailed descriptions below:

The Shimpo VL-Whisper is our top pick for a pottery wheel.

TOP PICK:
Our top pick for all studios is the Shimpo VL-Whisper. It’s a super-quiet workhorse with a 1/2 horse power motor that usually costs around $1,500.

Shop VL-Whisper at Blick

Shop VL-Whisper at Amazon

The Shimpo VL-Lite is our top pick for a budget wheel.

BUDGET PICKS:
For a budget / entry level wheel, we love the Shimpo VL-Lite. It’s got a belt-driven, 1/2 horse power moter and usually retails for around $860. It is also the most affordable wheel designed for professional use.

Shop Shimpo VL-Lite at Blick

The Speedball Clay Boss is another great wheel that is available at a more budget-friendly price.

Another great budget wheel is the Speedball Clay Boss, which also has 1/2 HP belt-driven motor. It did, however, take a big price jump recently and now typically retails for around $1,040.

Shop Clay Boss at Blick

Shop Clay Boss at Amazon

The CXC is the top-of-the-line Brent Wheel and has a 1 HP motor.

UPGRADE / PRO PICK:
Any of the above wheels are great and are used by many professionals, but for extra power and a heavy-duty build, check out Brent wheels such as the Model C or CXC or a Skutt Wheel, especially the Skutt Classic with an aluminum splash pan. Both Skutt and Brent wheels usually retail for $1,900 and up.

The Skutt Classic pottery wheel features a cast aluminum splash pan.

Shop Brent C at Blick

Shop Brent CXC at Blick

Shop Skutt Classic at Blick

In addition to reviews and recommendations of top wheels, this guide will cover:

• What to look for when buying a wheel

• Tips on where and how to buy

• Provide a side-by-side comparison chart of just about every wheel on the market so that you can make the most informed decision.

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Changes for 2023
A few of the big changes for 2023:

1. Skutt Wheels have a new red and black color scheme and now come with a 10 year warranty instead of 5 years. The product line has also been renamed, but the wheel specifications and designs are the same.

2. Soldner Wheels are no longer available at most retailers, but are still available directly from Bluebird Manufacturing in Colorado.

3. Price increases: Almost every wheel is more expensive than last year, and some are hundreds of dollars more than even 3 years ago. For example, the Speedball Clay Boss and Nidec Shimpo VL-Lite used to be available for around $700-$750. Now the Speedball starts around $1,000 and the VL-Lite can be found for $860. Some brands have raised prices more aggressively than other companies.

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Note on “Under $200” wheels:
This guide covers wheels from manufacturers including Bailey, Brent, Lockerbie, Pacifica, Shimpo, Skutt, Soldner, and Speedball. These are designed for professional, heavy-duty use. Wether you spend $850 or $1,850, you will get a wheel that could last a lifetime.

The small Vevor wheel is available for just $130.

But what if you are just starting out and want to try wheelthrowing for less? It is probably best to try the wheel in a class, but if you really want something at home, there are numerous wheels that are available online for such as a Vevor for $126 or even just $100. These wheels are small, have weak motors that max out with about 5 pounds of clay, no holes for bat pins, and may not hold up under regular use. You can make them work, but that $100 to 200 would be better put towards any wheel listed in this article, which will last 10 to 20 years or when used properly, a lifetime.

Another option is to check out our guide to table top and portable wheels, which start around $500.

For a complete review and guide to full-size wheels, keep scrolling.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Shimpo VL-Whisper

2. Budget Picks: Shimpo VL-Lite or Speedball Clay Boss

3. Pro Pick: Brent Wheels or Skutt Wheels

4. Other Great Wheels

5. Understanding Pottery Wheels

6. How To Shop For A Wheel

7. Pottery Wheel Comparison Charts

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Top Pick: Shimpo VL-Whisper

The Nidec-Shimpo VL-Whisper pottery wheel, our top pick for a wheel. It has a super-quiet motor, adjustable legs, and a lot of thoughtful features.

Our top pick for all types of studios and skill levels is the Nidec-Shimpo VL-Whisper pottery wheel. Introduced about 15 years ago, this has become one of the top-selling wheels mainly due to its innovative 1/2 horse power, direct-drive DC motor that uses magnets to drive the wheel. This system makes the VL-Whisper truly the most quiet wheel on the market. Almost every other wheel uses a belt-drive system that makes more noise and has more moving parts that can break down over time.

The Shimpo VL-Whisper with the legs removed, for use as a table top wheel if you prefer to stand while throwing.

Along with being super quiet, the VL-Whisper magnetic drive has instant torque and is powerful enough for most potters. The rest of the wheel is well designed with a three legs, sturdy plastic top, 2-part splash pan that surrounds a 14” wheelhead, a moveable floor pedal, and a switch to run the wheel clockwise or counterclockwise. The 1/2 horsepower 400 watt motor is rated to a centering capacity of 100 lbs and the wheel comes with a 5 year warranty.

The VL-Whisper has other thoughtful engineering touches, including adjustable, removable legs that allow for tabletop use or a variety of heights on the floor. The wheelhead also turns freely at 0 rpm, allowing for use as a banding wheel. The VL-Whisper weighs around 120 lbs and measures 23 1/8” x 27 1/2” and can range from 11” to 21” in height.

The drawbacks to this wheel would be that the splash pan is not the sturdiest. If you are careful and just using it yourself, it will be fine, but I have noticed that it is more prone to cracking in heavy-use communal studios than the Brent splash pan. The foot pedal cord is also prone to twisting. But these are relatively minor issues.

Some pro potters may want a more powerful motor, and some beginners may find the price tag prohibitive (typically $1550), but I can really say without a doubt that this is the best overall wheel on the market. What really sets it apart is the quiet motor, adjustable legs, 0 rpm banding wheel option, and how it is just a thoughtfully designed, sturdy machine. The Nidec Shimpo company has also done a good job keeping the price down. Brent B wheels, for example, used to priced about the same as the VL-Whisper, but now the entry-level Brent is typically $300 more than the VL-Whisper.

This wheel is available at just about every ceramic supplier worldwide. The wheel is readily available at Blick art stores in North America or can sometimes be found at Amazon as well.

Shimpo VL-Whisper
14 inch wheel head, reversible, 1/2 horsepower
Typical Price: $1532

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Budget Picks: Shimpo VL-Lite or Speedball Clay Boss

The VL-Lite from Shimpo is a great, budget-friendly wheel.

The Shimpo VL-Lite and Speedball Clay Boss are the best budget wheels on the market, but the VL-Lite is now usually priced around $180 cheaper than the Clay Boss, making it the clear favorite on price.

The VL-Lite has 1/2 horsepower motor, 12 inch wheel had, sturdy plastic table top with metal legs, and is reversible via a switch.

The drawback to this wheel would be it’s somewhat limited, 25-pound centering capacity. But for many, that would be an extremely large amount of clay! So you have to think about what you typically throw and consider if this is the right wheel for you.

Shimpo VL-Lite
12 inch wheel head, reversible, 1/2 horsepower
Typical Price: $860

The Speedball Clay Boss, has a 1/2 horse power motor and a lighter body construction that many prefer for ease of moving the wheel around.

The Speedball Clay Boss has a 1/2 horse power motor, a belt-driven, 14” wheelhead, and a standard triangular design that weighs around 83 pounds, making it one of the lightest full-size wheels on the market. (The VL-Lite weighs 85)

The Clay Boss has a detached foot pedal, and is reversible by switching the direction of the plug, so it will work for throwing clockwise or counter clockwise. Speedball rates it at a 100 pound throwing capacity.

There aren’t any big downsides to this wheel, but there are trade offs. It doesn’t have the most robust build on the foot pedal. And it’s belt-driven, so it will be noisier than our top pick, the Shimpo VL-Whisper. But it’s still a great wheel that will get the job done.

Speedball Clay Boss
14 inch wheel head, reversible with plug, 1/2 horsepower
Typical Price: $1,040

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Pro Pick: Soldner Wheels or Skutt Wheels

The Soldner P-200, a 1/2 horse power pottery wheel. Soldner wheels are known for their ultra-responsive foot pedal and plywood table tops.

For potters looking for an upgraded experience, the best option are Soldner or Skutt wheels. These wheels feature large, oversized motors and extra-responsive, upgraded foot pedals, combined with sturdy legs and tops. Do you need a wheel like this? If you are serious potter, spending a few hours a day on the wheel or more, the larger motors will really deliver for you and not overheat (The Shimpo VL-Whisper is great in this regard too). But the big upgrade for many will be the super-sensitive foot pedals.

Soldner wheels are the only wheels on the market with wooden tops. Made by and now almost exclusively available from Bluebird Manufacturing in Fort Collins, Colorado, the finished, marine-grade plywood is attractive and super strong. And the Soldner wheels are known for their smooth, strong motors with a top-of-the-line foot pedal that will adjust to every touch you give. These wheels are a pleasure to use. Any of the five wheels in the line up are great.

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The Skutt Classic wheel with a built-in, aluminum splash pan.

The Skutt line features three wheels, including their entry-level model, the Prodigy, which has a circular splash pan on a table much like other wheels.

Pros will want to look at the two higher-end models which feature large and deep splash pans.

The Legend wheels have a removable wheel head and splash pan for easy cleanup, and is available in 1/3 hp, 1/2 hp or 1 hp options.

The Classic wheel has a built in, super sturdy aluminum splash pan and also has the option of a 1/3 hp, 1/2 hp, or 1 hp motor.

The Skutt wheels also have an optional “SSX” foot pedal upgrade, which gives you an ultra-responsive, smooth response that puts these in the same range as the Soldner wheels. For 2023, Skutt wheels also feature a new color scheme of red and black.

Skutt Classic
14” wheel head, reversible
Built in splash pan
Typical price: $2,153 for 1/2 hp option

Skutt Legend
14” wheel head, reversible
Removable splash pan
Typical Price: $1,980 for 1/2 hp option

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Shop pottery and ceramic shirts at Threadless.

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Other Great Wheels: Brent Wheels and Others

The Brent B, a 1/2 horse power pottery wheel that is one of the most popular wheels on the market.

In addition to the options above, there are other pottery wheel options to consider, particularly wheels from Brent, Bailey, and Pacifica.

For many potters, their favorite wheels are made by Brent. Known for their distinctive yellow ochre plastic tops and splash pans, you have probably seen or used a Brent as they are arguably the best-selling wheels in North America. (This data isn’t public but Brent and Shimpo seem to be the two most common wheels).

As a point of comparison, the Brent B is closest to the other wheels we have recommended above. It has a 1/2 horsepower motor, can go forward and reverse, and has a 12 inch wheel head. When new, these wheels are very quiet even though they utilize a belt-driven system, and with a 10-year warranty, you can be assured that Brent wheels will last for decades.

While the Brent wheels are incredibly popular, they are not our top pick for two reasons: The Shimpo VL-Whisper is much quieter. And the Soldner and Skutt wheels come with added features, such as better foot pedals and oversized motors. Brent doesn’t have these upgrades, but if they had a more responsive foot pedal option, they would be strong contenders along with Soldner and Skutt wheels

For a complete guide to Brent wheels, click here.

Brent B
12” wheel head, reversible, 1/2 HP motor
Typical Price: $1,900

Brent C
14” wheel head, reversible, 3/4 HP motor
Typical Price: $1,983

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Understanding Pottery Wheels, a Pottery Wheel Buying Guide

In this section, we’ll go through each part and feature to help you understand wheels and how to choose the best one for you. Unfortunately, there’s usually not a store or supplier where you can go and sit down and try every wheel, so going through each part of the wheel will help you understand the different features offered by each manufacturer.

Motor

The biggest difference between wheels, even within a manufacturer’s product line, is usually the motor. With wheels on the market ranging from 1/4 horsepower to 1 horsepower, most potters will find that a 1/2 HP motor is the sweet spot of plenty of power without paying extra. If you are able to test wheels in person, you will see the difference in size of motors too. Not all motors are created equally, even if they are rated to the same HP. You may want to also compare the wattage of the motor, to see which motors may have a higher capacity and will hopefully better withstand overheating under heavy use.

With that in mind, if you can afford it, go for the biggest motor that fits your budget to give yourself more longevity.

Centering Capacity

A similar consideration to the motor power, centering capacity is often mentioned with wheels. It’s a somewhat useful metric that is basically a stand-in for horsepower. Skutt, however, refuses to provide this centering capacity number, arguing that it is a useless metric. But since most manufacturers use it, we’ve kept it in our chart below. Centering capacity is related to both the power of the motor, the torque it gives at start up, and the sensitivity of the foot pedal. If it matters to you, and you have the money, you won’t be disappointed with a bigger motor with more centering capacity. Realistically, most potters aren’t centering more than 10 or 20 lbs so wheels advertising 200 or 300 lb centering capacities are really indicating that they have an overbuilt motor that will be able to take a lot of use.

Table Top, Legs, Frame

The next biggest difference is the material and design of the table and legs. Most wheels have a sturdy plastic top, and metal legs. Some have beefier legs, metal tops, or in the case of Soldner wheels, a marine-grade plywood top. Manufacturers typically have one or maybe two table styles, and will build different features on top of these frames. These frame constructions will determine the dimensions and some of the weight of the wheel. When choosing a wheel, consider the size, weight, and type of frame and table top that will work for your studio. If you are moving wheels around, say in a classroom, then a lighter wheel may be better.

Splash Pan

Another point of comparison is the splash pan. Typically a two-part plastic pan that clips around the wheelhead, splash pans are useful for collecting throwing water or trimming scraps. Some wheels, such as Baileys and Skutts, have large one-piece splash pans that cover the whole top of the frame. Some of these one-piece splash pans are removable, and others are built in and can be cleaned and emptied via a drain plug. As cleanup is a big part of throwing, choosing a splash pan that suits you can be important.

Weight / Dimensions

Most wheels are about the same size and shape, with some variation with half moon shapes with Soldner and Lockerbie wheels. The weight is determined by the size of the motor and the frame construction. A lighter wheel, such as a Speedball, is easier to move while pro-type wheels, such as Skutt, have marketing pictures of potters standing on top of the wheel. How you are going to use a wheel and your studio space will really determine if you need a light or heavyweight wheel. Some manufacturers have add-on larger shelves for more working space, but you can also set your wheel up next to a low table to have more shelf space within reach.

Wheelhead

Most wheels have a 12”, 13” or 14” wheelhead with bat pins spaced 10” a part. Some smaller wheels or table top wheels will have different styles. Measure a wheelhead that you like using to determine the size you like, although most wheels now have a 14” wheelhead.

Another point of consideration is if the wheelhead can be removed or replaced. Typically, this is only built in for everyday cleaning in a few models from Skutt and Bailey. For ongoing maintenance, most wheelhead ball bearing assemblies are completely sealed and not designed to be oiled or repacked with grease. If your wheelhead develops a grinding sound, you may have to replace it.

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Foot Pedal

A foot pedal may seem just like a simple speed control, but the pro-level Skutt and Soldner wheels use their ultra-responsive (and more expensive) pedals as a selling point. In addition to the upgraded pedal options, also consider if the foot pedal and on-board electronics are providing some kind of computer-controlled speed modulation to keep things even (such as Pacifica wheels), or just letting you control the speed with the pedal (such as Brent, Shimpo, Soldner, and Skutt wheels.) The more experienced you are, the less you’ll want the wheel making decisions for you.

One other point of consideration with foot pedals is whether it is fixed or not. Every model listed below has a moveable foot pedal except the Shimpo RK-Whisper, which has an attached pedal on the right side. A moveable foot pedal lets you to choose which side to place it, and allows you to raise the pedal on bricks if needed.

Speed

Many manufacturers provide a rotations per minute (RPM) figure in relation to motors, which we’ve included below. Once again, these give you a rough approximation of motor power and torque, but they are all within a range that is about the same, ranging from 0 to 240-260 rpm max. The Lockerbie motor has a much lower max rpm but it’s a super beefy 1/3 HP motor that trades a high speed for great torque.

Reversability

Most good wheels these days come with a convenient switch where you can reverse the direction of the motor, allowing you to throw clockwise or counter clockwise. Some lower-priced wheels have a reversible plug, where you have to manually switch the direction of the cord to have the wheel go clockwise or counter-clockwise. Some wheels are not reversible at all.

Adjustable Legs and Leg extenders

Some wheels, such as Soldners, come with adjustable legs so that you can set the wheel height exactly how you want it. Almost any other wheel will have to be adjusted with shims or bricks, if you want to move it up a few inches.

A few manufacturers make leg extenders, so that a wheel can be converted to a standing wheel. This style of throwing can be more comfortable for your lower back. Definitely consider this when choosing a wheel, or look at the models such as the Shimpo Whisper, which has removable legs and a flat bottom so that it can be easily placed on a table.

Shipping and Assembly

Some wheels arrive completely assembled, others need some light assembly such as attaching legs. They also vary on whether they ship via FedEx / UPS or by freight. Expect to pay extra for shipping and delivery, unless you are picking a wheel up in person. Also consider how you will get the wheel into your studio, as they can be heavy. Some vendors will include free shipping so definitely compare prices with shipping included to find the best deal.

Warranty

Warranties on wheels range from 2 to 10 years. But every wheel listed below is a top-quality product that should last for decades. If you are careful and respectful, you shouldn’t worry too much about a shorter warranty. But if you are buying for an educational or communal studio where wheels can really be abused, you might want to consider wheels with longer warranties.

In our experience, the main upkeep on wheels is keeping them clean and trying to occasionally add some oil to moving parts. Foot pedals can be adjusted, electronics such as switches can be replaced. The biggest concern would be a wheelhead bearing assembly getting repeatedly swamped with too much water in the splashpan. But if you are careful, a wheel may never need any major repairs.

The “under $200” wheels don’t seem to come with any warranty at all.

Price

All the factors above contribute to the price. The lowest price possible is often the driving force of any purchase, and if that is you, we recommend the Shimpo VL-Lite wheel, which typically cost around $860. For this lower price you are getting a lighter, less beefy frame and most likely a noisier motor but one that will still get the job done for you. Professional-grade wheels typically cost $1,300 to $1,500 and up to $2,000 or more, depending on the options you select. If you are on the fence when choosing upgrades such as a bigger motor or a better foot pedal, consider how you will feel in 5 to 10 or 20 years. You won’t think about the extra few hundred dollars, you will be happy that you got the upgrades to make your wheel last a lifetime.

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Where to Shop and Buy Pottery Wheels

Before buying a wheel, think about what you have used and what features you need. If you currently have a favorite style or brand of wheel, you’ll probably be happy sticking with that style. For research, the best place to start is your local ceramic shop where you can hopefully “test drive” different models to see what feels good to you. Consider asking if they have floor models or special deals on wheels already in stock. Unfortunately, most ceramic suppliers do not have every model of wheel available in the store to try out, so you will almost always be choosing based on limited in-person experience.

If you are shopping online, we have provided links to some wheels at Blick (North America) and Amazon. Some ceramic stores advertise a price that includes shipping, while others add it on in your cart. So definitely shop around and see where you can find the best deals. If you order from online vendors, the wheel is most likely going to be shipped directly from the manufacturer anyway, so you should try to find the best deal.

Wheel Repair and Warranty

After buying a wheel, you will be dealing with the manufacturer if you need any repairs, although a relationship with a local ceramic shop is a great resource if you need help with repairs or adjustments. Manufacturers such as Skutt and Bailey are known for the great online and phone customer service. Other manufacturers, such as Brent, provide lots of support both in person and with repair videos on YouTube.

Most likely, nothing will go wrong with your wheel in the short term but you should expect to make adjustments to foot pedals. And if you are messy, or have an academic studio, expect students to jam clay into any open spot on the wheel, potentially damaging parts such as on/off switches or swamping the wheelhead with water, getting water into the bearing assembly. For most quality wheels, repair parts are readily available from ceramic suppliers or the manufacturer. The good news is that manufacturers are increasingly using sealed switches and other waterproof parts.

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Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart

This chart is in alphabetical order by manufacturer, including Bailey, Brent, Lockerbie, Pacifica, Shimpo, Skutt / Thomas Stuart, Soldner, and Speedball. These are all trustworthy brands and any of the wheels listed below will last a long time. We have done our best to compile a typical range of prices found online and in store, along with each wheel’s features, updated as of October 2023. There is also a description of what to expect from each manufacturer’s wheels.

The Bailey Pro-XL Pottery Wheel is our pick for the best Bailey wheel. It has a 1-piece splash pan and a 1/2 HP motor.

Bailey Pottery Wheels

Bailey Wheels are manufactured by the Bailey Pottery Corporation of Kingston, New York. Known for innovative and high quality slab rollers, kilns, extruders, and other equipment for ceramic studios, the Bailey wheels are characterized by a large, table-sized splash pan. There are two main models, the ST and the PRO model, which each come in three different options. The ST models have a 2-piece, removable splash pan while the PRO models have a 1-piece, counter-sized fixed splash plan with a plug and a drain tube.

Bailey sells optional leg extenders that work with all the models, which can extend the height from 29 to 37 inches.

All the models utilize a standard belt drive system, and have detached foot pedals.

For the best option, go with the ST-XL or PRO-XL, which both feature a 1/2 HP motor, 13” wheelhead, and a reversing switch.

Bailey Pottery Wheels

Available at baileypottery.com

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
ST	$1,351	1/4 HP	12"	10"	Yes, plug	22.5 x 25.5 x 21"	93 lbs	0-200	5/10 years	50 lbs
ST-X	$1,541	1/4 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	103 lbs	0-200	10 years	50 lbs
ST-XL	$1,702	1/2 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	123 lbs	0-200	10 years	100 lbs
PRO-50R	$1,499	1/4 HP	12"	10"	Yes, plug	24.25 x 29 x 20.25"	92 lbs	0-200	10 years	50 lbs
PRO-X	$1,581	1/4 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	102 lbs	0-200	10 years	50 lbs
PRO-XL	$1,692	1/2 HP	13"	10"	Yes, switch	24.5 x 29 x 20.25"	116 lbs	0-200	10 years	100 lbs

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Shop pottery shirts at Threadless.com.

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Brent Pottery Wheels

The Brent B Pottery Wheel, a full-sized wheel with a 1/2 HP motor.

Brent wheels are the workhorses of the ceramics world. These are some of the most popular wheels and you will see these yellow ochre machines just about everywhere. Founded in 1967 by Robert Brent, the wheels have been manufactured by the American Art Clay Company (AMACO) since 1978. The wheels are sturdy, dependable, and easy to adjust and repair. Expect these machines to easily last 15 to 20 years or more even under the heaviest of uses.

The product line is straightforward with one style of frame available in yellow ochre or all black. The difference in the models is simply a larger motor.

The Brent B has a 1/2 hp motor, the C has a 3/4 hp motor, and the CXC has a 1 hp motor. (As of 2023, Brent is no longer listing the 1 1/2 hp CXC model.)

One note is the Brent centering capacity, as listed below. These are some really big numbers — Brent claims a 150 lb centering capacity for the Model B with a 1/2 HP motor. Most other manufacturers claim 50 lbs for a 1/2 HP motor. So these numbers may be a bit inflated but we’ve included Brent’s numbers below.

Brent wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart to shop at Dick Blick. For a complete overview of the product line, click here.

Brent Pottery Wheels

Click links in the chart to shop at Blick.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
B	$1,898	1/2 HP	12"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	119 lbs	0-240	10 years	150 lbs
B Black	$1,938	1/2 HP	12"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	119 lbs	0-240	10 years	150 lbs
C	$1,983	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	121 lbs	0-240	10 years	225 lbs
C Black	$2,023	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5"	121 lbs	0-240	10 years	225 lbs
CXC	$2,064	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5" H	129 lbs	0-240	10 years	300 lbs
CXC Black	$2,104	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 28 x 21.5" H	129 lbs	0-240	10 years	300 lbs
Model 16	$3,855	1/2 HP	12"	10"	Yes, switch	36 x 36 x 21-35" H	287 lbs	0-240	2 years	150 lbs

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Lockerbie Pottery Wheels

The Lockerbie Motorized Kick Wheel, a true workhorse of a wheel with possibly the biggest motor on the market.

Lockerbie Wheels are an interesting option manufactured by Laguna Clay in California. There are three models: a kickwheel (K), a motorized kickwheel (EK), and a reversible motorized kickwheel (EK-R). These are big, heavy wheels but if you want to switch between a kickwheel and a motor, this is the best option on the market. All models feature an adjustable wooden seat, a metal splash pan, and an all-metal frame with a concrete flywheel.

The flywheel results in a steady, even spin when used as a kickwheel. While centering and throwing on a non-motorized wheel can take a lot of work, trimming on a kickwheel is an absolute pleasure. The upgraded model with a motor is where this wheel really shines. It’s got a large, powerful motor that while only rated to 1/3 HP and a max of 157 rpm, has a lot of torque and can definitely handle more than the rated 50 lbs centering capacity. When you press the pedal, the motor engages the flywheel through a rubber wheel, or what Laguna calls “rubber friction drive.” This rubber wheel does wear out over time but is easily replaced. When you release the pedal, the kickwheel will continue to spin, until you stop it with a foot or let the flywheel come to a stop.

Lockerbie wheels have been around since the 1960s and in 2007, the company merged with Laguna Clay. The wheel style and design has been virtually unchanged for decades but it is a tough, well-designed beast of a wheel. It’s a great option for educational studios or if you want to have a kickwheel option. The simple, no frills design results in a relatively low price but you will need to pay for freight shipping.

Lockerbie Pottery Wheels

Available at axner.com and other ceramic suppliers.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Kickwheel	$1,575	N/A	13"	10"	N/A	42 x 36 x 30"	325 lbs	N/A	5 years	N/A
Electric	$1,881	1/3 HP	13"	10"	No	42 x 36 x 30"	365 lbs	0-157	5 years	50 lbs
Electric-Reversible	$2,024	1/3 HP	13"	10"	Yes	42 x 36 x 30"	365 lbs	0-157	5 years	50 lbs

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Pacifica Pottery Wheels

The Pacifica GT400, one of two wheels from Pacifica with 1/4 HP motor and a 13” wheelhead.

Pacifica has been making wheels since 1972 and was purchased by Laguna Clay in 1992. There are currently two wheels in the product line, the GT400 and GT800. Both wheels are have belt driven, 13” wheelheads, optional leg extensions, and a water-resistant foot pedal. The difference is in the size of the motor, 1/4 HP for the GT400 and 1/2 HP for the GT800.

Pacifica differs from other manufacturers in claiming that, through it’s belt and electronic system, it’s 1/4 HP motor has an effective 1/2 HP, and the 1/2 HP motor has an effective 1 HP. Should these claims be believed? It’s hard to know. What can be said is that these wheels have on-board systems that attempt to modulate the wheel speed and torque to provide even power. In my opinion, the more experienced you are the less you will want these electronic modifications deciding wheel speed for you.

Pacifica wheels do have some of the highest RPMs on the market, topping out at 260 rpms, which is slightly higher than most wheels. Expect these wheels to have a lot of torque. In addition, these wheels are affordable and are a great option for students, educational studios, or serious hobbyists.

Pacifica Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart to shop at Dick Blick.

Pacifica Pottery Wheels

Click the links to shop at Blick.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
GT400	$1,260	1/4 HP	13"	10"	Yes	31 x 27 x 20"	92 lbs	0-260	5 years	80 lbs
GT800	$1,485	1/2 HP	13"	10"	Yes	31 x 27 x 20"	105 lbs	0-260	5 years	100 lbs

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Nidec-Shimpo Wheels

The Shimpo VL-Whisper, a 1/2 HP wheel with the quietist motor on the market and a 14” wheelhead.

Shimpo has a straightforward line of three different full-sized wheels and a table top wheel. Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1952, Shimpo wheels are distributed world wide. North American operations opened in Chicago, Illinois in 1974 as the Nidec-Shimpo Corporation.

Shimpo’s top-of-the-line VL-Whisper (VL stands for Velocity) is our favorite pottery wheel due to its innovative and quiet magnetic direct drive 1/2 HP 400 watt motor. The wheel is reversible, has a 14” wheelhead, and a detached foot pedal. The wheelhead on the VL-Whisper and RK-Whisper models also turns freely at 0 rpm, for use as a banding wheel.

The classic Shimpo RK-Whisper has been updated to feature the same super-quiet magnetic motor as the VL-Whisper, but with a 12” wheelhead and fixed foot pedal.

The classic Shimpo RK model now has this same super quiet 1/2 HP 400 watt magnetic Whisper motor, but with a 12” wheel head. Most importantly, this model has a fixed foot pedal on the right side and hand lever. Many love this fixed foot pedal but definitely try this out before buying.

Rounding out the Shimpo product line, the VL-Lite model is a strong competitor for Speedball and other budget models. It features a 1/2 HP 100 watt belt-driven motor, 14” wheelhead and detached foot pedal.

Note that the info below includes both the horse power and wattage for the motor. Not every manufacturer provides the wattage info, but in this case it helps distinguish between the two motors with the VL-Lite having a lower wattage and less powerful motor.

Shimpo Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers, Amazon, or click the links in the chart to check prices at Blick.

Shimpo Pottery Wheels

Click the links below to shop at Blick.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Aspire table top	$569	1/3 HP 100w	7"	6"	No	14.5 x 20 x 9"	25 lbs	0-230 hand, 0-250 foot	5 years	20 lbs
VL-Lite	$858	1/2 HP 100w	12"	10"	Yes, switch	22 x 28 x 21"	85 lbs	0-250	5 years	25 lbs
RK-Whisper	$1,310	1/2 HP, 400w	12"	10"	Yes, switch	20 x 21 x 20"	118 lbs	0-250	5 years	100 lbs
VL-Whisper	$1,532	1/2 HP, 400w	14"	10"	Yes, switch	23.2 x 27.5 x 22.75"	122 lbs	0-250	5 years	100 lbs

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Skutt Wheels

The Prodigy Wheel, the entry-level model from Skutt.

Skutt is well known as a manufacturer of electric kilns, and they have been manufacturing wheels since 2008 when they acquired Thomas Stuart Wheels in 2008.

The Skutt line of wheels has seven wheels that fall in to three categories

• The entry-level Prodigy wheel

• The Legend wheels with a removable, one-piece, plastic splash pan

• The Classic wheels with a built-in, aluminum splash pan that has a plug and drain tube for cleaning

The Skutt Legend Wheel, which has a removable wheelhead and splash pan.

The Prodigy is available with a 1/3 hp motor, while the Legend and Classic wheels area available in 1/3 hp, 1/2 hp, or 1 hp models. For most potters, the 1/2 HP options will be plenty powerful.

All the wheels are also available with an optional “SSX” pedal upgrade, which promises a more even and controlled throwing experience, especially at low speeds. In our opinion, if you are getting a Legend or Classic, you should get the SSX upgrade.

If you read through Skutt’s information, they claim to have the thickest wheelheads, beefiest frames, and oversized motors that can go all day without overheating. Skutt also doesn’t make claims on the centering capacity of their models, arguing that this commonly-used metric is almost meaningless. We agree that it’s just a stand-in for horsepower, so you can judge accordingly by reviewing the chart below.

The Skutt Classic wheel with a built-in, cast aluminum splash pan.

Finally there are also optional leg extensions that allow these wheels to be converted to standing options. These are awesome wheels that would work for just about everyone. They do come at a premium price, but the features and quality deliver and Skutt is well known for its customer service and commitment to its products.

The red and black color scheme was new for these wheels in 2023 and at the time of this writing, the SSX upgrade was included for free as a promotional offer on these re-invisioned wheels.

Skutt Thomas Stuart Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart for models available at Blick.

Skutt Pottery Wheels

Click the links in the chart to shop at Blick.
*Note that Skutt does not provide RPMs or Centering Capacity.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Prodigy	$1,320	1/3 HP	12"	10"	No	24 x 30 x 24"	94 lbs	-	10 years	-
Removable splash pans:
Legend	$1,849	1/3 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	117 lbs	-	10 years	-
Legend	$1,980	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	119 lbs	-	10 years	-
Legend	$2,100	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24" H	128 lbs	-	10 years	-
Built-In Splash Pans:
Classic	$1,900	1/3 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	127 lbs	-	10 years	-
Classic	$2,153	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	128 lbs	-	10 years	-
Classic	$2,189	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 30 x 24"	140 lbs	-	10 years	-

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Soldner Wheels

The Soldner P series features a half-moon shaped table with 1/4 HP, 1/2 HP, or 3/4 HP motor options.

Paul Soldner was one of the original innovators of motorized pottery wheels and founded Soldner Wheels in 1955. For decades, they have been manufactured by Bluebird Manufacturing of Fort Collins, Colorado. The wheels are known for their ability to handle large amounts of clay, ultra-smooth, proprietary foot pedal, and distinctive tops made from polyurethane coated marine-grade plywood.

The Soldner S series has a studio-sized wheel head in 1/6 HP or 1/4 HP motor options.

The wheels come with optional splash pans, or the two-piece Brent splash pans will fit every model. The wheels also feature adjustable legs, which can accommodate a variety of heights for seated pottery. The S-series wheels range from 19” to 25” in height, and the P series range from 22” to 28” high.

Soldner wheels are less common but they have a devoted fan base. They are an absolute pleasure to use, with the foot pedal delivering even, steady power. And the plywood table top is distinctive and very pleasant in the studio environment, as well as being super-tough.

Recently, Bluebird upgraded the motors in these wheels to brushless motors, and improved the foot pedal to make it more waterproof for classroom use.

Soldner Wheels are not readily available via ceramic suppliers, but you can contact Bluebird directly to order these wheels.

Soldner Pottery Wheels

*Prices listed are as of 2022.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
S50	$1,409	1/6 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 24 x 19-25"	85 lbs	0-250	2 years	50 lbs
S100	$1,576	1/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	24 x 24 x 19-25"	95 lbs	0-250	2 years	100 lbs
P100	$1,891	1/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	29 x 38 x 22-28"	130 lbs	0-250	2 years	100 lbs
P200	$2,079	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	29 x 38 x 22-28"	145 lbs	0-250	2 years	200 lbs
P400	$2,438	3/4 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	29 x 38 x 22-28"	160 lbs	0-250	2 years	400 lbs

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Speedball Pottery Wheels

The Speedball Clay Boss, a 1/2 HP pottery wheel with a 14” wheelhead. Our top pick for a budget wheel.

Speedball Pottery Wheels are known for being lighter-weight wheels that still deliver a professional quality motor. Speedball started making wheels in 2009 when they acquired Creative Industries of Cajon, California, which began making wheels in 1971. Many of those Creative Industries wheels are going strong today, although Speedball has changed the table shape and upgraded the line with newer features.

There are three regular-sized wheels in the Speedball product line:

The Clay Boss is an affordable, entry-level wheel. It features a 1/2 HP belt-drive motor, a 14” wheel head, reversible motor by switching the direction of the plug, and can handle 100 lbs of clay. Building on the Clay Boss, the Big Boss and Boss Elite have virtually similar frames and options, but with bigger motors and larger centering capacity.

The Speedball wheels are a great option if price and weight are concerns. There is a trade off with a lighter-weight frame but that also allows you to easily move the wheels around as needed.

Speedball Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart to shop at Blick.

Speedball Pottery Wheels

Click the model name to shop at Blick.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Artista table top	$549	1/3 HP	11"	10"	No	24 x 18 x 9"	26 lbs	0-220	2 years	25 lbs
Clay Boss	$1038	1/2 HP	14"	10"	Yes, plug	21 x 26 x 19.5"	83 lbs	0-240	10 years	100 lbs
Big Boss	$1,271	0.85 HP	14"	10"	Yes, plug	21 x 26 x 19.5"	89 lbs	0-250	10 years	150 lbs
Boss Elite SQ	$1,428	1 HP	14"	10"	Yes, plug	21 x 26 x 19.5"	96 lbs	0-240	5 years	175 lbs

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Conclusion

Thank you for reading our guide to pottery wheels. It is comprehensive overview of every professional grade wheel we could find on the market, comparing all the features and options of each wheel. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments.

You might also enjoy:

Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart

Table Top Wheel Buyers Guide 2023

Best Loop Tools For Trimming Pottery

Gift Guide for Potters and Ceramic Artists 2023-2024

The Best Banding Wheels

Best Pottery Wheel Stools

Thanks for reading. Stay in touch!

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Gift Guide For Potters and Ceramic Artists 2023-2024

New and updated for 2023!

The Speedball Boss Base is a new centering and opening tool for the pottery wheel, which was released in early 2023. Shop at Amazon

This 2023-24 gift guide has more than 30 ideas of gifts for potters, ceramic artists, or anyone who works with clay. Most of these suggestions are priced between $15 and $100, along with a few higher-priced items. The guide includes loose guidelines recommending certain tools, for beginners, intermediate, advanced, or everyone.

Note: This site uses affiliate links for sites such as Amazon and Blick. If you click the links and complete a purchase, we may receive a percentage at no extra cost to you.

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The Claypron is a split-leg potter’s apron available in a variety of colors.

The Claypron

An apron is very useful when working with clay and one of the most popular pottery aprons is The Claypron. Designed for working at the potter’s wheel, it features a split, overlapping leg with ties at the neck and waist. Available in a variety of colors, it is made with high-quality, machine-washable cotton.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $40

For more apron recommendations, check out our complete guide to pottery aprons.

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Soolla Studio Bag

The Soolla Studio Bag is a canvas art tote that comes in a wide variety of mostly solid colors and a few patterns, and is washable. Well thought out, it has 30+ pockets for small tools and a large central opening, along with padded handles. This is an awesome bag from a small company, that would make a great gift for any potter. The bag typically retails for $59 but can often be found for less.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $59

Soolla Bag in green.

Soolla Bag in 80s Windbreker pattern.

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Potter’s Skin Butter

Made by a potter for potters, this Skin Butter is a great gift and is available in four scents including Tangerine, Lavender, Mint, and Unscented. A 4 ounce jar is $20 and a pump bottle is $26.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $20–$26

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By My Hands: A Potter’s Apprenticeship
by Florian Gadsby

Published in Fall 2023, By My Hands details the apprenticeship and journey of British potter Florian Gadsby, who makes beautiful pots and is one of the most popular potters on YouTube, Instagram, and other social media sites.

The hardcover edition features numerous color images throughout the 400 page volume.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $35

For more recently published books, check out our complete guide to 2023 ceramics and pottery books.

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Multi-Function Titanium-Fused PRO Trimming Tool by Xiem Tools

Xiem makes a lot of great tools, but their Multi-Function Pro Trimming Tools are really wonderful, with a long-lasting titanium-fused metal blade, comfortable wooden handle, and most of all, a distinctive and functional shape. In a test of loop tools earlier this year, these were some of our favorites and they continue to impress in the studio. These are available individually or set of three. If getting just one, choose the middle size, #05.

Recommended for: intermediate to advanced
Cost:
$17-19 each
$52 for set of three

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Speedball Boss Base pottery tool

There have been DIY versions of this for years, but in early 2023 Speedball released this tool for evenly opening clay on the pottery wheel. It features two handles and a slightly higher center pole, which leaves an even 3/8” base on pots. It’s a bit limited as some may want a thicker base for trimming a foot, but for anyone who struggles with opening, this ergonomic tool is very handy and available in 4 colors. (If you wanted to leave more clay at the base, you can also cut the center pole shorter so might be worth getting 2 of these!)

Recommended for: Potters
Cost: $30 each

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Weleda Skin Food

Weleda Skin Food in its distinctive green tube.

There are lots of great everyday creams, such as O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream (shop at Amazon), but a real upgrade is Weleda Skin Food. It’s a rich, luxurious cream that will help protect hands during a long studio session or at home. This extra thick cream smells great, melds into your skin quickly, and the squeeze tube makes it easy to use at home or studio. The “original” comes in a 2.5 ounce squeeze tube and Skin Food Body Butter is available in a 5 ounce glass jar.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $15

For more on hand creams, visit our complete guide to creams and lotions for the pottery studio.

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Double Ended Clay Modeling Tool

The line of Colour Shaper double-ended modeling tools from Royal Sovereign.

The Colour Shaper line of tools from Royal Sovereign is a great addition to anyone’s tool kit. Each tool features a high-quality rubber modeling tool, with a corresponding metal loop tool on the other side. Available in a variety of sizes and with a pointed or chisel rubber tip, these are especially useful for sculptors and hand builders but have their place in a potter’s tool kit as well. If getting just one, check out the size 6 tool with a chisel tip, which usually retails for $12-13.

Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $12-13

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Handbuilt: A Modern Potter’s Guide to Handbuilding with CLay by Lily Maetzig

Lilly Maetzig is a potter who has built a strong following online for instructional videos (search for Mae Ceramics) and in 2023 released this book, which introduces more than 20 projects that you can do without a wheel including a pedestal bowl, pinched teapot, and nesting plates.

Recommended for: beginners to intermediate
Cost: $24

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Tool Kits

A packaged tool kit can be a great way for a beginner to get going, or for an experienced potter to replenish their tool supply. There are a few options:

Mudtool Essentials Starter Kit

The Mudtools Essentials Starter Kit includes 9 tools and a storage tube.

This kit from MudTools includes three flexible polymer ribs, the Mudshark cutting tool, a cut-off wire with rounded handles, a long plastic scraper/rib, a sponge, the MudTools all-in-one trimming tool, and the MudTools shredder.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $80-$95.

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Xiem Tool Kits

The Xiem 10 piece beginner’s pottery kit.

Xiem Tools makes two tool kits with some of their best and most popular pottery tools.

The 10 Piece Beginners Pottery Kit actually contains 9 tools (unless you count the tube it comes in as a tool!) including a Foot Shaper, Needle Tool, Heavy Duty Clay Sponge, 11" Pro Wire Clay Cutter, 2 Titanium Fused Trimming Tools, Soft Silicone Clay Rib, Rigid Plastic Clay Rib, and Flexible Stainless Steel Rib.

Recommended for: Beginners / Intermediate
Cost: $60

The Xiem 14 piece Pottery Essentials tool kit.

The 14 piece Essentials Kit (13 tools plus the tube) has the same tools as the Beginners set with the addition of an extra rib, another loop tool, a metal clay knife, and the extendable Xiem pottery sponge.

Recommended for: Intermediate / advanced
Cost: $95.

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Tote Bags

Tote and organizer bags also make a great gift for potters and ceramic artists, especially those that work in shared studios and have to pack up their tools after working. Here are a few options, in addition to the Soolla Bag mentioned above:

JJRing Craft and Art Organizer Tote Bag

The JJRing Tote Bag

The JJRing Craft and Art Organizer Tote Bag comes in a variety of colors and has numerous pockets to keep everything in its place. Made of nylon with cardboard supports, this bag is available in a variety of colors.

Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $15.99

Xiem Artist’s Tool Bag

This deluxe bag features a metal frame, canvas pockets, and a wooden handle. This bag will definitely hold everything you need and more.

Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $35–54.95 (At time of writing, was cheapest at Blick)

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Carve Your Clay: Techniques to Bring the Ceramic Surface to Life by Hilda Carr

This book was published in 2020 but has been a steady favorite since. With ideas for surface decoration including carving, inlay, scraffito, wire cutting and more it has easy-to-follow instructions and great illustrations. Based on Hilda Carr’s signature style but with variations and ideas for every potter, the book is available in hardcover or paperback. (See below for a fluting tool that makes a great pair with this book.)

Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $19 paperback, $25 hardcover

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Xiem Fluting Tool

The Xiem Fluting Tool comes with 3 sizes of blades and an ergonomic handle.

Pair this fluting tool with the book Carve Your Clay and you will have an awesome gift for any potter. The tool comes with 3 blades and an ergonomic handle. Replacement blades are available as well, making this a well thought out and long-lasting tool.

Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $18

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Pottery T-Shirts at Society6, Redbubble, Threadless, and more

Evolution of Pottery T-Shirt at Society6

There’s a lot of fun t-shirts with pottery and kiln themes available from print-on-demand sites. Most of these sites also pay a portion of the sale price to the artists and designers, so not only are you getting a cool gift, but you’re supporting other artists and designers too. If you see a pattern or design you like, make sure to click around — designs are usually available on multiple products so you can find the right gift.

Pictured here a few shirt ideas with links, or check out our post about pottery shirts.

Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: typically $18-30 each depending on options and styles.

Ceramics Joe by D. Goode Art at Threadless

Kintsugi Broken Heart T shirt at Society6

Electric Kiln outline design at Threadless

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Mastering Ceramics Series

The Mastering Ceramics books are great for beginners and intermediate pottery students. The thorough, straightforward advice covers a variety of techniques in an easy-to-approach style. All three books are a great addition to any potter’s bookshelf.

The books usually cost $18-25 each.

Mastering the Potter’s Wheel by Ben Carter, published 2016

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick | Shop at Bookshop.org

Mastering Hand Building by Sunshine Cobb, published 2018

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick | Shop at Bookshop.org

Mastering Kilns and Firing by Lindsay Oesterritter, published 2019

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Bookshop.org

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Wagner HVLP Spray Gun

A High Velocity Low Pressure (HVLP) spray gun just needs a power outlet to instantly get any potter spraying glaze. With a built-in fan, nozzle, and cup for glazes, it’s a quick and affordable way to spray glaze. Wagner makes a straightforward, dependable HVLP that worked great in our recent test of spray guns. The best part is the smaller, cheaper models seem to be best suited for spraying glaze.

Safety Note: Spraying glaze should only down with proper respirator masks and excellent ventilation, or outside.

Recommended for: Advanced
Cost: $55 for basic model, $85 for slightly bigger spray gun

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The Mudtools double-ended trimming tool.

MudTools Double Ended Trimming Tool

This steel trimming tool from MudTools is a great studio tool, allowing potters to trim in a flat plan or in a curve. It’s a toolbox essential tand is also available as part of the MudTools kit, mentioned at the top of the post.

Recommended for: Intermediate / Advanced
Cost: $27

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Wooden Clay Mallet

This handmade wooden clay mallet, by CompanionWorks of Brooklyn, NY, is well proportioned, comfortable, and beautiful. With a maple mallet and poplar handle, it will only get more beautiful with use. It is great for flattening slabs or for working with large vessels on the wheel. Also check out their beautiful clay anvils for making bowls from slabs. The anvils are available in widths of 3” and 6”.

Recommended for: Intermediate / Advanced
Cost: $40 for mallet or $50 for large anvil.

The CompanionWorks clay mallet (top) and clay anvil are beautiful and functional handmade tools.

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Underglaze Sampler Packs

The Speedball Underglaze Sampler Pack

Underglazes are studio favorites and are great way to get vibrant, saturated colors on ceramics. They can be applied by brush, sponge, or spraying. Sample packs are a great way to find the underglaze colors that work best, and are available from a variety of manufacturers.

The Speedball sampler pack includes 12 colors in 2 oz bottles, $45.

AMACO Velvet Underglazes are available in 4 different sampler sets of 2 oz jars for $52 each. Shop at Blick

Mayco has a 10 pack underglaze sampler for around $40. Shop at Amazon

Sax True Flow Underglaze has a 12 pack sampler set for around $43. Shop at Amazon

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Creative Pottery: Innovative Techniques and Experimental Designs by Deb Schwartzkopf

Whether you are a handbuilder or work on the wheel, this book from 2020 is a guide to taking your ceramics to the next level. Add complexity to your projects with simple changes, learn how to make bisque molds, or choose from other projects in this self guided book from potter Deb Schwartzkopf, founder of Rat City and Rain City studios in Seattle.

Recommended for: all levels
Cost: $27

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3M Respirator

3M half facepiece respirator with P100 filters.

A quality dust mask is a must have for anyone who mixes glazes from scratch, makes their own clay, or works with plaster. The best option is a 3M respirator. A basic model is about $15 plus the filters, but for a few dollars more you can get the “rugged comfort” mask which has a more comfortable liner and a few extra features. Pair it with P100 filters or P100 cartridges, and you’ve got high quality protection against silica and other airborne particulates.

For more, visit our complete guide to dust masks.

3M Respirator, $23-$40 depending on model

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Nidec-Shimpo Banding Wheels

The Shimpo 8 3/4” x 2 1/2” tall banding wheel is one of five options from Shimpo.

Banding wheels are very useful for coil building, sculpting, and decorating. Nidec-Shimpo Banding Wheels are the best on the market, made of cast iron with sealed bearings. They are on the heavy side, but this added weight gives the wheels a smooth, even spin. Shimpo banding wheels come in five different sizes ranging from $61 to about $130. The 8 3/4” wide x 2 1/2” tall model ($73) is an all-purpose size that should work for most studios. For more info, read our complete review of banding wheels.

Recommended for: intermediate / advanced
Cost: $61 to $130

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Stadea Adjustable Diamond Hand Pad Set

The Stadea adjustable diamond hand pad system.

Stadea is a go-to brand for quality diamond sanding tools, and this new option is great for potters! It features a 5 inch long foam pad with velcro and 6 different diamond pads, ranging from 50 grit to 1500 grit. It’s perfect for light-duty cleanup such as smoothing the bottom of pots and sculptures. And the adjustable pads means you just have to store one foam block, not six, so it can save space too.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $47

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Nidec-Shimpo Potter’s Stool

Nidec-Shimpo Potter’s Stool

Another great gift idea from Nidec-Shimpo is the Shimpo Potter’s Stool. It’s the most versatile, comfortable, and functional pottery stool on the market. It has four adjustable legs with nine slots on each leg with a range of 19 to 26 inches high. The legs can be adjusted independently, allowing for the stool to be set at an angle if desired. It also has a comfortable, padded seat. It’s a great upgrade for any potter.

Recommended for: Anyone who owns a wheel
Cost: $99

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Sony Portable Bluetooth Boombox

The Sony Bluetooth Boombox

This little Sony unit is a great for studios. It can stream via bluetooth, or use the digital tuner to pick up just about any AM/FM station in your area. While it doesn’t have audiophile quality, the sound is decent and for me personally, I just like having the option of listening to the radio without fussing with my phone. It seems to be the best, most functional option for a Bluetooth boombox that is priced under $100.

Recommended for: Someone who wants FM and Bluetooth
Cost: $100

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Mudtools Rib Set

Mudtools Ribs, some sets of six available at Amazon or buy them individually.

Mudtools ribs are used and loved by many potters. There are four different firmness levels, and each level has six different shapes. There are sets of all 6 on Amazon, or head over to Blick to pick out individual ribs.

Mudtools ribs:
Red — very soft
Yellow — soft
Green — medium
Blue — firm

Mudtools Rib Set, $51 for six ribs at Amazon, or individual ribs at Blick, $9 each.

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Milwaukee M12 Cordless Drill

The Milwaukee M12 Drill Kit comes with a drill, one battery, charging station, and a bag.

The Milwaukee M12 compact cordless drill is a studio favorite. It’s strong enough for most jobs, but small and light so that it’s comfortable for just about any user. Paired with the right mixer blade, this is an ideal drill for mixing glazes, plaster, or other tasks in a ceramics studio. Milwaukee also makes a wide variety of tools that fit the M12 battery. Click here to read a full guide to cordless drills.

Recommended for: Potters with their own studios
Cost: $125-$140

Recommended drill accessories for ceramics:

Jiffy LM Laboratory mixer for mixing small glaze cups.

Plastic helix mixer for mixing 1-2 gallon glaze buckets.

Jiffy ES Mixer for mixing 2 to 5 gallon bucket.

Dewalt 14 piece bit set for drilling holes and the Dewalt 45 piece screwdriver set.

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My Weigh iBalance 5500 Scale

My Weigh iBalance 5500 scale has a 5500 gram / 12 lb capacity and is accurate to 0.1 grams.

The MyWeigh iBalance 5500 is a precision scale that is accurate to 0.1 grams while maintaining a large capacity of 5500 grams or about 12 pounds. It has a stainless steel top, optional AC power adapter, simple and intuitive buttons, and a 3 year warranty. The four feet can be independently leveled too. It’s one of the best options on the market and is a great gift for the potter who also mixes their own glaze.

Recommended for: Anyone who mixes glazes
Cost: $249

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Giffin Grip trimming tool

The Giffin Grip in use, holding a pot in place for trimming.

The Giffin Grip is a trimming tool that attaches to any pottery wheelhead, and various arms allow you to easily hold vases and pots in place for trimming. It sure beats trying to attach pots using small bits of a clay. It’s not cheap—typically around $270—but it lasts for ever and once a potter has one, they’ll use it all the time.

Recommended for: intermediate / advanced
Cost: $270

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Speedball Artista Tabletop Wheel

The Speedball Artista Tabletop Wheel

The Speedball Artista is a great tabletop wheel that is strong enough for most potters but is also portable and can be stored with ease. It’s the perfect option for an at-home practice wheel or for someone looking to try out pottery with a professional machine. It has an 11” wheelhead, a 1/3 horsepower motor, is compatible with standard 10” bats, and weighs just 26 pounds, so it can easily be put away when not in use. You can also add an optional foot pedal or legs. For a complete overview, check out our guide to tabletop wheels.

Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $549

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North Star Portaroller

The North Star Portaroller is a great tool that can instantly upgrade any studio. Designed for artists who are on the go, it’s also ideal for small or home studios because it quickly breaks down into three pieces that can be stored when not in use. The Portaroller has two metal rollers, a crank, and two tabletop pieces that fit on either side of the roller. The top roller can be adjusted for slab thicknesses up to 2.5 inches and it can make slabs that are 16 inches wide. It’s a well thought out piece of equipment that is backed by North Star’s impeccable record of quality. There’s also a larger model in the same style, the North Star Polaris, that can make slabs up to 22 inches wide.

For a complete guide to portable rollers, click here.

North Star Portaroller, 16” wide slabs, $750
North Star Polaris, 22” wide slabs, $1,000

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Full Size Pottery Wheels

A professionally quality pottery wheel starts around $800 and ranges up to around $1,500 to $2,000. Most potters use a wheel in the $800 to $1,500 range from quality brands such as Nidec-Shimpo, Brent, or Speedball. We’ve got a complete pottery wheel buyer’s guide here, but just know that as the price goes up you are paying for a stronger motor, a sturdier tabletop and legs, and a few other features.

Here’s a quick overview of a few wheels that would be great gifts.

Nidec-Shimpo Wheels

Nidec makes three full size wheels:

Shimpo VL-Lite

Shimpo RK-Whisper

Shimpo VL-Whisper

VL-Lite is a motor-driven model that retails for $858

RK-Whisper has the classic Shimpo metal body and fixed foot pedal, 12” wheelhead, and the ultra-quiet magnet driven wheelhead. It retails for $1,310

VL-Whisper is many potter’s favorite with a 14” wheelhead, the same ultra-quiet magnet drive as the RK, and a moveable foot pedal. It retails for $1,532

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Brent Pottery Wheels

Brent Model B.

Brent wheels are workhorses and come in a few models where everything is the same, except the motor. Some models are also available in black in addition to the distinctive “Brent yellow.” The most popular Brent models are the Brent B with a 1/3 horsepower motor, or the Brent C, with a 1/2 horsepower motor.

Brent Model B, 1/3 HP motor, $1,898
Brent Model C, 1/2 HP motor, $1,943

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Speedball Wheels

Speedball Clay Boss Wheel

In addition to the tabletop model mentioned above, Speedball makes two full sized wheels. The Clay Boss has a 1/2 HP motor with a 14” wheelhead. It’s reversible, but only via a plug and not a switch. The Big Boss has similar features except it comes with a 1 HP motor.

Speedball Clay Boss 1/2 HP wheel, $1,038
Speedball Big Boss 1 HP wheel, $1,271

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Other Gift Ideas

Kilns: Read our guide to Skutt kilns here.

Tools: We’ve got a lot more ideas in our tool guides such as:

Scales for glaze mixing

Accessories for glaze mixing

Tools that can be used in the kitchen or the studio.

Classes: A set of classes at your local ceramics studio can be a great gift. If you can’t find a studio, ask a local clay supplier if they can recommend local studios.

Magazine Subscriptions: Magazines are great sources of ideas and inspiration. Check out The Studio Potter, Pottery Making Illustrated, or Ceramics Monthly.

Tours, Trips, or Conferences: Look for pottery-specific travel tours, retreats, or conferences.

What ideas do you have for pottery gifts? Let us know in the comments.

Gift Guides

Posts that may interest you:

Gift Guide for Young Artist and Creative Kids

Gift Guide for Artists Who Paint and Draw

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Table Top Pottery Wheel Buyer's Guide 2023

A lightweight, compact pottery wheel can be a great option for throwing small to medium sized pots, and are priced more economically priced than full-size wheels, generally in the $300 to $550 range. Table top wheels are especially great for at home use, occasional classroom use, or if you have a small working space and need to take your wheel out and put it away.

You can get great results with table top wheels, but there are trade-offs in power and other options found in full-size wheels. If portability isn’t your biggest concern, there are also larger wheels that can be used on table tops, and these will be covered below

This guide will cover portable / table top pottery wheels and also review a few of the super affordable “budget” wheels that are lightweight and can be moved around.

The Speedball Artista table top wheel.

Top Pick: Speedball Artista

The Speedball Artista is our top pick for a table top wheel. With an 11 inch wheel head, it’s almost as big as a full size wheel (usually they have 12 to 14 inch wheel heads) and with a 1/3 horsepower motor, it has enough power for small to medium size pots. And it’s light! The wheel weighs in at just 26 pounds.

The Speedball line of wheels. At right is the Artista with the optional leg and foot pedal attachments.

The Artista wheel head has standard 10” bat pin spacing, a hand-controlled speed lever, and a variety of add ons such as a foot pedal and static or folding legs. The wheel comes with a 2 year warranty, and is available in right or left handed models. It typically retails for $549.

The optional legs and foot pedal will add about another $200 to $300 to the total cost, giving you basically a full size pottery wheel. Being able to store all these pieces is great, but if you are thinking of getting all the add ons, you might also look into the full size Nidec Shimpo VL-Lite pottery wheel for $858. But if you need something that you can move around, put away when not in use, and set up in a variety of places, then the Speedball Artista is great option. It’s also a great wheel for kids, hobbyists, or something that you can add to the corner of a classroom or home studio.

For more on portable and table top wheels, please keep reading below.

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Table of Contents

1. Speedball Artist Portable Wheel

2. Shimpo Aspire Portable Wheel

3. Shimpo VL-Whisper

4. U.S. Art Supply Table Top Wheel

5. Other Lightweight Wheels

6. Comparison Chart

7. Summary

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Nidec-Shimpo Aspire Table Top Wheel

The Shimpo Aspire table top wheel, pictured here with the hand lever.

The Shimpo Aspire pictured with the optional foot pedal.

The Aspire is Nidec-Shimpo’s table top option, with a 1/3 horse power, belt-driven 7 inch wheel head. It is rated to a 20 lb centering capacity, and the wheel has a max speed of 230 rpm via the hand lever, and up to 250 rpm if controlled by the optional foot pedal. The whole unit weighs 31 lbs, making it relatively easy to put away on a shelf or closet when not in use.

The main drawback of the Aspire is that it has a small, 7 inch wheel head. There are a variety of bats and attachments designed for this wheel, but overall it feels more like a toy while the Speedball Artista feels like a portable version of a professional wheel.

The Aspire costs about the same as the Speedball Artista, generally around $569 for the hand lever option or more if you choose to add a foot pedal. The Aspire does not have optional legs.

Overall, this is a quality machine that might be the right wheel for your situation, but it is on the small side.

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Shimpo VL-Whisper

With the legs removed, the Shimpo VL-Whisper makes a great table top wheel.

The Shimpo VL-Whisper is our top-rated full-size wheel and is also a great option for table top use. While not exactly “portable” due to the weight, it has a flat design that can sit on a table top when the legs are removed. If you want a table-top or standing wheel with all the bells and whistles of a top-of-the-line wheel, this is a great option.

Rather than a motor and belt, the VL-Whisper is driven by a virtually silent series of magnets that spin the wheel.

The VL-Whisper (VL stands for velocity) has a 1/2 horse power motor, a 14” wheel head, a reversible switch, and can center up to 100 lbs. At around 135 lbs, it is heavy, but it’s a sturdy machine with the quietest motor on the market. It has a unique magnet-driven wheel which is virtually silent and is the reason it can sit flat as there is no traditional motor hanging below the wheel head. At a typically price of $1517, it hits that sweet spot of great performance and options, while being in about the middle of the price range for full size wheels.

But once again, the decision is do you need a lightweight, portable wheel or a heavier but still great table top wheel.

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U.S. Art Supply Table Top Wheel

Another option is the U.S. Art Supply 3/4 HP Table Top pottery wheel. It is sort of a hybrid of the Shimpo Aspire and Speedball Artista as it is a total unit that weighs around 43 pounds and it has an 11” wheelhead with a proprietary 3-pin bats,. It can go forward and reverse, tops out at 300 rpm, has a foot pedal, and retails for $600.

The reviews on this wheel are really mixed. Some people love it and have had great success, recommending it for beginners or intermediate potters. Some say it wobbles but others describe it as quite sturdy. In general, everyone agrees that the splash pan is not the best. With a one-year warranty, I can only recommend this wheel with reservations. For the price, I would go with the Speedball Artista. For around $200 more, you could get a full-size wheel such as the motor-driven Shimpo VL-Lite. But if you are looking for a table top wheel, definitely check this one out.

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Other Lightweight Wheel Options

In recent years, a number of very affordable wheels in the $120 to $300 range have popped up on Amazon and other places. A variety of pottery influencers have reviewed these wheels on YouTube and found them ok for very small pots, and I can attest that some of my students have tried them and liked them. But if you go this route be aware that there are some limitations, including very limited service and support if anything breaks, weak motors, small wheel heads, and no holes for bat pins if you want to start throwing more adventurous or wider forms. But, I get that many want to try out pottery at a budget price so here are a few models. Do your research as many of these are available in a variety of permutations and generic options online.:

Vevor 11 inch pottery wheel

At $138, this little nugget of a wheel seems to be about the absolute cheapest you can go. It’s got an 11 inch wheel head and the legs are about 8 inches tall, along with a small foot pedal. In total, it weighs around 40 pounds.

With a wheel like this, you can throw up to 5 pounds of clay but there are tons of things you can make with just a pound or two of clay. If you want to try out wheel throwing, this might be the most entry level you can go. Just don’t expect it to last too long under heavy use.

VivoHome 28 cm / 11 inch Wheel

The VivoHome 28 cm wheel and tool kit.

Another budget option is the VivoHome 28 cm wheel. Rather than 3 legs, it has a boxy unit feel along with a detachable foot pedal. I am recommending this one because while the unit is so small and low, the detachable foot pedal will allow you to raise the wheel a bit (with blocks?) while keeping the foot pedal on the floor. The models with the attached foot pedal look too small for an adult to use.

This Vivo Home wheel weighs almost 28 pounds and retails for $189 but it does come with a variety of tools.

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Table Top Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart

Below is a chart with all the wheels mentioned in this post.

Table Top Pottery Wheels

Click the model name to shop at Dick Blick or Amazon.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Speedball Artista	$549	1/3 HP	11"	10"	No, but available as R or L handed	24 x 18 x 9"	26 lbs	0-220	2 years	25 lbs
Shimpo Aspire	$569	1/3 HP	7"	6"	No	14.5 x 20 x 9"	31 lbs	0-230 hand, 0-250 foot pedal	5 years	20 lbs
US Art Table Top	$600	3/4 HP	11"	Custom 3 pin design	Yes, switch	17 x 26 x 13"	42.3 lbs	0-300	1 year	25 lbs
VL-Whisper	$1,517	1/2 HP, 400w	14"	10"	Yes, switch	23.2 x 27.5 x 22.75"	122 lbs	0-250	5 years	100 lbs

For a comparison of all types of wheels including full size wheels, click here.

And for our buyer’s guide to full-size wheels, click here. 

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Summary

Table top pottery wheels are great options for a wide variety of potters. This post has covered a variety of portable and table top wheel options, with our top pick being the Speedball Artista wheel for it’s full size wheel head and ability to go from a comfortable sitting down wheel, to table top, to being packed away on the shelf.

But there are other options out there to suit every type of potter and studio. What table top pottery wheels do you prefer? Let us know in the comments.

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The Best Loop Tools for Trimming Pottery

For this post, 10 professional-grade loop tools from 6 manufacturers were tested to find the best option for trimming and cleaning up pottery. Considerations included sharpness, comfort while using, durability, and whether the metal in the blade was stiff or more flexible.

Overall, these will all be fine tools for your studio but there were a few favorites including the basic Kemper loop tool and two loop tools from Xiem tools. The drawback for many of these tools was stiffer blades that while they may stay sharp longer, resulted in “chattering” or a slight bouncing while trimming.

Prices for these loop tools range from $4 to over $80 for the specialized tungsten carbide tools. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot. Our top picks range from $4 to $18 each.

This test did not include the very cheapest loop tools, such as those that come with light-colored wooden handles found in the budget tool sets. These tools are fine for beginners but the blades wear down very quickly. At the very least, more serious potters should upgrade to the Kemper loop tool (our top pick) or consider starting with the Kemper pottery tool kit. For beginners, also check out our tool guide for pottery beginners.

Every manufacturer makes a large variety of trimming tool shapes, but for the sake of comparison, this test mostly covers “pear shaped” loop tools. If you prefer different shapes, you could find those with the same blades and handles as most of our picks. The conclusion of the post covers some ideas of how to sharpen and maintain your loop tools. All of these tools can be sharpened at least a few times and many are designed to be sharpened over and over.

TOP PICK: Kemper 5” Pear Shaped Loop Tool (* Also the top value / top budget pick!)

The Kemper 5” Pear Shaped Loop Tool. This is also the large loop tool that comes standard in the Kemper Pottery Tool Kit.

After testing, the best option for most studios is the standard Kemper pear-shaped loop tool, which typically retails for $4-$6. This tool combines quality and durability in a very affordable package. It’s available at just about every ceramic supply shop or can be found for just $3.77 at Blick in the United States.

Coming in to this test, this was my default trimming tool, but even after testing all the other loop tools, this is the one I reached for most. The blade stays decently sharp and the metal is soft enough that it doesn’t result in “chattering” or bouncing while trimming. And while the blade does wear down over time, it can be sharpened at least one or two times. For me, these tools typically last 6 to 12 months before I need to replace them. At $4 each, it’s a fantastic deal.

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UPGRADE Pick: Xiem Pro TFT #03 Large Teardrop Shaped Loop Tool

The Xiem Tools Pro TFT #03 or large-sized teardrop shaped trimming tool features a blade that is 1.81 inches wide. Shop tool at Etsy.

The Xiem Pro TFT 03 is my top upgrade pick for a loop tool. The tool features a great blade, the tool is very comfortable in hand, and the handle has one side that is slightly flat so that the tool won’t roll away.

The blade is beveled on both sides and is a gold color when it arrives, although this gold wears away with use. The Xiem Pro line are advertised as “titanium-fused” and they claim it is “three times” harder than regular steel with enhanced rust protection. The blade was sharp but it didn’t stay as sharp as the much more expensive tungsten carbide blades. Throughout my testing, I didn’t notice even a hint of rusting with the blade on this tool.

Xiem makes 3 teardrop-shaped trimming tools, with blades that are about 1 inch, 1.4 inch, or 1.81 inches wide and they cost $17, $18, or $19 each. These tools felt most similar to the Kemper Pro line of tools, but I feel that the quality of the blade and distinctive handle makes them the superior pick versus the Kemper Pro tools.

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ALSO GREAT: Xiem Tools Pro Multi-function Loop Trimming Tool

The Xiem Tools Pro Multi-Function Loop Tool TFT05 has a blade that is about 1.4 inches wide and is available at Etsy.

I wasn’t familiar with these tools before this test, but this distinctive style from Xiem Tools quickly became my favorite detail trimmer. As in the the other Xiem Tools Pro Trimmers, the Multi-Function tools feature a titanium-bonded steel blade and ergonomic handle with a flat bottom.

Where this tool really shines is its versatility and distinctive shape. You can trim broad areas, slight curves, or create a nice right angle on a foot ring or other part of your ware. The multi-function tools have a thinner blade, so they may not be the greatest for your first few passes in trimming, but they are great for detail work.

The blade is beveled on two sides, and is also golden color when new, although that wears off with use. The tool is advertised as being rust-resistant and it stayed rust free throughout the months of testing.

These tools are available with blades that are about .9, 1.4, and 1.9 inches wide, and cost $17, $18, or $19 each. I liked the medium so much that I went ahead and ordered the other two.

For the complete review of every tool tested, keep reading below.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Picks

2. How Loop Tools Were Tested

3. Kemper and Kemper Pro Loop Tools

4. Xiem and Xiem Pro Loop Tools

5. Hsin Tools

6. Groovy Tools Loop Tools

7. Diamond Core Loop Tools

8. MudTools Do All Trim Tool

9. Sharpening Stones and Tools for Ceramic Tools

10. Summary

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How the Loop Tools Were Tested

For this test, every readily available loop tool on the market was purchased. When multiple sizes were present, such as the Xiem Pro line, the medium option was selected so that tools could be compared on a one-to-one basis with relatively similar sizes. Because they were harder to find, Buffalo Pottery Trimming Tools and the Dolan Tools were not tested. (Dolan Tools appear to be unavailable however, it appears that the Kemper Pro line are the exact same tools.)

My own personal biases and preferences also come in to play with this test, so I’ll share that information here: For years, I only used the basic Kemper pear-shaped loop tool and that shape and style of metal just feels “natural” to me. And though I have tried the open-ended L-shaped trimming tools, they have never been something I used regularly and so I am leaving those tools for a future test.

Finally, if you have a loop or trimming tool that feels good to you, that is probably the best thing to keep using as we all have different styles of using these tools.

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Kemper and Kemper Pro Loop Trimming Tools

The Kemper Pro PT310 Loop Tool at top, and the standard Kemper Pear-Shaped Loop Tool at bottom.

Two styles of Kemper loop tools were tested, including the basic Kemper pear-shaped loop tool, and the Kemper Pro PT310 loop tool.

As detailed above, the basic Kemper pear-shaped loop tool is our top pick for its combination of quality, durability, and affordability. It’s often available for $4 or less such as at Blick in the US.

The Kemper Pro line feature thicker blades that are beveled on both sides, and a straight handle. The Pro blade is thicker but not quite as wide as the standard tool, and can be sharpened numerous times. While stiffer, the Pro blade is still forgiving enough that it didn’t result in any chattering in use. The steel blade is somewhat prone to rusting but if you clean your tools after use, this should be a long-lasting tool.

The standard Kemper loop tool typically retails for $4-6 and the Pro tools are available at ceramic supply shops for around $15.

The Kemper standard loop tool at left (it’s worn down after about a year of use) and the Kemper Pro blade at right.

A detail shot of the Kemper Pro PT310 blade. The steel blade is slightly prone to rusting, but it can be sharpened, cleaned, and oiled for years of use.

Kemper and Kemper Pro Trimming Tools
A wide variety of shapes are available with similar blades but tested here were:
Kemper Standard Pear-Shaped Loop Tool $4-6
Kemper Pro PT310 Loop Tool: $15

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Xiem and Xiem Pro Loop Trimming Tools

Top view of the three Xiem Tools trimming tools tested.

Three styles of Xiem loop tools were tested, including the basic LTT05 with a green plastic handle, the TFT05 Multi-Function Loop Tool, and the TFT03 Pear-Shaped Loop Tool. As detailed above, the Xiem Tools Pro line models were definite favorites for their combination of durability, and ergonomic handles. All three Xiem Tools tested feature a flat bottom, so the tool won’t roll away. It’s a nice feature that doesn’t take anything away from the ergonomic, pleasant feel of holding these tools.

The Xiem Tools all have a flat bottom, which is nice feature to keep your tools from rolling away.

The Xiem Loop Trimming Tool or LTT05 tested was a fine trimming tool with a very flat but wide blade with a slight bevel on both sides, and a plastic handle. After a few uses, it wasn’t a tool that I instinctively reached for, and at $15, it’s quite a bit more expensive than the standard Kemper tool. The tool features a blade that is 1.6 inches wide.

I won’t restate everything mentioned above about the Xiem Pro line of trimming tools, but these were definite favorites that I will be ordering more of. They have a great combination of durability, ease of use, quality of materials, and a decent price that is competitive with all the other “professional” loop tools out there.

Close up of the three tools. From left is the Xiem Pro Loop Tool, the Xiem Standard loop tool, and at right is the Xiem Multi-Function Loop Tool.

The Xiem Tools medium sized Multifunction Titatanium Fused Pro Trimming Tool. Shop this style at Etsy.

The Xiem Tools Pro TFT03 pear-shaped trimming tool. Shop this style at Etsy.

The Xiem “standard” Loop Trimming Tool or LTT05. Shop this style at Etsy.

Xiem Tools Trimming Tools

A wide variety of shapes and styles are available. Tested here were:
LTT05 Trimming Tool: $15
TFT03 Teardrop or Pear-Shaped Loop Tool: $18
TFT05 Multi-function trimming tool: $18

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Hsin Tools Trimming Tools

The Hsin Tools tungsten carbide loop tools feature a super-sharp, replaceable tungsten blade and also come with a sharpening tool.

Hsin Tools are designed by potter Hsin-Chuen Lin (You may have seen his many YouTube videos) and the loop tools all feature super-stiff tungsten carbide trimming blades with beautiful wooden handles. The pear shaped tool tested is not cheap—the current price is $88—but the blade is replaceable and they are definitely the nicest looking loop tool tested. It also comes with a sharpening tool so that you can keep it as sharp as possible.

The loop tool features a straight bevel on both side, making it easy to sharpen and maintain.

As a trimming tool, I found it comfortable to hold and although the loop opening was smaller than other tools, it worked fine for a wide variety of trimming purposes. The blade itself has a nice thickness and angle and stayed extremely sharp throughout testing. And although the finish on the handle seemed to fade quickly with clean up, they can be oiled as needed to bring back their shine.

The drawback to this tool (in addition to the price) is that the stiff tungsten material is prone to chattering. As much as I wanted to love this beautiful tool, after a few uses I just didn’t reach for it because I knew that somehow every pot I trimmed would end up with chattering marks. This might be me—I do prefer softer trimming tool metal—but I just didn’t connect with this tool even though I wanted to love it.

Hsin Tools Loop Tools
Available in pear shape or square shape. $80-$88 each
Replacement blades available for $60

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Groovy Tools Loop Tools

Groovy Tools Trimming Tools. At top is the thinner 301 model. At bottom in green is the thicker 205 model.

Groovy Tools are an interesting entry in the loop tools category because of their plastic handles and hardened and tempered blades. Made by Kentucky Mudworks, the tools can be resharpened for a long life and are are available in a variety of shapes. For this test, the pear-shape tool from the 200 and 300 series were tested.

The 200 series has a thicker blade and the 300 series is slightly thinner. In practice, both could be used for a wide variety of trimming tasks and I would consider the thinner 300 series to be a “normal” thickness while the 200 series is beefier, and might be great for sculpting or use with rough clays.

The thinner 300 series is at left, and 200 series at right.

The blades feature a flat edge and bevels on both side. In practice, they felt very similar to the Kemper pro line of trimming tools. As with other harder / stiffer blades, I had problems with chattering with these tools and while I kind of like that they have plastic handles (easy to clean!) the stiffness of the blade was a drawback for me.

This line of tools has a wide variety of shapes so it might be worth taking a look to see if something works for you.

A close up of the 200 series blade.

Groovy Tools Loop Tools
$15-$17 each
Available at ceramic supply stores or directly from Kentucky Mudworks.

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DiamondCore Trimming Tools

The DiamondCore T7 Avocado shaped trimming tool comes with one replacement blade.

DiamondCore is a beloved brand of ceramic tools out of San Diego, California. In addition to diamond sharpening pads, the company makes stylus tools for sgraffito, fluting and carving tools, and a variety of trimming tools. The T7 avocado shaped tool was tested although since ordering this product, DiamondCore has rolled out some larger sizes of trimming tools. I assume those larger tools feature the same sort of blade material tested here.

The blade of the tool. I found the opening to be quite small on the T7.

The Diamond Core T7 tool features a rather small blade that is attached to the squared wooden handle with 4 screws. The tool arrived with one replacement blade and more blades can be ordered as needed. The blade is thin, sharp, and basically flat. I think it could be sharpened a few times but I would expect it to wear down under heavy use.

I didn’t try unscrewing the blade, but I imagine it would be a simple task and this feature definitely makes this the most environmentally sound tool tested. A used-up blade could be recycled and the handle can be reused indefinitely.

I did find the blade opening to be quite small. This was fine for detail work, but it wouldn’t be the tool I reach for on a first pass of trimming a bowl or other larger ware. And while the blade attachment is great for the longevity of the tool and replacing blades, it was easy for clay to get gummed up and stuck around the screws and bottom of the blade. I’d only recommend using this for trimming quite dry pieces, so that clay doesn’t get stuck.

At $48, this was one of the more expensive tools tested. Yes, you are getting a beautiful handle and the ability to replace blades easily, but unless DiamondCore makes a larger model around 1.4 or 1.5 inches wide, I wouldn’t recommend this trimming tool except for detail work.

DiamondCore T7 Trimming Tool
$48 at DiamondCoreTools.com

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Mudtools Do-All Tool

The MudTools Do-All Tool is a carbon steel trimming tool.

The Mudtools Do-All Tool is slightly different from the other tools tested, but because it has one curved end, I thought it would be a good comparison. The tool features two sides. The “L” or “spade” side is beveled on the 3 exposed sides, and the curved or hooked side features a double bevel similar to a teardrop or pear-shaped loop tool.

The tool is made from carbon steel and can be sharpened. The middle handle of the tool is slightly beveled for ease of use and the metal appears to be finished with a matte paint.

The “L” shape or “spade” side of the tool.

It’s a comfortable tool that is really versatile but as mentioned above, I have never really connected with L-shaped tool and as much as I want to love this for the variety of shapes and trimming angles you can take with it, I’m not sure it’s the right tool for most. Personally, I’m just more comfortable with a standard loop tool with a nice chunky handle. But, this is a really interesting option and might be right for your tool kit.

MudTools Do All Trim Tool
$27

The curved or hooked side is somewhat similar to a teardrop shaped loop tool.

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Sharpening Tools

Almost every tool in your ceramics tool kit can be sharpened and loop tools are no exception. Standard loop tools can be sharpened a few times and professional-grade loop tools with thicker blades can be sharpened numerous times.

Pictured here are a few options, including the sharpening tool that comes with the Hsin Tools, a small 4 inch long whetstone, and a small motorized whetstone.

Close up on the small whetstone. I use this for polishing the bottom of pots as well as sharpening tools.

Similar to sharpening knives, loop tools can be sharpened with repeated passes of a whetstone, while taking care to keep the bevel even.

Some choose to use motorized bench grinders or whetstones to sharpen their tools but this may be overkill. Some of the softer blades, such as the Kemper standard or basic Xiem loop tool, will get chewed up by a motorized tool.

As with any tool, you’ll have to balance the time and effort to sharpen tools versus the cost of replacing. With the professional grade tools, it is definitely worth it to get a small whetstone and at least try sharpening them. Once you start paying attention to your blades, you’ll notice how you get slightly different results with sharp or dull blades.

Top: the sharpening tool that comes with the Hsin tools tungsten carbide loop tool. Bottom: A 4-inch long backpacking style small whetstone.

The Hsin tools sharpening tool.

A motorized whetstone system, available for $140 at Amazon.

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Summary

A wide variety of trimming tools were tested, with a focus on finding the best standard or teardrop shaped loop tool. Top picks included the Kemper standard pear-shaped loop tool, along with the Xiem Pro TFT03 loop tool and the Xiem Pro TFT05 Multi-function loop tool. Most of these tools are available in a variety of other shapes as well, but with the same handles and blades, so it is worth shopping around to find what is right for you.

What is your favorite trimming tool? Let us know in the comments.

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Spray Gun Buyer's Guide for Glazing Ceramics

A spray gun is a great tool for applying ceramic glazes, allowing you to quickly and efficiently cover large or complex surfaces, easily layer glazes, or create gradients and ombre effects.

Spray guns for applying glazes range from simple pots that you blow into, to all-in-one HVLP sprayers, to complete set ups that include air compressors and spray booths. This guide will cover all these options.

This post starts with our top pick, the HVLP sprayers from Wagner. The post also includes a guide to set ups with an air compressor. This post concludes with some tips and tricks for spraying, along with some thoughts on upgraded “pro level” sprayers.

Safety note: Anytime you are spraying glazes, it’s also extremely important to consider safety precautions including high quality respirators, spray booths with filters, and well-ventilated rooms (or outdoors.) Don’t take any chances with the health of your lungs!

Top Pick: Wagner Control Spray QX2 Sprayer

The Wagner Control Sprayers are great option for an all-in-one spraying option for individuals and small studios.

This is the simplest way to get into spraying glazes, and is our top pick for individuals or small studios. You may not have used or seen one of these in a ceramic studio, but they work, are affordable, and they are space efficient. An HVLP or “High Velocity Low Pressure” sprayer works in basically the same way as a spray unit with an air compressor, but instead these hand-held units have a fan that creates a siphon from the cup up into the spray nozzle. They are heavier than holding just a spray gun, but they are not too heavy and are well balanced.

The HVLP sprayers have a “softer” spray but in my experience, it is just as effective. It’s what I use in my own personal studio. The only trade off is a bit of a “spit” at the start of spraying but I haven’t noticed that this creates any issues with the glazes I apply. (This initial “spit” might be less ideal for applying thicker underglazes or slips, or for detail effects.)

There are lots of HVLP sprayers on the market but what I use and recommend is one of three smaller Wagner sprayers designed for applying stains. These are usually called the “control” sprayers in the Wagner product line. The sprayers have adjustable nozzles to control the spray pattern in a vertical, horizontal, or round pattern, and the cup holds about a pint and a half of liquid. These sprayers all have an on / off switch for the fan. Larger models have an adjustable fan speed dial.

The Wagner Control Spray QX2 model is slightly larger with a bigger fan, 27 ounce cup, and costs $89.99.
The Wagner Control Spray QX1 is slightly smaller, has a 20 ounce cup, and costs $79.99.
The smallest option is the Wagner Control Stainer 150 model with a 20 ounce cup for $69.99.
Note: these guns are available under a few different product numbers but I went with the most current names from the Wagner website.

More info on the Wagner HVLP sprayers

About a year and a half ago, I bought the Wagner Flexio 590 kit, which includes two sprayers, the larger “iSpray” and the “Detail Finish” nozzle. The “iSpray” was waaaay too big for my purposes, but I find the “Detail Finish” nozzle to be perfect for glazes, which is why I’m recommending any of the smaller Wagner spray guns, such as the QX2 Control Sprayer. One nice feature of the larger gun that comes with the Flexio kit is that it has an adjustable fan, whereas the smaller Wagner models just have an on / off switch. (I think you’ll be fine either way.) More info in the image captions:

The Flexio 590 kit from Wagner comes with two nozzles and a briefcase style storage unit. The larger nozzle is overkill for ceramic glazes, so I’d recommend just getting one smaller “Control” or “Detail” sprayer.

The assembled unit with the “Detail Finish” nozzle and cup attached.

The nozzle and cup can be broken down into 6 pieces, which can all be submerged in water and cleaned. The motor / fan unit on the right can be lightly cleaned with a damp sponge.

I use the unit at the 3.5 setting, but not every Wagner sprayer has an adjustable fan.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Wagner Control Sprayer

2. Pro-grade set up: Spray Gun with Air Compressor

3. Stainless Steel Atomizers for small projects

4. Spray Booths

5. Tips and Equipment for Spraying Glaze

6. Professional-Grade Spray Guns

7. Summary

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Professional Spray Gun Set Up

If you will be doing a lot of glaze spraying or want the most control, you’ll want to get a good quality spray gun that attaches to an air compressor. This combination of equipment is fairly quiet and the compressor should fit underneath your spray booth, so it won’t take up a huge amount of space (more on spray booths below.) In addition to a spray booth, this set up involves an air compressor, spray gun, and a hose and coupling to connect the compressor and spray gun. Using the recommended links below, the spraying set up will cost around $245 and up, depending on the spray gun you select. The spray booths start around $900 but will easily get to $1500-$2000 when you add in needed features such as an exhaust fan and shipping.

Air Compressor

California Air Tools 1 gallon / 0.6 HP compressor is a great option for a small air compressor.

Aside from the spray booth, the biggest part of this set up is the air compressor, and the California Air Tools 1 gallon / 0.6 HP compressor is plenty strong for spraying glaze and at $165, not terribly expensive. It weighs 29 lbs and is rated at just 56 decibels. At Home Depot this compressor comes with a 25 foot hose, or get it at Amazon without a hose.

Spray Guns

The K-Grip siphon spray gun is a basic model that is durable and long lasting.

There are a lot of spray gun options, and they can be roughly classified into siphon style where the cup is on the bottom, and gravity feed, where the cup is on top. Both are fine for ceramic glazes. A lot of ceramic artists like the cheapo Harbor Freight spray guns for around $20 but I tried those and they failed with a few hours of use, so in this guide, I’m only recommending spray guns of better quality and durability.

For a siphon-style spray gun, a good place to start is with a simple K-Grip Siphon Spray Gun for $45-$50. Sometimes this is sold under the name “Critter.” This gun has almost no moving parts, so nothing to break, but it is not adjustable and can only spray in a cone pattern. This spray gun will connect to mason jars or plastic underglaze jars, allowing you to easily switch between glazes.

The TCP G6600 spray gun is the entry-level model in the TCP line and is available with a variety of tips, starting around $70.

For a gravity-feed spray gun, a decent option is the G6600 Model from TCP Global. These guns start at around $70 and have a variety fluid tip sizes. A good model is the sprayer with a 1.5 mm fluid tip for $70, or you can get a 3 pack of guns for $140 that comes with a variety of fluid tip sizes. The main advantage of these guns is they come with adjustable nozzles that can be set to spray in a cone, vertical, or horizontal pattern.

These guns also come with replaceable nozzles and needles, so if parts wear out they can be replaced. Or you can switch between different tips for different uses. In general, smaller tips are for detail applications, and wider tips are best for general use. Click here to view TCP replacement parts, and make sure to pick the nozzles / needles that match the gun you are using.

These are just a few of the many options for spray guns out there, but I think a good place to start is something in the the $50-$100 range. With a lot of use, your spray gun may wear out so you might want to keep things simple for your first spray gun. Also keep in mind that professional-grade spray guns from Binks or Devilbiss will cost $200 or more. There is more info on “pro-grade” spray guns near the end of this post.

Hoses etc.

Air hose

After picking out your air compressor and spray gun, you’ll need a few attachments including a hose and possibly a brass coupler set. The air compressor comes with a female air outlet, so the hose should connect to that easily, but you might need an additional quick release to connect to your gun. If you haven’t used these couplings before, they are simple quick-release style all metal couplings. If they get sticky, lubricate the bearings.

Below are links to a hose, and brass coupler set. If these don’t work for you, you might need to plan a trip to a hardware store to get all the right parts that fits to your system.

Brass coupler

Here are the same links as above:

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Small Projects Option: Stainless Steel Atomizers

A stainless steel atomizer is a an affordable option that is great for occasional or small spray jobs.

For small projects or very occasional use, a stainless steel atomizer is an option for spraying. These are basically mouth spray guns. They are probably too much work for applying a normal layer of glaze, but if you were looking for a simple way to apply underglaze or oxides, this is worth a try. They are available in 100ml to 300ml sizes. For most, I’d start with the 200ml atomizer or consider the smallest 100ml size. The largest size gets a bit hard to use effectively.

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Spray Booths

The Laguna Pro-X Spray Booth on a mobile base.

If you are spraying indoors, you need a spray booth with a filter and a good fan that will suck all the exhaust into the filter. (You should still wear a respirator) The best and main option is the Laguna Spray Booth, which is available in the Pro-X model and the wider Pro-V model. These start at $845 and $1,640 respectively, and expect to spend quite a bit more as it’s a good idea to add the fan and all the options that will make this work properly. The Laguna spray booths are easy to clean, effective, and well sized for pottery and small to medium sized sculptures.

The Paasche Spray Booth is an option for a smaller, table top spray booth.

For smaller options, you might look into the various Paasche Airbrush spray booths, which start around $300. These will need 4 inch ducting to run the air out of your room, and they are not very tall.

Another option is to do all your spraying outdoors. Wherever you spray, indoors or out, wear a high quality respirator or dust mask.

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Tips and Tricks for Spraying Glaze

This section will cover a few ideas for spraying glazes, along with a few products that will make your experience easier.

Glaze Viscosity / Thickness: Always make sure that your glaze or underglaze is well mixed and ready to apply. It can be thick or thin—as long as it works with your spray gun, it should be fine. If it is too thick, try thinning your glaze with water until you reach a stage where it will spray. But generally most glazes that are ready to dip or paint are also suitable for spraying.

Clean up: Plan to clean your spray gun immediately after spraying. You do not want glaze material to dry inside the gun, especially if you are using anything with gums that will be very hard to clean when dry. Most spray guns can be take apart and the whole apparatus can be submerged in water for easy cleaning. A cleaning kit might be overkill for most users, but having a small brush or two can really help you clean tubes and hard-to-reach parts of your sprayer.

Spray Gun Oil: You may need a bit of a light oil for your spray gun. Definitely consult your owners manual, but for an easy-to-apply and light oil, I like the Wahl hair trimmer blade oil as it comes in a convenient 4 oz size with a long applicator tip.

The following two items will make spraying glaze much easier for you:

Sieves

The Adamas-Beta test sieve is a small sieve that can be used for screening glaze directly into your spray gun cup.

Make sure to sieve all your glazes before screening (Yes, every time you fill a cup). You don’t want any small chunks of glaze material or bisqueware clogging your spray gun. It’s best to run glaze through an 80 mesh screen, such as a Talisman test sieve or the Adamas-Beta stainless steel sieve.

Banding Wheel

A Shimpo banding wheel will spin easily and can be cleaned after use.

A banding wheel inside your spray booth makes it easy to turn and get all sides of your piece with one spin. Choose a high-quality banding wheel such as Shimpo or Falling In Art, which are all metal and easy to clean.

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Professional Grade Spray Guns

If you do a lot of spraying, it can be a good idea to invest in a high-quality spray gun. Starting at around $100, these guns can range up to around $300 or more. What you are getting with these guns are higher-quality parts along with the ability to buy replacement needles and nozzles. This means you might be making an investment in a gun that will last you decades, with proper maintenance.

Here are a few options for professional grade spray guns.

Binks

The Binks 2100 model is a traditional (not HVLP) spray gun.

Binks makes amazing spray guns. They are not cheap, but will last a lifetime. I’d recommend these if you really want ‘the best’ or if you had a ceramic factory where you need a gun that can handle non-stop spraying. I would also say that they are a good option for an academic institution, because they can take the abuse students will throw their way.

The 2100 model is a great option, and costs $385. You will also need to buy a cup and pair it with a good air compressor. The main advantage of Binks is that you can buy needles and nozzle tips that are designed for use with the relatively rough materials found in ceramic glazes (as opposed to paint). This information and specific product numbers are usually buried in Binks product manuals, but do know that Binks has needles designed for ceramic glaze materials.

Devilbiss

Devilbiss is another company that makes professional spray guns. Usually a bit more affordable than Binks, they are high quality and will last forever.

The FLG is the entry-level spray gun in the Devilbiss product line. It costs $206 and comes with a cup via Amazon.

TCP Global

In addition to the entry-level G6600 model covered above, TCP GLobal has four more models of spray guns. Three of the models are gravity feed and one is siphon style.

The TCP-Global Pro-88 gravity feed gun.

Pro-33, $109 at Amazon
Pro-44, $150 at Amazon
Pro-55, $150 at Amazon (siphon style, cup purchased separately)
Pro-88, $180 at Amazon

To be honest, I couldn’t quite figure out the difference between these models except that the Pro-88 claims a nozzle with better mixing capabilities.

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Summary

This guide has covered a wide variety of options for spraying glaze in a ceramic studio.

Our top pick is a control spray model from Wagner, as this all-in-one system is affordable, compact, and effective. But if you have the space or desire, you can upgrade to a complete system with an air compressor and gun. The more expensive guns do have replacement parts available, and give you more control, so they can definitely be worth it.

Regardless of what you are using to spray, it’s very important to wear a respirator and either spray outside or buy a quality spray booth to suction the air through a filter and out of your workspace.

Spraying glaze is a great option that can give you great results. What are you using in your studio? Let us know in the comments.

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Gift Guide For Potters and Ceramic Artists 2022

Note: Click here to read our new Gift Guide for 2023-2024!

This gift guide has more than 40 ideas of gifts for potters, ceramic artists, or anyone who works with clay. Most of these suggestions are priced between $5 and $100, along with a few higher-priced items like pottery wheels and slab rollers.

Most potters probably already have a basic tool kit and a few others tools. But if someone is just starting, we’ve also got a handy guide to the best tools for pottery beginners, and there are many other posts on this site with reviews of tools and books we love.

This post starts with a few “top gift ideas” including aprons, hand lotion, new books, and tool kits, and follows with a bunch of gift ideas $25 and under, $50 and under, $100 and under, $250 and under, and over $250.

Note: This site uses affiliate links for sites such as Amazon and Blick. If you click the links and complete a purchase, we may receive a percentage at no extra cost to you.

Top Gift Ideas

A few of our favorites, including aprons, skin cream, new books, and tool kits.

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Top Gift Ideas: Aprons

The Claypron is a great potter’s apron.

The Claypron

Potters always need an apron or two, and there are many great options. The Claypron is a split-leg apron designed specifically for working with clay at the potter’s wheel. It’s available in a variety of colors, is made with high-quality, washable cotton, and is one of the most popular aprons in ceramic studios. It has ties at the neck and waist, and generally retails for around $40.

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Best Lightweight Apron

The Revco apron is a lightweight option.

For a lightweight apron, check out the Revco Split-Leg Apron. It has clips at the neck and around the legs, and a tie at the waist. The apron is available in a few lengths, but the standard 36” length will work for most. It doesn’t have overlapping canvas, but it’s a great option that retails for around $19.

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Deluxe Apron

The ScheveningsePracht split-leg apron is made in the Netherlands from thick canvas.

For a deluxe, heavy-duty canvas apron with great ties, style, and a a built-in towel hook, the ScheveningsePracht split-leg apron available on Etsy is awesome! It’s made with a thick, overlapping canvas for great coverage at the wheel, and it has a tie at the waist and an adjustable neck. It is made in the Netherlands and ships from there, so allow a few weeks for delivery around the world. You can also order custom lengths, a linen apron, or check out the other apron options from this store. The split-leg apron is listed at $52.

For more on aprons, visit our complete guide to aprons for pottery and ceramic studios.

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Top Gift Ideas: Lotion and Hand Cream

Continuing with our top gifts, a few lotion options. Pottery and clay can be hard on hands and any potter will appreciate the gift of nice lotion

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Potter’s Skin Butter

Potter’s Skin Butter from Cara Mae Skincare is deep hydration for hardworking hands. Made by a potter for potters, this is a great gift. Available in Tangerine, Lavender, Mint and Unscented in a variety of sizes.

Cara Mae Skincare has other lotions as well, all equally great.

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Weleda Skin Food

Weleda Skin Food in its distinctive green tube.

There are lots of great everyday creams, such as O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream (shop at Amazon), but a real upgrade is Weleda Skin Food. It’s a rich, luxurious cream that will help protect hands during a long studio session or at home. This extra thick cream smells great, melds into your skin quickly, and the squeeze tube makes it easy to use at home or studio. It usually listed at $19 for a 2.5 oz tube, but recently it’s been available for $13.

For more on hand creams, visit our complete guide to creams and lotions for the pottery studio.

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Top Gift Ideas: Books

A few new releases that are great for any bookshelf.

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Boy in a China Shop: Life, Clay and Everything by Keith Brymer Jones

Fans of The Great Pottery Throwdown and potters will love this book by Brymer Jones, judge on the popular BBC series. In a series of chapters inspired by significant objects (usually pots), Brymer shares stories and insights from his life and work.

Boy In A China Shop, Hardcover, 352 pages, published October 2022 by Hodder & Stoughton, $29

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Pottery for Beginners: Projects for Beautiful Ceramic Bowls, Mugs, Vases, and More by Kara Leigh Ford

Aimed at beginners, this book covers handbuilding and wheel throwing, as well as how to set up a workspace. Filled with projects, tips, and ideas, this book is the perfect guide for anyone who wants to get started with clay.

Paperback, 192 pages, published October 2021 by Page Street Publishing, $23

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Ceramics Masterclass: Creative Techniques of 100 Great Artists by Louisa Taylor

This 2020 book by Louisa Taylor (who also wrote The Ceramics Bible) is a great gift for the potter or artist looking to expand their ideas. The book explores 100 works of contemporary and historical ceramic art and discusses techniques, methods, and concepts behind the works. Presented as a two-page spread per artwork with great images, the book also contains info on techniques and glaze recipes. Available in hardcover for $30 or even better for the studio, Flexbound for around $14, this is a great gift.

For more books, check out our recent posts:
14 Best New Ceramic and Pottery Technique Books
and
14 Best New Ceramic History Books and Artist Monographs

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Top Gifts Ideas: Tool Kits

A packaged tool kit can be a great way for a beginner to get going, or for an experienced potter to replenish their tool supply.

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Mudtool Essentials Starter Kit

The Mudtools Essentials Starter Kit includes 9 tools and a storage tube.

MudTools makes innovative tools such as their beloved flexible plastic ribs, and this MudTools Essential Starter Kit includes nine of their most popular tools (plus the tube). A great gift for beginners, experienced potters will also appreciate this kit. Included are three flexible polymer ribs, the Mudshark cutting tool, a cut-off wire with polymer handles, a long plastic scraper/rib, a sponge, the MudTools all-in-one trimming tool, and the MudTools shredder. The kit typically costs around $75.

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Xiem Tool Kits

The Xiem 10 piece beginner’s pottery kit.

Xiem Tools makes two tool kits with some of their best and most popular pottery tools.

The Xiem 14 piece Pottery Essentials tool kit.

The 10 Piece Beginners Pottery Kit actually contains 9 tools (unless you count the tube it comes in as a tool!) including a Foot Shaper, Needle Tool, Heavy Duty Clay Sponge, 11" Pro Wire Clay Cutter, 2 Titanium Fused Trimming Tools, Soft Silicone Clay Rib, Rigid Plastic Clay Rib, and Flexible Stainless Steel Rib. It retails for $61.

The 14 piece Essentials Kit (13 tools plus the tube) has the same tools as the Beginners set with the addition of an extra rib, another loop tool, a metal clay knife, and the extendable Xiem pottery sponge. It retails for $95.

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Gift Ideas Under $25

JJRing Craft and Art Organizer Tote Bag

The JJRing Tote Bag

Potters end up with lots of tools so a simple tool bag is very handy. The JJRing Craft and Art Organizer Tote Bag comes in a variety of colors and has numerous pockets to keep everything in its place. Made of nylon with cardboard supports, this bag is available in a variety of colors.

JJRing Tote Bag, $14-18 depending on color

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Mini Ribbon Tool Kit

The Mini Ribbon tool kit

This set of 6 tools is great for detail work, decorating, and finishing a piece of pottery or a sculpture. At 5 1/2” each, the metal tools don’t take up much room but they can do a lot, especially for detail work or scraffito. Pair this with the following book for a great gift combo.

Mini Ribbon Tool Kit, $14

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Carve Your Clay

This book gives a lot of ideas for surface decoration including carving, inlay, scraffito, wire cutting and more. With easy-to-follow instructions and great illustrations, it’s an inspirational book. Based on Hilda Carr’s signature style but with variations and ideas for every potter, the book is available in hardcover or paperback.

Carve Your Clay, by Hilda Carr, 2020. Listed at $27 but typically available for $19-$25.

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Pottery T-Shirts

Evolution of Pottery T-Shirt at Society6

There’s a lot of fun t-shirts with pottery and kiln themes available from print on demand sites. Most of these sites also pay a portion of the sale price to the artists and designers, so not only are you getting a cool gift, but you’re supporting other artists and designers too. If you see a pattern or design you like, make sure to click around — designs are usually available on multiple products so you can find the right gift.

Pictured here a few shirt ideas with links, or check out our post about pottery shirts.

Pottery Shirts, typically $18-30 each depending on options and styles.

Ceramics Joe by D. Goode Art at Threadless

Kintsugi Broken Heart T shirt at Society6

Electric Kiln outline design at Threadless

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Mastering Ceramics Series

The Mastering Ceramics books are great for beginners and intermediate pottery students. The thorough, straightforward advice covers a variety of techniques in an easy to approach style. All three books are a great addition to any potter’s bookshelf.

The books include

Mastering the Potters Wheel by Ben Carter, published 2016

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick | Shop at Bookshop.org

Mastering Hand Building by Sunshine Cobb, published 2018

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick | Shop at Bookshop.org

Mastering Kilns and Firing by Lindsay Oesterritter, published 2019

Shop at Amazon | Shop at Bookshop.org

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Xiem Batmate

The Xiem 12” BatMate

The BatMate from Xiem Studio Tools is a 12 or 14 inch diameter piece of synthetic fabric that can be placed in between a bat and wheel head to virtually eliminate any wobble, improving the accuracy of throwing and trimming. Many potters, however, wet the fabric and place it directly on a wheel head to use when trimming pots.

Xiem BatMate, $15

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Slab Mats

SlabMats are Available in a variety of sizes.

Slab Mats are a canvas alternative for use with slab rollers, handbuilding, or even cut up them up and use as bats on the wheel. They are a plastic, fabric-like material, with one smooth side and one that is slightly fuzzy and ideal for working with clay. You can cut with clay knives on them and not worry about damaging your table top surfaces. They are easy to clean — just wipe with a sponge — and result in much less dust than canvas. They are available in a variety of sizes but the larger 22 x 50” size really allows you to spread out.

SlabMats, $6–$23

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Gorilla Tubs

Three sizes of Red Gorilla Tubs / Tubtrugs.

Gorilla Tubs, also known as TubTrugs, are flexible plastic tubs with handles that are available in a variety of sizes. They are great for reclaiming clay, mixing plaster, mixing glazes, or just about any studio task. They are even great for gardening and yard work.

The lower wider options are best for reclaiming clay, and the taller options are great for mixing plaster. They are available from a variety of vendors on Amazon. For me, some ship from warehouses in the U.S. while others took a bit longer as they shipped directly from Spain, where these flexible buckets are manufactured.

Read a full review of these buckets here.

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Small Tools under $25

There’s a lot of small tools that can make a big difference in the studio. Here’s a few that make a nice gift for any potter.

Kemper Clay Drill

The Kemper Clay Drill

The Kemper Clay Drill is the best way to drill holes for spouts or drain holes in planters, or just to make circular holes in any piece of clay. It makes a variety of sizes, simply keep twisting and work the tool deeper for a wider hole. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and replaces all the other drill tools in one easy piece.

Kemper Clay Drill, $4.50

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Neiko Diamond Bits

Neiko Diamond Bits

Diamond bits allow you to drill through fired and glazed ceramic, and this small set from Neiko is a great introductory set. Pair it with any drill, and you are set. Just be sure to use it with plenty of water so the bits do not overheat. Ranging from 5/32” to 1/2”, the Neiko bits are a good size for tasks such as drilling cord holes in ceramic lamps or adding drainage holes for planters. At $10 or less, the Neiko bits are a cost-effective addition to any ceramic studio.

Neiko Diamond Hole Bits, $10

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Metal Rib Set

The Comiart Metal Rib Set

A variety of ribs can help a pottery easily achieve different shapes on the wheel or handbuilding. This cost-effective, affordable set of 10 ribs includes a wide variety of shapes as well as two serrated ribs that are useful for creating texture or joining clay together.

Comiart Metal Rib Set, $10

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Mudtools MudWire set

Potters always need wire cutoff tools and this two-wire set includes a standard straight wire and a curly texture wire, with the great Mudtools plastic handles.

Mudtools Mudwire Set of 2, $15. Individual wires available at Blick for $9.

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Xiem Precision Applicator

The Xiem 3oz precision applicator

A great decorating tool is the Xiem precision applicator, available in 1 and 3 oz sizes. These applicators have a soft, flexible rubber bulb with a variety of screw-on metal tips. Mostly used for slip trailing and slip-decoration techniques, these bulbs can be used to apply just about any type of thicker, viscous liquid. The larger 3 oz size will be the best option for most. There are cheaper slip-trailing options that are a plastic bottle with similar metal tips, but the rubber bulb in the Xiem applicator provides steady, even pressure that is just easier to use.

Xiem 3oz Precision Applicator, $26

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Gifts Under $50

MudTools Double Ended Trimming Tool

The Mudtools double-ended trimming tool.

This steel trimming tool from MudTools is a great studio tool, allowing potters to trim in a flat plan or in a curve. It’s a toolbox essential tand is also available as part of the MudTools kit, mentioned at the top of the post.

Mudtools Double Ended Trim Tool, $27

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Wooden Clay Mallet

This handmade wooden clay mallet, by CompanionWorks of Brooklyn, NY, is well proportioned, comfortable, and beautiful. With a maple mallet and poplar handle, it will only get more beautiful with use.

It’s available for $40 from CompanionWorks on Etsy. Also check out their beautiful clay anvils for making bowls from slabs. The anvils are available in widths of 3” ($40) and 6” ($50).

The CompanionWorks clay mallet (top) and clay anvil are beautiful and functional handmade tools.

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10,000 Years of Pottery by Emmanuel Cooper

This lavishly illustrated book is a great addition to any potter’s bookshelf and will provide years of inspiration. With 360 pages and full-color pictures on almost every page, it traces the history of ceramics from the Ancient Near East through contemporary times from all parts of the globe. Originally published in 1972, the book has been updated continuously since. The most recent 4th edition is available as a paperback for $40-$50. Unfortunately, it seems to be out of print at that moment so it’s only available used.

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Underglaze Sampler Packs

The Speedball Underglaze Sampler Pack

Underglazes are studio favorites and are great way to get vibrant, saturated colors on ceramics. They can be applied by brush, sponge, or spraying. Use alone for a matte finish, or in combination with a clear glaze for a glossy finish. Sample packs are a great way to find the underglaze colors that work best, and are available from a variety of manufacturers.

The Speedball sampler pack includes 12 colors in 2 oz bottles, $45.

AMACO Velvet Underglazes are available in 4 different sampler sets of 2 oz jars for $52 each. Shop at Blick

Mayco has a 10 pack underglaze sampler for around $40. Shop at Amazon

Sax True Flow Underglaze has a 12 pack sampler set for around $43. Shop at Amazon

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Wooden Rollers

Set of 5 wooden rollers

These sets of wooden rollers allow potters to quickly and easily add relief textures and patterns to slabs, pots, or any piece of clay. The wood is long-lasting, durable, easy to clean, and can really add that extra-special touch to elevate handmade work.

Wooden Rollers set of five, $27, set of 8, $40.

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Creative Pottery by Deb Schwartzkopf

Whether you are a handbuilder or work on the wheel, this book is a guide to taking your ceramics to the next level. Add complexity to your projects with simple changes, learn how to make bisque molds, or choose from other projects in this self guided book from potter Deb Schwartzkopf, founder of Rat City and Rain City studios in Seattle.

Creative Pottery, Hardcover, 192 pages, published June 2020 by Quarry Books, Listed at $30 but typically available for $25-$27.

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3M Respirator

3M half facepiece respirator with P100 filters.

A quality dust mask is a must have for anyone who mixes glazes from scratch, makes their own clay, or works with plaster. The best option is a 3M respirator. A basic model is about $15 plus the filters, but for a few dollars more you can get the “rugged comfort” mask which has a more comfortable liner and a few extra features. Pair it with P100 filters or P100 cartridges, and you’ve got high quality protection against silica and other airborne particulates.

For more, visit our complete guide to dust masks.

3M Respirator, $23-$40 depending on model

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The Ceramics Reader

This book brings together texts, extracts, and other pieces of writing on the field of ceramics. Covering past and present, it’s recommended for serious hobbyists, ceramic students, professionals, or anyone that wants to read more about this amazing medium. At 616 pages long, there’s something in there for everyone. Don’t read it front to back—just flip it open and find what interests you.

The Ceramics Reader, paperback, $36.

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Anker Soundcore P2 Earbuds

These Anker earbuds have an absolutely amazing 40-hour battery life, above-average sound, and are cheap enough that they’re suitable for studio use and possibly getting dirty with clay. I’ve had a pair for almost a year and they are the best wire-free earbuds I’ve ever had.

Anker Soundcore Life P2 earbuds, $45.

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Gifts Under $100

Nidec-Shimpo Banding Wheels

The Shimpo 8 3/4” x 2 1/2” tall banding wheel is one of five options from Shimpo.

Banding wheels are very useful for coil building, sculpting, and decorating. Nidec-Shimpo Banding Wheels are the best on the market, made of cast iron with sealed bearings. They are on the heavy side, but this added weight gives the wheels a smooth, even spin. Shimpo banding wheels come in five different sizes ranging from $60 to about $120. The 8 3/4” wide x 2 1/2” tall model ($80) is an all-purpose size that should work for most studios. For more info, read our complete review of banding wheels.

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Stadea Adjustable Diamond Hand Pad Set

The Stadea adjustable diamond hand pad system.

Stadea is a go-to brand for quality diamond tools, and this new option is great for potters! It features a 5 inch long foam pad with velcro and 6 different diamond pads, ranging from 50 grit to 1500 grit. It’s perfect for light-duty cleanup such as smoothing the bottom of pots and sculptures. And the adjustable pads means you just have to store one foam block, not six, so it can save space too.

Stadea Adjustable Diamond Hand Pad, $54.

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JBL Bluetooth Speaker

JBL FLip 4 portable speaker.

It’s always great to have tunes in the studio, and a portable bluetooth speaker makes it easy to play anything from your phone, tablet, or laptop. The JBL Flip 4 is slightly older (meaning it’s available at a discount) but is still a great option that sounds great, is easy to pair with devices, and comes with long-lasting build quality. For something bigger and louder, check out the JBL Charge line of speakers. The JBL Flip 4 is waterproof, available in a variety of colors, and usually retails for around $80.

JBL Flip 4, $80

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Magna Cart

The Magna Cart roller. A classic!

Potters need to move heavy stuff all the time. Whether it is boxes of clay, packaged ware for shipping, or large sculptures, the Magna Cart is an invaluable tool that folds up for efficient storage when not in use. The cart can hold 150 lbs, has 5” rubber wheels, a 15” wide base and the handle can extend to 39” tall. There are a lot of folding carts on the market now in all shapes and sizes, but the classic Magna Cart is still the best option.

Magna Cart collapsible rolling car, $60-$65.

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Nidec-Shimpo Handheld Extruder

The Nidec-Shimpo Handheld Extruder comes with 5 dies and a blank die, which can be drilled to any shape.

A handheld extruder is one of the best ways to make handles or other shapes in a quick, efficient way. Clay is placed in the barrel, a die is screwed on, and through squeezing, the plunger pushes the clay through the die. There are a variety of handheld extruders—all about the same—but the Nidec-Shimpo Handheld Extruder is compact and well built and comes with a few dies. The key is getting dies that work for. In addition to the basic dies, a great add-on is the hollow-form dies (at Blick via link below) and the Scott Creek Handle Die kit, which should match up with any small handheld extruder.

Shimpo Handheld Extruder, $58, extra die sets $40-$45.

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Nidec-Shimpo Potter’s Stool

Nidec-Shimpo Potter’s Stool

Another great gift idea from Nidec-Shimpo is the Shimpo Potter’s Stool. It’s the most versatile, comfortable, and functional pottery stool on the market. It has four adjustable legs with nine slots on each leg with a range of 19 to 26 inches high. The legs can be adjusted independently, allowing for the stool to be set at an angle if desired. It also has a comfortable, padded seat. It’s a great upgrade for any potter.

Shimpo Potter’s Stool, 16 x 16 inches and ranges up to 26 inches tall. It generally costs around $90.

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Sony Bluetooth Boombox

The Sony Bluetooth Boombox

This little Sony unit is a great for studios. It can stream via bluetooth, or use the digital tuner to pick up just about any AM/FM station in your area. While it doesn’t have audiophile quality, the sound is decent and for me personally, I just like having the option of listening to the radio without fussing with my phone. It seems to be the best, most functional option for a Bluetooth boombox that is priced under $100.

Sony Portable Bluetooth Boombox: $90-$99
Power: AC cord or 6 C batteries

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Mudtools Rib Set

Mudtools Ribs, some sets of six available at Amazon or buy them individually.

Mudtools ribs are used and loved by many potters. There are four different firmness levels, and each level has six different shapes. There are sets of all 6 on Amazon, or head over to Blick to pick out individual ribs.

Mudtools ribs:
Red — very soft
Yellow — soft
Green — medium
Blue — firm

Mudtools Rib Set, $51 for six ribs at Amazon, or individual ribs at Blick, $9 each.

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Gift Ideas From $100 to $250

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Drill

The Milwaukee M12 Drill Kit comes with a drill, one battery, charging station, and a bag.

The Milwaukee M12 compact cordless drill is a studio favorite. It’s strong enough for most jobs, but small and light so that it’s comfortable for just about any user. Paired with the right mixer blade, this is an ideal drill for mixing glazes, plaster, or other tasks in a ceramics studio. Milwaukee also makes a wide variety of tools that fit the M12 battery. Click here to read a full guide to cordless drills.

Milwaukee M12 Drill kit, typically retails for $125-$140.

Recommended drill accessories for ceramics:

Jiffy LM Laboratory mixer for mixing small glaze cups.

Plastic helix mixer for mixing 1-2 gallon glaze buckets.

Jiffy ES Mixer for mixing 2 to 5 gallon bucket.

Dewalt 14 piece bit set for drilling holes and the Dewalt 45 piece screwdriver set.

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My Weigh iBalance 5500 Scale

My Weigh iBalance 5500 scale has a 5500 gram / 12 lb capacity and is accurate to 0.1 grams.

The MyWeigh iBalance 5500 is a precision scale that is accurate to 0.1 grams while maintaining a large capacity of 5500 grams or about 12 pounds. It has a stainless steel top, optional AC power adapter, simple and intuitive buttons, and a 3 year warranty. The four feet can be independently leveled too. It’s one of the best options on the market and is a great gift for the potter who also mixes their own glaze.

My Weigh iBalance 5500 Scale, $249

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Gift Ideas $250-$550

Giffin Grip trimming tool

The Giffin Grip in use, holding a pot in place for trimming.

The Giffin Grip is a trimming tool that attaches to any pottery wheelhead, and various arms allow you to easily hold vases and pots in place for trimming. It sure beats trying to attach pots using small bits of a clay. It’s not cheap—typically around $270—but it lasts for ever and once a potter has one, they’ll use it all the time.

Giffin Grip trimming tool, $270

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Speedball Artista Tabletop Wheel

The Speedball Artista Tabletop Wheel

The Speedball Artista is a great tabletop wheel that is strong enough for most potters but is also portable and can be stored with ease. It’s the perfect option for an at-home practice wheel or for someone looking to try out pottery with a professional machine. It has an 11” wheelhead, a 1/3 horsepower motor, is compatible with standard 10” bats, and weighs just 26 pounds, so it can easily be put away when not in use. You can also add an optional foot pedal or legs. For a complete overview, check out our guide to tabletop wheels.

Speedball Artista Tabletop Wheel, $520

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Gift Ideas $550 and up

North Star Portaroller

The North Star Portaroller is a great tool that can instantly upgrade any studio. Designed for artists who are on the go, it’s also ideal for small or home studios because it quickly breaks down into three pieces that can be stored when not in use. The Portaroller has two metal rollers, a crank, and two tabletop pieces that fit on either side of the roller. The top roller can be adjusted for slab thicknesses up to 2.5 inches and it can make slabs that are 16 inches wide. It’s a well thought out piece of equipment that is backed by North Star’s impeccable record of quality. There’s also a larger model in the same style, the North Star Polaris, that can make slabs up to 22 inches wide.

For a complete guide to portable rollers, click here.

North Star Portaroller, 16” wide slabs, $726
North Star Polaris, 22” wide slabs, $829

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Full Size Pottery Wheel

A professionally quality pottery wheel starts around $800 and ranges up to around $1,500 to $2,000. Most potters use a wheel in the $800 to $1,500 range from quality brands such as Nidec-Shimpo, Brent, or Speedball. We’ve got a complete pottery wheel buyer’s guide here, but just know that as the price goes up you are paying for a stronger motor, a sturdier tabletop and legs, and a few other features.

Here’s a quick overview of a few wheels that would be great gifts.

Nidec-Shimpo Wheels

Nidec makes three full size wheels:

Shimpo VL-Lite

Shimpo RK-Whisper

Shimpo VL-Whisper

VL-Lite is a motor-driven model that retails for $793

RK-Whisper has the classic Shimpo metal body and fixed foot pedal, 12” wheelhead, and the ultra-quiet magnet driven wheelhead. It retails for $1,208

VL-Whisper is many potter’s favorite with a 14” wheelhead, the same ultra-quiet magnet drive as the RK, and a moveable foot pedal. It retails for $1,399

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Brent Pottery Wheels

Brent Model B.

Brent wheels are workhorses and come in a few models where everything is the same, except the motor. Some models are also available in black in addition to the distinctive “Brent yellow.” The most popular Brent models are the Brent B with a 1/3 horsepower motor, or the Brent C, with a 1/2 horsepower motor.

Brent Model B, 1/3 HP motor, $1,660
Brent Model C, 1/2 HP motor, $1,740

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Speedball Wheels

Speedball Clay Boss Wheel

In addition to the tabletop model mentioned above, Speedball makes two full sized wheels. The Clay Boss has a 1/2 HP motor with a 14” wheelhead. It’s reversible, but only via a plug and not a switch. The Big Boss has similar features except it comes with a 1 HP motor.

Speedball Clay Boss 1/2 HP wheel, $989
Speedball Big Boss 1 HP wheel, $1241

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Other Gift Ideas

Kilns: Read our guide to Skutt kilns here.

Tools: We’ve got a lot more ideas in our tool guides such as:

Scales for glaze mixing

Accessories for glaze mixing

Tools that can be used in the kitchen or the studio.

Classes: A set of classes at your local ceramics studio can be a great gift. If you can’t find a studio, ask a local clay supplier if they can recommend local studios.

Magazine Subscriptions: Magazines are great sources of ideas and inspiration. Check out The Studio Potter, Pottery Making Illustrated, or Ceramics Monthly.

Tours, Trips, or Conferences: Look for pottery-specific travel tours, retreats, or conferences.

What ideas do you have for pottery gifts? Let us know in the comments.

Gift Guides

Posts that may interest you:

Gift Guide for Young Artist and Creative Kids

Gift Guide for Artists Who Paint and Draw

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The Best Boomboxes with Bluetooth and FM/AM for Your Studio or Workspace

Portable bluetooth speakers are great, but sometimes it’s nice to have a small system that can play the radio, stream via Bluetooth, and maybe even do more, such as play tapes, CDs, or MP3s from a USB stick.

This post will cover the best options for small units that can do it all with these criteria:

• Priced under $100

• Bluetooth capability

• Digital AM/FM tuner

• Corded AC plug

Note that for under 100 bucks you are not getting audiophile quality. These units sound ok, maybe even above average, but the main goal was to find a small workshop / garage / studio boombox for playing the radio and streaming tunes from a device via Bluetooth.

Top Pick: Sony Portable Boombox with Bluetooth and Digital Tuner

The Sony Bluetooth boombox has good sound and a digital FM/AM tuner with up to 30 presets.

This little Sony unit has everything: Bluetooth, digital AM/FM tuner, USB playback, along with features such as a CD player and “mega” bass. It also has a dedicated button for each mode (Bluetooth / FM / USB / etc) along with plenty of other buttons, making it very easy to use and operate. This is the boombox I use in my own studio.

It has great FM reception, pulling in every low-power station in my area along with all the big stations, easy Bluetooth pairing, and decent sound. As other reviewers have noted, it doesn’t get super loud and the “mega” bass leaves a bit to be desired. You may find Bluetooth speakers with better sound (such as JBL speakers) but I wanted a radio and Bluetooth and this delivered on that. It’s a great addition to my studio and it sounds way better and louder than streaming music through my phone speakers, plus I can tune into the radio stations I enjoy. This unit seems to be the market leader for small, plug-in Bluetooth boomboxes priced at $100 or less.

Sony Portable Bluetooth Boombox: $95-$99
Power: AC cord or 6 C batteries

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick: Sony Bluetooth Boombox with Digital FM/AM Tuner

• Budget Pick: Megatek Bluetooth Boombox with Digital FM/AM Tuner

• Alternate Pick: KLIM B4 Bluetooth Bombox

• Throwback Pick: Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Bluetooth Boombox

• Other options

• Summary

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BUDGET PICK: Megatek Bluetooth Boombox with Digital FM/AM Tuner

The Megatek portable bluetooth boombox in black.

Coming in at about half the price of the Sony Boombox, the Megatek Boombox has many of the same features at a budget price, including bluetooth connectivity, digital AM/FM tuner with 30 presets, MP3 playback via USB, an auxiliary-in port and it’s available in black or red. It’s a decent option but some reviewers mention the sound isn’t quite as good as the Sony.

Other drawbacks are that there aren’t as many dedicated buttons, so you’ll be pressing the mode button to switch between functions. But at $45, it’s a price that can’t be beat.

Megatek Bluetooth Boombox: $45
Power: AC cord in or 4 C batteries

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ALTERNATE PICK: KLIM B4 Boombox with Bluetooth, FM, and Internal Battery

The KLIM B4 Boombox features a clean design along with a remote.

KLIM makes a variety of Bluetooth boomboxes but the most interesting option is the B4 model which has all the same features as the Sony but with an internal rechargeable battery and a remote. It also has more powerful 3 watt speakers as opposed to the 2 watt on the Sony. It’s a great package with clean design that is listed at $70 but can often be found on sale for less, and is available in white or black.

KLIM B4 Boombox: $70
Power: AC cord or with internal rechargeable battery with 6 hour run time.

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THROWBACK PICK: Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Bluetooth Boombox

The Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Boombox features a cassette deck, bluetooth, and lots of old-school charm.

If you are looking for an old-school boombox with new features, Ion Audio has you covered. This unit features a cassette deck, bluetooth, AM/FM tuner (not a digital tuner though). The boombox has a variety of switches and dials that give that old-school feeling.

In theory I love manually scrolling through radio stations but at this point, the lack of a digital tuner is a real drawback for me (I know, I know…I’m complaining about a throwback style). But that aside, this is a cool option that would look great in any workspace.

Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Boombox: $95
Power: AC cord or 6 D batteries

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OTHER OPTIONS

There are quite a number of Bluetooth-enabled boomboxes in the under-$100 category. Most seem to be around the $50-$60 range and are similar to the Megatek option listed above. In general, they don’t have quite the functionality / ease of use as the Sony because they have fewer buttons.

Insignia Portable CD Boombox with Bluetooth

The Insignia boombox has Bluetooth, CD, and a cassette deck.

Insignia, the house brand of Best Buy, has a $60 boombox option that has Bluetooth, digital tuner, CD player and a cassette deck. If you still use CDs and cassettes, this is the boombox for you.

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KLIM B3 Boombox

The KLIM B3 Boombox has bluetooth, a CD player, and light-up speakers.

If you want more flare, the KLIM B3 Boombox has speakers that light up along with Bluetooth, digital tuner, CD, and USB playback. It also comes with rechargeable batteries, although it’s not a built-in battery. It’s a fun little unit that retails for around $60.

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AUDIOFILE UPGRADE

If you are willing to spend more than $100, you can get a nice workshop system that will have great sound for around $500 and up by pairing a receiver with quality bookshelf speakers such as the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5 pair of speakers. There are plenty of affordable receivers that will work with these speakers, which are known for their combination of great sound and relatively low price.

If you’re the type of person who wants great sound but at a price that still makes sense for a studio / workshop / garage, this is the set up for you. One drawback of receivers is they often don’t have great AM/FM tuners—plan to install the long antenna cord but even then, it may not have great reception.

The Sony STRDH190 stereo home receiver with bluetooth is an entry level priced receiver that is great for a studio or workshop.

There are lots of receivers out there but one of the best cheap receivers at the moment is the Sony STRDH190. It’s listed at $200 but can often be found on sale for less.

The ELAC Debut 2.0 B5 speakers are great bookshelf speakers with 5” bass drivers and 1” tweeters.

For entry level speakers, you can’t go wrong with the ELAC Debut series. Try the 5 inch 5.0 speakers or if you want more power, the slightly larger 6.0 speakers. These are corded speakers and they sound great. Expect to pay $285 to $315 for the pair.

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Summary

This post has covered a variety of options for a small boombox that can stream via Bluetooth and play the radio. Focusing on the units for $100 or less, these are simple devices to add some audio to your studio or workshop at a budget price. The top pick is the Sony Bluetooth Boombox for it’s ease of use and functionality, but there are other options. If you are an audiophile, check out the upgrade ideas which will deliver great sound but at a price that still works for a workshop.

What is your favorite device that can stream via Bluetooth and play the radio? Let us know in the comments.

Review: Western Digital My Passport SSD External Hard Drive

An external hard drive is a must have these days for backing up your hard drive and storing large files. This is especially true for artist and creatives, who probably have higher than average storage needs for photos and videos. (You are documenting and archiving images of your work, right?)

The good news is that an external hard drive doesn’t have to be a huge expense and when handled carefully, they are durable and will last for years.

In a 1 to 1 comparison, the SSD drive at left is much smaller than the HDD drive at right. Both drives have 1 TB capacity.

This review is not a comprehensive look at external hard drives, but I wanted to share my years of experience using Western Digital external hard drives with no issues. More than a decade ago, I used other brands (cough cough LaCie cough cough) only to have one hard drive overheat and fail. At that point I moved on to Western Digital and am now on my third external hard drive from WD. I have not had any problems with any of the WD external hard drives I’ve owned and they are all still working.

My most recent upgrade was to a 1 terabyte Western Digital My Passport SSD or solid state drive (shop at Amazon). It’s essential like a huge thumb drive that you plug in to your computer or laptop, and it runs off the power from this connection. While I’m usually in no great rush, file transfers are much faster with the SSD drive. I’d say at least 50% faster to almost double the speed of my older WD MY Passport Ultra HDD. (This older drive has been going strong for 6 years now and is also pictured here in this post.) The WD My Passport SSD has one USB-C port and it comes with two cables, a USB-C to USB-C (perfect for Mac laptops) or a USB-C to USB-A.

With no moving parts, smaller size, and faster speeds, I’d recommend an SSD drive to anyone looking for an external hard drive. The only drawback is they are more expensive. For comparison sake, at the time of this writing the WD My Passport SSD 1 TB external drive was around $130 while a comparable WD Elements HDD 1 TB drive was around $50.

More Info on External Drives

External hard drive are available in all sorts of configurations and storage sizes, including powered models that will back up wirelessly, and smaller plug in models. For space considerations, I’ve switched to the smaller plug in models. The are powered via the USB plug, and have worked great for regular back ups and file storage, including with drive partitions.

SSD vs HDD

A HDD or hard disk drive has a spinning platter where information is stored. You will feel slight movement when the drive is active and hear a humming sound. These hard drives have a long history and are more economical. There is some concern that the drive can be damaged, especially if dropped when in use. (Often the comparison is to moving a record player while it is in use). Because it has moving parts, there is also more of a concern with heat. My one experience with an external hard drive failing was a HDD drive that overheated in summer heat.

An SSD or solid state drive uses flash memory, similar to what you find on a thumb drive. There are no moving parts so the drives are smaller, lighter, and hopefully less likely to be damaged. This is the same memory storage you find in smartphones, hence the small size. You will pay more, but an SSD drive is much faster and lighter.

Storage Needs for Artists

As an artist, it’s important to document all your work with high quality images, and store those files along with having a backup. One option is an online backup, or you can back up the files to an external hard drive. Or both! Yes, there is an expense involved but you need your files.

When storing files, it’s good to make a robust file management system. A simple method is by year and month, or by type of work.

Summary

Backup storage of your important files is vital, and an external hard drive is an easy, affordable solution. An HDD drive is economical and effective. An SSD is faster, lighter, and the best option in my opinion. Whatever you use, just make sure to back up your important files!

What back up system or external hard drive do you use? Let us know in the comments.

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