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.
Note: CLICK HERE to read our new and updated guide for 2023-2024
There are a number of great pottery wheels on the market for all sorts of budgets and skill levels. But it can be confusing to figure out which wheel is right for you. This guide is here to help you pick the size, style, and type of wheel that is best for your studio and budget.
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 $1,300-1,400. Shop at Blick
BUDGET PICK: For a budget / entry level wheel, we love the Speedball Clay Boss, which you can usually find for just over $700. It’s got a 1/2 HP belt-driven motor. Shop at Blick
PRO PICK: And for a professional pick, we love the Soldner P200 or any of the higher-end Skutt / Thomas Stuart Wheels, which typically cost $1,400 to $2,000. Shop 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.
Note on cheap generic wheels:
This guide only covers wheels from dependable manufacturers including Bailey, Brent, Lockerbie, Pacifica, Shimpo, Skutt, Soldner, and Speedball. There are numerous other generic wheels that are available online for $200 or less. These generics receive very mixed reviews, are small and have small wheelheads, have very weak motors, don’t have bat pins, and don’t hold up under regular use. You might try these, but that $200 would be better put towards any wheel listed below, which will last 10 to 20 years or longer when used properly.
For a complete review and guide, keep scrolling.
Table of Contents
Top Pick: Shimpo VL-Whisper
Budget Pick: Speedball Clay Boss
Pro Pick: Soldner Wheels or Skutt Wheels
Other Great Wheels
Understanding Pottery Wheels
How To Shop For A Wheel
Pottery Wheel Comparison Charts
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 10 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.
With all this great stuff there are basically no drawbacks, which is why it is our top pick. Some pro potters may want a more powerful motor, and some beginners may find the price tag prohibitive (typically $1400), 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.
This wheel is available at just about every ceramic supplier worldwide. There are often vendors on Amazon selling a package with shipping included, or the wheel is readily available at Dick Blick art stores in North America.
Budget Pick: Speedball Clay Boss
The Speedball Clay Boss, our top pick for a budget wheel. It’s got a 1/2 horse power motor and lighter body construction that many prefer.
The Speedball Clay Boss is our top pick for an entry-level pottery wheel. It’s a great for students, beginners, but still works for pros who want a lightweight wheel. It’s got a 1/2 horse power motor, a belt-driven wheel, 14” wheelhead, and a standard triangular design that clocks in at just over 80 lbs, making it one of the lightest pottery wheels on the market with a motor of that size. Known for lightweight wheels with a devoted fan base, the Speedball wheels build on the tradition of Creative Industries, a ceramics company that Speedball acquired in 2009.
The Clay Boss measures 26” x 21” x 19.5” high, 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. It also comes with a 10 year warranty. The Clay Boss can usually be found at just over $700, making it the most affordable wheel from a dependable manufacturer on the market, and if you need a more powerful motor, there are upgrades available within the Speedball line.
There aren’t any big downsides to this wheel, but there are trade offs. For example, it’s quite light for a wheel because it doesn’t have a beefy table or legs. I wouldn’t stand on top of this wheel, but it is easy to move. 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. Many of the old Creative Industries wheels are still going strong after 20 or 30 years, and I would expect these Speedball wheels to have the same longevity.
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 the professional potter, the best wheels are made by Soldner Wheels or from the Skutt / Thomas Stuart Line. 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). Many also prefer the super-sensitive foot pedals and various upgrades available in these wheels.
Soldner wheels are the only wheels on the market with wooden tops. Made by 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. For most, we would recommend the P200 model that has a half moon table and a 1/2 horse power motor.
The Skutt / Thomas Stuart Elite, a 1/2 horsepower pottery wheel with a built-in splash pan. Note the extra large motor on the Skutt wheels.
The Skutt / Thomas Stuart line has 8 different wheels. These wheels are distinguished by large splash pans, large motors, and really sturdy construction. Seven of the models are available with 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. The best options for most potters, in our opinion, are the two 1/2 horse power models: The Revolution comes with a removable splash pan while the Elite has basically the same features but with a built-in splash pan. And if you are considering the SSX foot pedal upgrade and optional leg extensions to convert these to a standing wheel, consider the Steven Hill option which includes these features.
Soldner and Skutt wheels are usually found at speciality ceramic suppliers.
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 my 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 you go beyond the Brent B into the C, CXC, or EX model, you do get some of the most powerful motors on the market. If you need a 1 1/2 horse power motor, the EX is your only option on the market.
For a complete guide to Brent wheels, click here.
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.
Motor
The biggest difference between wheels, even within a manufacturer’s product line, is usually the motor. Ranging from 1/4 horsepower to 1 1/2 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. In this case, a bigger motor both in size and HP is usually better as it will accommodate more use and and can better withstand overheating under heavy use. With that in mind, if you can afford it, go for the biggest motor you can afford 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 on a wheel 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.
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 in 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.
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” wheel. Another point of consideration is if the wheelhead can be removed or replaced. Typically, this is only possible in pro wheels, such as Skutt or Soldner wheels. 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.
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 cord. Some wheels are not reversible at all.
Leg extenders
Some 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 so that it can be easily placed on a table.
Shipping and Assembly
Some wheels arrive completely assembled, others need some 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 with tools, I wouldn’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 my 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.
Just please, don’t buy these generic $100 to $400 dollar wheels that have been popping up online…who knows if those will last one month, let alone a few years.
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 Speedball wheels, which typically cost around $800. For this lower price you are getting a lighter, less beefy frame and most likely a noisier wheel but one that will still get the job done for you. Professional-grade wheels typically cost $1,300 to $1,500and 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’ll be happy that you got the upgrades to make your wheel last a lifetime.
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.
If you are shopping online, we have provided links to some wheels at Dick Blick (North America) and Amazon. Some ceramic suppliers 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.
Kiln 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.
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 September 2022. 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 |
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 that is yellow ocher and also available in black on the B and C models.
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) and the wheelhead diameter (12” vs 14”). The CXC and the EX model are basically the same as the C, but with bigger motors.
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 Dick Blick.| Model | Typical Price | Motor (HP) | Wheelhead Diameter |
Bat Pin Diameter |
Reversible | Dimensions | Weight | Speed (RPM) | Warranty | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | $1,660 | 1/2 HP | 12" | 10" | Yes, switch | 21 x 28 x 21.5" | 119 lbs | 0-240 | 10 years | 150 lbs |
| B Black | $1,700 | 1/2 HP | 12" | 10" | Yes, switch | 21 x 28 x 21.5" | 119 lbs | 0-240 | 10 years | 150 lbs |
| C | $1,740 | 3/4 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, switch | 21 x 28 x 21.5" | 121 lbs | 0-240 | 10 years | 225 lbs |
| C Black | $1,760 | 3/4 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, switch | 21 x 28 x 21.5" | 121 lbs | 0-240 | 10 years | 225 lbs |
| CXC | $1,839 | 1 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, switch | 21 x 28 x 21.5" H | 129 lbs | 0-240 | 10 years | 300 lbs |
| EX | $1,960 | 1 1/2 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, switch | 21 x 28 x 21.5" H | 130 lbs | 0-240 | 10 years | 450 lbs |
| Model 16 | $3,396 | 1/2 HP | 12" | 10" | Yes, switch | 36 x 36 x 21-35" H | 287 lbs | 0-240 | 2 years | 150 lbs |
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 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 |
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 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 Dick 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 |
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 Dick Blick.
Shimpo Pottery Wheels
Click the links below to shop at Dick Blick.| Model | Typical Price | Motor (HP) | Wheelhead Diameter |
Bat Pin Diameter |
Reversible | Dimensions | Weight | Speed (RPM) | Warranty | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspire table top | $509 | 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 | $793 | 1/2 HP 100w | 12" | 10" | Yes, switch | 22 x 28 x 21" | 85 lbs | 0-250 | 5 years | 25 lbs |
| RK-Whisper | $1,208 | 1/2 HP, 400w | 12" | 10" | Yes, switch | 20 x 21 x 20" | 118 lbs | 0-250 | 5 years | 100 lbs |
| VL-Whisper | $1,399 | 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 Thomas Stuart Pottery Wheels
An “exploded” view of the Skutt Premier 1 HP wheel, which features a removable wheel head and removable one-piece splash pan on top of an all-metal base.
Skutt is well known as a manufacturer of electric kilns, but they acquired Thomas Stuart Wheels in 2008 and have maintained and improved the already sterling reputation of the wheels, which are beloved by all types of potters.
The Skutt Thomas Stuart line of wheels has eight wheels that fall in to three categories
The entry-level Prodigy wheel
Removable one-piece splash pan
Built-in splash pan that has a plug and drain tube for cleaning
The Skutt Steven Hill Signature Wheel, which has a 1/2 HP motor, a built-in one-piece splash pan, removable wheelhead, SSX foot pedal upgrade, and leg extensions.
For all the wheels except the Prodigy, the wheelhead is removed for cleaning with a simple twist and turn. The removable splash pan can then be taken off for cleaning. Skutt’s target market these wheels (Prodigy, Legend, Revolution, and Premier) are students, educational studios, and hobbyists. The built-in-splash pan options (Classic, Elite, Professional, and Steven Hill) are aimed at professional potters. But if you review the chart below, you can see that the wheels match up almost 1 to 1, so make your choice based on the horse power, wheelhead size, and splash pan option.
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.
For most potters, the 1/2 HP options (Revolution, Elite, or Steven Hill) will be plenty powerful. The Skutt Thomas Stuart wheels also have an optional SSX foot pedal upgrade. If you are considering one of these wheels, strongly consider adding that upgrade. If you are going for a premier wheel, you definitely want to get the best options available. Note that the Steven Hill model already includes the SSX foot pedal and leg extensions.
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.
Skutt Thomas Stuart Wheels are available at ceramic suppliers or click the links in the chart for models available at Dick Blick.
Skutt Thomas Stuart Pottery Wheels
Click the links in the chart to shop at Dick Blick, or visit skutt.com.*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 | $1,299 | 1/3 HP | 12" | 10" | No | 24 x 30 x 24" | 94 lbs | - | 5 years | - |
| Removable splash pans: | ||||||||||
| Legend | $1,749 | 1/3 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, switch | 24 x 30 x 24" | 117 lbs | - | 5 years | - |
| Revolution | $1,799 | 1/2 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, switch | 24 x 30 x 24" | 119 lbs | - | 5 years | - |
| Premier | $1,969 | 1 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, switch | 24 x 30 x 24" H | 128 lbs | - | 5 years | - |
| Built-In Splash Pans: | ||||||||||
| Classic | $1,639 | 1/3 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, switch | 24 x 30 x 24" | 127 lbs | - | 5 years | - |
| Elite | $1,739 | 1/2 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, switch | 24 x 30 x 24" | 128 lbs | - | 5 years | - |
| Professional | $1,929 | 1 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, switch | 24 x 30 x 24" | 140 lbs | - | 5 years | - |
| Steven Hill | $2,029 | 1/2 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, switch | 24 x 30 x 24" | 144 lbs | - | 5 years | - |
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.
Of the models, the 1/2 horse power, half-moon shaped P-200 is our favorite.
Soldner Wheels are available at speciality ceramic suppliers.
Soldner Pottery Wheels
Soldner Wheels are available at most ceramic suppliers.| 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 | 1/4 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, switch | 29 x 38 x 22-28" | 160 lbs | 0-250 | 2 years | 400 lbs |
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 our top pick for 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 Dick Blick.
Speedball Pottery Wheels
Click the model name to shop at Dick Blick.| Model | Typical Price | Motor (HP) | Wheelhead Diameter |
Bat Pin Diameter |
Reversible | Dimensions | Weight | Speed (RPM) | Warranty | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artista table top | $520 | 1/3 HP | 11" | 10" | No | 24 x 18 x 9" | 26 lbs | 0-220 | 2 years | 25 lbs |
| Clay Boss | $989 | 1/2 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, plug | 21 x 26 x 19.5" | 83 lbs | 0-240 | 10 years | 100 lbs |
| Big Boss | $1,241 | 0.85 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, plug | 21 x 26 x 19.5" | 89 lbs | 0-250 | 10 years | 150 lbs |
| Boss Elite SQ | $1,398 | 1 HP | 14" | 10" | Yes, plug | 21 x 26 x 19.5" | 96 lbs | 0-240 | 5 years | 175 lbs |
