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 Full-Size Slab Rollers for Ceramic Studios

The Bailey DRD / II gear reduction slab roller pictured here with the shorter 51” table.

Slab rollers are great for slab-built pottery, tiles, and sculptures. While you might be able to get by with a rolling pin, if you use slabs regularly, a slab roller should be an integral part of your studio And while full-size slab rollers can take up a chunk of space, having the ability to easily make slabs is worth it.

This post covers all the full-size slab rollers on the market from five manufacturers: Bailey, Nidec Shimpo, North Star, Brent, and the Hi Roller. For a guide to smaller portable or table top slab rollers, click here.

Top Pick: Bailey DRD / II Gear Reduction models

The 24 inch wide Bailey DRD / II slab roller pictured here with the 69” table. Note the two wheels for ease of moving the table.

The Bailey DRD / II slab rollers with the gear reduction feature are the best slab rollers on the market. These slab rollers are a joy to use, can quickly take up to 2 inches of clay down to an even slab, and are extremely durable and long lasting, suitable for a professional, academic, or personal studio.

The machine features steel rollers, a large 34” wagon wheel handle for easy turning, and one adjustment knob that raises and lowers the top roller. The slab roller can be adjusted from an ultra-thin 1/16” up to 1 1/2” .

This machine feature a reverse-thread handle adapter to prevent damage to the machine, but be careful—what this means in practice is that you can unscrew the wagon wheel handle and it will fall off. (Make sure students are trained on this machine.) On the shorter 51” table, the 34” handle is quite large but it is easy to use and turn, even with large amounts of clay.

The only other (small) drawback is that if one is not careful, canvas can be pulled under the feed table and ends up wrapping around the bottom roller. But once one is accustomed to the roller, it becomes second nature to avoid this.

Bailey makes a few different rollers, but the DRD / II gear reduction models are what you want. The cost about $100 extra for the gear reduction but they are simply the best slab roller on the market.

The Bailey DRD / II gear reduction models are available in a 24” width as a machine only ($1,380), with a 51” table ($1,780), or a 69” table ($1,999). The 30” models have the same option and generally cost about $200 more.

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Budget Pick: Nidec Shimpo SR-3050 Slab Roller

The Nidec-Shimpo Slab Roller

The Nidec-Shimpo SR-3050 slab roller is a studio workhorse that will turn out great slabs. It features a double roller that sits in the middle of a 30 x 50 inch table with a wagon-wheel handle. Slab thicknesses can range from an ultra-thin 0.1” up to 3 inches, and the top roller is adjusted by moving the two handles.

Adjusting the two rollers can be a bit annoying and the table is somewhat small, but all things considered, this is a great roller that is listed around $1,100 and often can be found for around $900. The short feed area can be fixed by adding a wing or placing the machine next to another table.

The Bailey DRD II and the Shimpo slab roller are just two of many full-sized slab rollers on the market. Keep reading for a complete guide, or click here to read about small and portable table top rollers.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Bailey DRD / II Gear Reduction Roller

2. Budget Pick: Shimpo Slab Roller

3. How to Shop For a Slab Roller

4. North Star Slab Rollers

5. The Hi Roller Vertical Slab Roller

6. All Bailey Slab Rollers

7. Brent Slab Rollers

8. Slab Accessories

9. Summary

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How To Shop For A Slab Roller

It can be confusing to shop for a slab roller, as Bailey and North Star in particular make a variety of slab rollers that can be ordered with a variety of table sizes and features. Here’s a guide of how to shop and pick out rollers.

1. Start With Roller Width

Full size table top rollers range from 24 to 40 inches wide. In practice, your widest slab will probably be about 2 inches less than that. Even a 22 inch wide slab can be quite large! But if you are doing large tile projects, the 30 or 40 inch models will be needed. For an individual studio, a 24 inch roller might be quite large—maybe a table top roller is what you need.

2. Table Size

The important considerations here are the size of the table where you feed in the clay, the size of the “output” area, and the total size of the table. In addition to width, the table size will determine how long of a slab you can make. Once again, I’d suggest that a 22” wide slab by say 24” long is quite large! But if you have a larger table, you have more working area.

Shimpo, Brent, and the Hi Roller machines come in one size. But Bailey and North Star let you choose the table size. With Bailey it’s a 51” or 69” long table, and North Star options are 48” or 72” inches, and North Star also sells prop-up “wings” that extend the table. With Bailey and North Star, you can also buy the machine only and build your own table.

With any roller, measure the complete table and make sure it is suitable for your studio.

3. Rollers

Most high-quality rollers have a double roller. This will give your slab pressure from both sides, and results in a more even slab. Brent Rollers just have a roller on one side, which along with the heaviness of the table is why we don’t recommend Brent rollers.

4. Handle / Crank Mechanism

Most of these large rollers come with a wagon wheel handle, but some have a crank. A wagon wheel makes it easy to turn, but does take up more room. Consider the Bailey rollers with the short table: a 34” wide wagon wheel handle is paired with a 51” table. It’s a bit crowded. Smaller table top rollers generally have a crank rather than a wagon wheel.

5. Gear Reduction / Safety Mechanisms

Any slab roller should be treated with respect and they can be damaged if they are turned the wrong way or too much clay is forced through the rollers. Bailey makes a gear-reduction model that is even easier to turn, and also has a reverse-threaded wagon wheel so that you can’t turn the gears the “wrong” way and damage the machine.

6. Durability

All of the machines reviewed here are well built and will be long lasting if not abused. In my experience, the Bailey, Shimpo, and North Star machines hold up best under intense use in academic or community studios. The Hi Roller is fussy but can make nice albeit small slabs. The Brent rollers are extremely heavy and basically bomb proof welded steel, but if the shims get wet they can warp and the wires can snap if used improperly. So many academic studios have Brent rollers but the other four manufacturers make machines that are simpler, lighter, and easier to maintain.

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North Star Slab Rollers

The North Star 30 inch wide Super Roller with table.

North Star makes two styles of slab rollers: the “standard” line has crank-driven 2 1/2” double rollers available in 18”, 24”, and 30” width as machine only, table-top portarollers, or in 48” long tables. (Our top pick for a portable roller is the 18” Portaroller from the North Star standard series.) The two larger rollers in the standard line can also be ordered with wagon wheel handles.

The “super” series features wagon-wheel driven 4” wide double rollers with a gear reduction in 24”, 30”, or 36” width in 72” long tables. If you are a production shop or a busy academic studio, the Super series is what you want, whereas the standard line is great for individual studios.

North Star also makes a variety of accessories, such as fold-out wings to extend the length of tables, and extra shelves for the roller table.

These are great rollers. The only drawback compared to the Bailey DRD / II models is that North Star has two height adjustment knobs, rather than one that moves the entire top roller. North Star mentions that this makes “tapered slabs” possible, but truth be told, that’s a concept I’ve only heard mentioned in their marketing copy.

North Star Standard rollers range from around $1100 to $1200 for a roller and table.
Super series rollers start at around $1500 for the 24” roller and table, and go up to $2355 for the 36” roller and table. All the models are available for less as machine only, if you want to build your own table.

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The Hi Roller Vertical Slab Roller

The Hi Roller Vertical Slab roller is a space-saving machine that is easy to crank.

The Hi Roller is an interesting entry for the full size slab roller because it can be wall mounted or stand on its own, taking up very little space while providing great (if somewhat small) slabs. The rollers can be adjusted easily with a dial, clay is placed near the rollers, and a small crank easily moves the clay down between two pieces of canvas. Then, the clay is cranked back up, often sticking just enough to the canvas until you remove it.

This all sounds great, but in practice, this is a fussy machine. Sometimes the clay drops below the rollers and won’t come back up, and it’s hard to make large slabs. So there is some trade off but if floor space is a premium in your studio, this is the roller for you.

The Hi Roller is generally available for around $1,450-$1,500.

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Bailey Slab Rollers

Bailey makes a somewhat confusing array of slab rollers so hopefully this outline of their product line will help.

The Bailey 40” DB Drive Board roller with electric motor.

The DRD / II slab roller from Bailey is the top pick for a slab roller (see top of post) and is available in a 24” or 30” model in either direct drive or gear reduction models. It’s worth the extra $100 for the gear reduction—why not make it easier to crank out slabs? The DRD / II models have 2 1/2 inch diameter rollers.

The original DRD model is still in production, and is available in 30” or 40” width. The DRD features 4” diameter rollers, designed for professional studios or heavy use by academic studios. These are amazing, big rollers. They are also available with electric motors.

Finally, Bailey also makes the DB or Drive Board rollers in 30” or 40” widths. These machines have a single roller on top and a drive board that travels with the slab, allowing for more even compression and protecting the slab from bunching or bogging down in the machine. These are best for tile and architectural tile work.

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Brent Slab Rollers

The Brent SR-30 Slab Roller

Brent makes three slab rollers with a wagon wheel (the SR-14, SR-20, and SR-30) and one model (the SRC) with a crank handle. All are rather overbuilt with heavy steel bases, and single wheels that move over the top of the slabs, and have wires underneath the roller table covered in sticky grease. The slab thickness is adjusted by adding or removing canvas-covered shims.

These slab rollers are quite common but I would avoid them whether new or used. Here’s why:

> Adding or taking out shims is a pain. Also, this process generally results in a lot of dust being created.

> Single roller, only pressure from the top rather than a double roller.

> Heavy. So heavy. You’ll need a forklift or about 6 people to move these. They are unnecessarily heavy.

> Hard to maintain. Have fun repairing the guide/crank wire when it snaps! (Misuse by students can easily break this wire)

> Warped shims: I once used a Brent roller that had water damage and all the shims were warped, resulting in uneven slabs.

And finally, expensive. All that metal costs money. These rollers ranged from $2,000 up to $3,700. Sure, if properly maintained and used you will get fine slabs, especially if you never change the slab thickness. But any other machine will be better.

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Slab Accessories

A few things that will make working with slabs easier:

Slab Mats

Slab mats are available in a variety of sizes and are great for rolling slabs or handbuilding.

Slab Mats are a plastic fabric with one side smooth and the “working” side has a bit of a fuzz. They are less flexible than canvas, but are also great for putting through rollers, moving slabs around, or just as a working surface to protect your table tops. Most normal clay uses (fettling knives, craft knives, needle tools, etc) won’t cut through these. Small sizes can also be used as small bats for handbuilding, or get a larger piece to run through your roller.

Canvas

Unprimed, raw canvas is a great working surface that can be laundered.

For slabs, unprimed canvas is also great for rolling and moving around the studio. With a canvas blanket, you can cut to your desired shape and either hem or leave the edges unhemmed. Canvas can be washed over and over again by hand or in the washing machine. Frequent washing will help keep the dust down, and does soften the material over time. #12 / 12 oz canvas is a great place to start, or go slightly thicker with #10 / 15oz canvas.

Rolling Pin

A solid maple rolling pin is a useful studio tool that is easy to clean.

A solid maple rolling pin is a must-have for any ceramic studio, even if you have a slab roller. For small things, it’s usually easier to roll by hand. Pair this with a few wooden slats or yard sticks, and you’ve got an adjustable slab rolling system.

A solid rolling pin is better than a rolling pin with bearings or moving parts, because there is nothing to break and it is easy to clean the entire rolling pin with water. Rolling pins come in a variety of sizes but a 24” wide rolling pin is still easy to maneuver but large enough to make really big slabs. At around $30, this is an affordable studio tool that will last forever.

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Summary

This post has covered every large or full-size slab roller on the market, including models from Bailey, North Star, Nidec-Shimpo, Hi Roller, and Brent.

The top pick is the DRD/II gear reduction slab roller from Bailey, but there are lots of options for a wide variety of budgets. All of these rollers, if properly used, will make great slabs but there are some superior options (Bailey, Shimpo, North Star) based on price, weight, and quality of features.

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

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The Best Small, Portable Slab Rollers for Ceramic Studios

The North Star Portaroller is our top pick for a small / portable slab roller.

A slab roller is very useful tool and a small or portable slab roller can make professional-grade slabs while still being able to fit in just about any studio. You’ll find that the uniform results will help you with making slab forms, tiles, or any shape where you roll out clay. This guide covers all the small slab rollers on the market.

Reasons to choose a portable slab roller:

1. Even slabs for tiles and slab building

2. Save space by not having a dedicated table for slab rolling

3. Portability and ease of storing when not in use

TOP PICK: North Star Portaroller

The Portaroller in action, rolling out a 16 inch wide slab.

The North Star Portaroller is the top pick for a small slab roller. It features a metal roller housing with two 2.5” rollers! These double rollers will quickly and evenly roll out clay, and your slab is less likely to warp because it is getting even pressure from the top and bottom. These rollers are 2.5 inches in diameter and feature North Star’s signature “knurled” or diamond-textured surface, which helps grab the canvas or slab mat. The rollers are turned by a detachable hand crank, similar to an old-fashioned wringer washing machine. And the two melamine support tables latch on by gravity (no tools) and stay in place firmly while you are rolling, but can be easily removed for storage.

Pros:
> Double rollers for compressed, even slabs
> Easy to change slab thickness with two knobs
> Great build quality
> Easy to store and move

Cons:
> 16 inch slabs may not be wide enough for some projects
> On the heavy side (but…double rollers are great!)

The Portaroller is 18 inches wide and can make 16” wide slabs up to 2 3/4” thick. The length of the slab can be as long as your canvas but in reality, it’ll probably be about the size of the melamine tabletop, which is approximately 24 inches long on either side of the rollers.

The Portaroller disassembled: Rollers, crank, and two table top pieces. No tools are required for assembly or disassembly.

The three pieces of the Portaroller can be quickly taken apart and put away on a shelf, making these ideal for home studios or small spaces, but with the quality of the North Star rollers, you could also put this roller to use in an academic or studio environment.

The only drawback of the Portaroller is it is somewhat heavy, with a total weight of around 60 pounds. The two table top pieces are sturdy and light, but the roller housing is probably around 30 pounds. North Star advertises this as a roller that teachers can move around and yes, it can be put in a car and taken places (you’ll probably want a Magna Cart to carry it around) but for me, I like the Portaroller because it can be quickly broken down and put on a shelf when not in use.

Overall this is a great slab roller and will be a wonderful tool for most studios. It’s small, but well built and if you need slabs up to 16 inches wide or less, this is the perfect slab roller for your studio. The Portaroller retails for around $660 to $700.

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UPGRADE PICK: North Star Polaris Roller

The North Star Polaris slab roller makes 22” wide slabs. Note that some stores sell this roller and table tops separately. Make sure to order both.

The North Star Polaris is the same as the Portaroller in every way, except that it is 24 inches wide and can make a slab that is 22 inches wide. If you have the space, order this roller and the matching table pieces for a larger portable roller that disassembles into three pieces with no tools.

The North Star Polaris typically retails for around $860 to $900.

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BUDGET PICK: Solid Maple Rolling Pin

The 24” solid maple rolling pin is 3 inches in diamter.

A solid maple rolling pin is a must-have for any ceramic studio, even if you have a slab roller. For small things, it’s usually easier to roll by hand. Pair this with a few wooden slats or yard sticks, and you’ve got an adjustable slab rolling system.

A solid rolling pin is better than a rolling pin with bearings or moving parts, because there is nothing to break and it is easy to clean the entire rolling pin with water. Rolling pins come in a variety of sizes but a 24” wide rolling pin is still easy to maneuver but large enough to make really big slabs. At around $30, this is an affordable studio tool that will last forever.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: North Star Portaroller

2. Upgrade Pick: North Star Polaris Roller

3. Budget Pick: Solid Maple Rolling Pin

4. Other Small Rollers

5. Slab Roller Accessories

6. Summary

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Other Small Rollers

In addition to the North Star rollers and a simple rolling pin, there are small rollers made by Bailey, Brent, Shimpo, and AMACO.

The Bailey Minimight 16 is a crank slab roller that can make 16” x 18” slabs up to 3/4” thick.

Bailey Minimight Slab Rollers

Bailey Ceramics makes two small slab rollers, the Minimight II 16 and the Minimight II 22. The models are the same build quality and style: the smaller can make 16” x 18” slabs, while the larger can make 22” x 24” slabs. The 22” model can also be paired with leg extensions, for a standalone small slab roller.

The Bailey Minimight 22 can be used as a table top or with optional legs (as pictured here) and can make slabs up to 22” x 28”.

This is a cheaper and more compact roller than the North Star Portaroller, and it does have two rollers. However, the rollers are much smaller in diameter, so it is harder to roll clay through. Plan to thin your slab considerably before running it through these machines, so as to not stress the rollers and crank. The rollers are also not adjustable, instead different shim thicknesses are used to create slabs ranging from 1/8” to 3/4” thick. It’s not a terrible design, but not as easy as adjusting the knobs found on other rollers.

Overall, this is a simple, quality roller that is cheaper and smaller than the North Star Portaroller, but is harder to use and not as flexible in slab thickness and length. But it’s perfect if you make small slab projects.

Minimight 16: weighs 36 lbs and typically retails for around $485
Minimight 22: weighs 87 lbs and typically retails for around $560.
Minimight 22 with legs: weighs 103 lbs and typically retails for around $850.

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Brent Mini SRC Slab Roller

The Brent Mini SRC Slab Roller is an overbuilt little roller that can make 14” x 15” slabs.

The Brent Mini SRC is a really strange slab roller: it’s basically a scale model of Brent’s much larger slab rollers and it really seems like overkill for a small roller. The Mini SRC is overbuilt and tough, just like all Brent products, and it employs the same moving rollers and wires as other Brent rollers. The roller can make slabs up to 14” x 15”, and is adjustable from 1/8” to 3/4” with a series of shims.

I’ve always found all the Brent slab rollers to be confounding machines and this is no different. For what you get, it is heavy at 63 lbs, hard to adjust, doesn’t make very large slabs, and has the wires that can snap and need to be repaired. I would steer clear, unless you are some kind of masochistic diehard Brent-head.

The Brent Mini SRC weighs 63 lbs and retails for around $850.

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Shimpo Mini Slab Roller

The Shimpo Mini Slab Roller features an easy-to-adjust sliding top bar and a board that moves through the roller housing.

The Shimpo Mini Slab Roller is an interesting entry that is similar in many ways to the Bailey Minimight, but with lighter weight and can make slabs up to 16” wide by 24” long. It features an adjustable top roller and can make slabs up to 1 inch thick, and it has a board and canvas that moves through the bottom of the unit. It weighs just under 38 pounds and measures 19” wide by 28” long. The one piece design makes storing a bit harder, but this is definitely something that could be put away when not in use.

The Shimpo Mini Slab Roller is a bit harder to find, but it is stocked at many ceramic suppliers. It typically retails for $575 to $615.

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Activa Slab Roller

The Activa Slab Roller

This is another model that I would definitely pass on. The Activa Slab Roller is a small plastic board with different size rails and a plastic tube for rolling. Clay sticks to plastic so you’ll need to use canvas or corn starch or something with this, and it is quite small, at about 10 x 10.5”. You’d be better served by getting a piece of canvas or slab mat, and a wooden rolling pin. But, if you only do small things or maybe you are looking for something to use with polymer clay, this might be just what you need.

The Activa Slab Roller typically retails for around $30.

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Slab Rolling Accessories

Here’s a few things that will help you work with clay slabs in your studio.

12 oz Unprimed Canvas

Blick #12 unprimed canvas.

For slabs, there’s nothing better than unprimed canvas for rolling and moving. With a canvas blanket, you can cut to your desired shape and either hem or leave the edges unhemmed. Canvas can be washed over and over again by hand or in the washing machine. Frequent washing will help keep the dust down, and does soften the material over time. #12 / 12 oz canvas is a great place to start, or go slightly thicker with #10 / 15oz canvas.

There are also a wide variety of texture mats designed for clay, or look for burlap, lace, or any other interesting textural pattern that can create a low relief in the clay.

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Slab Mat

Slab Mats are a plastic fabric with one side smooth and the “working” side has a bit of a fuzz. They are less flexible than canvas, but are also great for putting through rollers, moving slabs around, or just as a working surface to protect your table tops. A sharp knife will go through this material, but most normal clay uses (fettling knives, craft knives, needle tools, etc) won’t cut through these. Small sizes can also be used as small bats for handbuilding, or get a larger roll to run through your roller. Slab Mats are just awesome and you should have them in your studio.

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Summary

This post has covered a wide variety of portable or small ceramic slab rollers. The top pick is the North Star Portaroller because it provides a combination of top-quality rollers with a design that makes it easy to take apart and store. But there are a variety of options. At the very least, consider getting a solid maple rolling pin for rolling out slabs by hand.

What do you use for small or portable slab roller? Any favorite slab rolling accessories? Let us know in the comments.

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Brent Pottery Wheels Buyers Guide

Note: Updated pricing and info as of October 2023

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. Brent wheels come with a 10 year warranty but expect them to last much longer than that.

This post will cover all the models and features of Brent pottery wheels. For other wheels, check out our 2023-24 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 generally available for around $1,980.

Model C is also the one model Brent has made available in a sleek, all-black model.

This model strikes a balance of features and affordability: The Model B has a smaller 12” wheelhead and less-powerful motor, while the other wheels feature larger, more costly, motors.

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 recently discontinued IE models) 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 and can’t get clay and water jammed into them.

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 noisiest thing, 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) 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. 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 and 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. The main difference with this model is that it has a 12” wheelhead (most others have 14”) 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.

Brent Model B features
Motor: 1/2 Horsepower
Wheelhead: 12 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
Price: Usually available for around $1,898

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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
Price: Usually available for $1,980.
Model C in black typically costs $2,023.

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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.

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
Price: Listed at $2,045 but usually available for $1,550 to $1,600.

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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 12” wheelhead and a 1/2 horsepower motor.

Brent Model 16 features
Motor: 1/2 Horsepower
Wheelhead: 12 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
Price: Listed at $3,590 but usually available for $2,900

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Brent Pottery Wheel Accessories

Brent Workstation

A Brent Workstation mounted on a Model C wheel.

The Brent Workstation is 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.

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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 $350 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.

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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 at stores.

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.

Over time, 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:

2023-24 Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide

Gift Guide for Potters

Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart

Table Top Wheel Buyers Guide 2023

Best Loop Tools For Trimming Pottery

The Best Banding Wheels

Best Pottery Wheel Stools

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Best Ware Carts and Mobile Shelves for Pottery, Ceramics, and Sculpture Studios

Ware Carts can add a lot of storage space to your studio and are great for holding in-progress work. If you get a model on wheels, it will make your studio even more flexible and allow you to maximize space.

There are six ware carts made for ceramic studios, but you can also use wire shelving and even bakery carts. This post will cover every type of ware cart I’ve seen in ceramic studios, along with recommended picks. In truth, any of these will be quality additions to your studio. You’ll just need to select the cart that works for your space, and budget.

The Brent Ware Cart: our top pick for a ware cart / mobile shelving in a ceramic studio.

Top Pick: Brent Ware Cart

The Brent Ware Cart is my favorite ware cart for a few reasons. It has the typical Brent overbuilt / bombproof construction; it’s tall; and it’s made with round steel pipe. As ware carts are designed to move, the round sides are comfortable to grab and roll. It’s a small difference, but a detail that really makes this cart stand out. The center top bar is also less conspicuous, and I like the rounded look. Brent makes a few other carts, including a mobile shelf cart, if you want to go for a matching look too.

This cart ships flat and assembles by bolting together the cross bars and adding plywood shelves. It comes with 4” locking casters, and measures 35 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 72 3/4” tall. The shelves are 24” x 32” and it can hold up to 9 full shelves, or you can use it with a combination of 12 x 32” half shelves.

The Brent Ware Cart typically retails for around $700 plus $150 for the shelves, or you can cut plywood yourself to make the 32” wide shelving.

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Budget Pick: Wire Shelving on Wheels

Seville Classics 2’ x 4’ x 6’ tall heavy duty wheeled wire shelving.

Ceramic-specific ware carts retail for between $425 and $700 plus shelves, but for less than half that you can get heavy duty wire shelving on wheels. The wire shelving is not ideal for greenware that is too wet, but you can use boards to store wet pieces on it. And it is great for pieces that are leather hard, for drying tiles, or for any other sort of storage.

For wire shelving used as a ware cart, I’d go for 24” deep shelving such as the Seville Classics 24” x 48” x 72” tall unit with 3 inch casters. The whole unit is rated to hold 500 lbs. This is lower than the 750 to 1000 lbs that a ceramic ware cart will hold, but should be plenty for most studios.

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Ultra-Budget Pick: Amazon Basics Wire Shelving on Wheels

For a mobile wire shelving unit that is perfect for smaller studios, you can’t beat the $60 Amazon Basics mobile wire shelving. It’s got 5 shelves, measures 14” deep x 30” wide x 64.75” tall. It’s not as strong or big as a ceramic ware cart but it should hold up under individual / light duty use. Just don’t expect these to survive in an academic or community studio with heavy use.

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Budget Pick: Bakery Carts

The Gridmann Bakery Cart with locking casters.

Bakery carts are another option for ceramic studios. They aren’t as sturdy or designed for the weight of clay or plaster, but can work for light-duty purposes. They are also cheaper and are often easy to find used. They tend to be smaller, built around the size of an 18” x 26” sheet pan. You’ll need to cut your own plywood shelves or with the narrow width, you can also make shelves with drywall.

Bakery carts are especially popular with tile makers as they really expand your storage area and they work with homemade, drywall shelves.

There are many option, but a solid one is the Gridmann Bakery Cart, which retails for around $150 plus the cost of shelves. In many ways, bakery work is pretty similar to ceramics so maybe these carts would be an ideal option for your studio.

These are just a few of the options for a studio. The post continues below with information on every ware cart on the market.

A Note on Plywood Shelves: Most ware carts have the option of adding precut shelves. You can also make your own with 3/4” interior-grade plywood. Cut it yourself with a plunge saw or table saw, or have a lumber yard cut it for you. You could use 1/2” plywood, but that will bend or warp over time. 3/4” plywood is a better investment as it is more likely to stay flat. It’s worth it to get the best grade of plywood you can afford, you’ll be happy you did years down the road.

If you get a narrow cart, such as a bakery cart, you can also make shelves out of drywall. Just be sure to cover the edges with duct tape or gummed paper packing tape, so that you won’t get drywall crumbs all over your studio.

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick: Brent Ware Cart

• Budget Pick: Mobile Wire Shelving and Bakery Carts

• Runner up: Bailey Ware Truck

• North Star Ware Cart

• Axner Ware Cart

• Laguna Ware Cart

• Debcor Ware Cart

• Bakery Carts

• Summary

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Runner Up: Bailey Ware Cart

The Bailey Ware Cart, pictured here with the 13 shelf option.

The Bailey Ware Cart is another great option that is about the same size as the Brent Ware Cart but has more shelves and is cheaper. Made of square steel bars and angle iron, it measures 24” deep x 34 1/2” wide x 74 1/4” tall. It has 6” casters and is available with 13 or 26 shelves. The 13 shelf unit retails for around $500 while the 26 shelf unit is around $650. The 26 shelf unit has a 2.5” spacing and is great for studios that do a lot of tile work, whereas the 5” spacing on the 13 shelf unit should work for most studios.

The Bailey Cart has a boxy shape, is easy to roll, and will be a piece of studio furniture that will last for decades. I have used these in a variety of studios and really like them, especially for tile work. When considering this unit, do note the top bars in the front and back. You will either have to use the top shelf for shorter ware, or as is more common, not use the top shelf or two.

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Other Ware Cart options:

North Star Ware Truck

The North Star Ware Truck has easy-to-change shelf supports.

The North Star Ware Truck is characterized by it’s flexible shelf supports that hook in place without any tools. It’s a flexible, easy to use design. (You’ll have to gauge how often you need to change the set up of your ware cart to know if this makes sense to you.)

The entire unit is 39” wide, 24” deep and 67” tall and has 6” locking casters. It’s a bit shorter than most ware carts. It can hold up to 22 shelves, but it comes standard with 8 brackets, which gives you 4 shelves in addition to the bottom shelf. This package typically costs around $700.

This is a well thought out cart and is a great option if you want something shorter. Personally, I’d go with a taller cart like the Brent or the Bailey, but the North Star is one of the more flexible options.

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Axner Ware Cart

The Axner Ware Cart is almost square, with shelves measure 32” x 36” inches.

The Axner Ware Cart is the biggest cart reviewed here. 36” wide, 32” deep, and 84” tall, this boxy behemoth will hold more ware than you’ll know what to do with. It has the potential for 11 shelves and is listed at a 1000 lb max load with 6” casters. Truthfully, this is the one ware cart I’ve never used in person. But it’s big! A deeper version of the Bailey ware cart in a way, that I’m sure is made with good quality from Axner / Laguna. At $500, it’s a good deal.

Halve shelves are listed at $10 each, it would be $220 for all 22. You could probably cut your own for cheaper.

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Laguna Ware Cart

The Laguna Ware Cart in the distinctive Laguna teal paint job.

The Laguna Ware Cart has a center support column that can accommodate 18 half shelves. A distinctive design, it is easy to load even on the top shelf. The drawback is that it’s harder to grab and roll this cart, and you can occasionally catch yourself on the protruding shelf supports.

The cart measures 24” deep x 38” wide x 58” tall with 4” casters, with the shelves measure 12 x 36”. The cart retails for $425 and includes six shelves. It’s a good deal, but it is a shorter shelf and it’s just harder to grab and move this cart when you want to.

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Debcor Ware Truck

The Debcor Ware Truck

The Debcor Ware Truck is the shortest option for ceramic ware carts, measuring 24” deep x 32” wide x 54” tall with 4” locking casters. The half shelves measure 12” x 28”, or 24” x 28” for full shelves. Like the Laguna Ware Cart, the Debcor Truck has a top cross bar that doesn’t interfere with loading ware. Although it’s shorter, this could potentially be a great option if you use the top layer for loading tall work.

This cart retails for $575 with 12 plywood half shelves. The cart can accommodate 8 full shelves or 16 half shelves, so you may want to cut a few extra.

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Summary

Shelving on wheels just makes every studio better, and a quality ware cart is an investment that will last for decades while maximizing studio space. This post has covered every ceramic-specific option I’m aware of, along with wire shelving and bakery carts. The Brent Ware Cart is my favorite, followed closely by the Bailey Ware Cart, but truthfully, any ware cart is a better option that immobile shelving or no shelving at all.

What do you use for mobile shelving in your studio? Let us know in the comments.

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Best Bats for the Pottery Wheel

March 20, 2022: Updated and edited

Throwing bats make things easier on the pottery wheel but with many options, it can be hard to pick the right one for your studio. 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. This post will cover all the bats that I’m aware of on the market.

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

TOP PICK: Speedball Plastic Bats

My favorite bats are Speedball Plastic Bats. Available in 3 sizes and 5 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.

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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.

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.

These bats should be available at your local ceramic supplier or check Amazon. They are available in 5 different colors, including brown, blue, green, orange, and red.

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.

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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 ribbing 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, 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 are not a big savings over the top pick, the Speedball Plastic Bats, but they are generally a bit cheaper.

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Laguna Plaster Bats

Laguna Plaster Bats are 1” thick and available in 4 diamters.

Laguna / Axner makes a line of 1 inch thick plaster bats. These do not have grommets or pin holes, so they will need to be attached to the wheel head with clay. They are available in four round diameters: 7.5 inch, 9.5 inch, 11.5 inch and 13.5 inch.

Much more affordable than Hydro-Bats, plaster is not as strong as Hydro-Stone but it will still work. Just be careful to not drop or use sharp tools with these.

In general, it’s really nice to throw on absorbent bats so if you don’t want to commit to Hydro-Bats, try one of these and see if you like it. You can also make your own plaster bats by using forms such as pie tins, or round trash cans.

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Masonite Bats

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

Masonite bats are made by a variety of manufacturers and 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.

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Medex Bats

Medex Bats are a made by a variety of manufacturers including Speedball. 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. All the same issues reported above also apply here, i.e. no soaking or long-term ware storage. But if kept cycling through your studio, these bats should stay flat and are cost-effective. Some reviews online mention warping, but if used correctly, they will be fine.

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Baltic Birch Plywood Bats

Plywood bats

Bailey Ceramic Supply in New York makes 3/4” thick Baltic Birch Plywood Bats. 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.

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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.

Penguin Pottery Heavy Duty Bat System

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

This system features a 14” circular bat with 6 inch square inserts, all made of 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.

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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.

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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 1/2 thick, and the smaller bats 7 x 7 inches square and 1/4” thick.

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SpaceSaver / WonderBat Square Bat System

The WonderBat Square Bat System.

SpaceSaver by StudioPro and The WonderBat Square Bat System are compatible bat systems. (It appears the WonderBat is being phased out) This system is slightly different in that the inserts and larger bats are the same thickness. Designed to fit a standard 10" bat pin spacing with rubber comments that allow for two-sided use, it’s made from a engineered hardboard (possibly exterior-grade MDF) that is similar to Medex / Masonite. A variety of reviews praise this system, while others found that it expanded when exposed to water, which made it hard to use.

StudioPro also makes interesting polygonal bats and other speciality items.

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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. The BatMate is available in 12 and 14 inch diameters.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Wall Mounted Clay Extruder Buyer's Guide

Clay extruders are an efficient way to make hollow forms, coils, and other shapes. They are basically tubes with a die attachment and a lever, and there are just enough models on the market to make it a bit confusing to choose. This guide will cover recommended models, and includes a comparison chart of all the models on the market so that you can pick the best extruder for your studio.

The models covered here will make hollow forms ranging from about 2 inches wide to 8 inches wide, although most models will extrude forms around 3 inches wide. They will also make solid coils and other shapes, and all models have blank dies that you can customize to suit your needs or some manufacturers will make custom dies. The smaller sized barrels, such as the Bailey 4” wide extruder, will be the best choice for most studios. But there are larger models and upgrade picks to consider too.

When choosing a model, consider how you will be using it. If you will mostly make solid coil, handle, or other shapes, stick with a 4” wide model as that will be easiest to manage. If you will be making mostly hollow forms, any size model will be relatively easy to extrude; just choose a model that will be big enough for your needs. Other options to consider are the lever style, die options, and ease of cleanup.

The North Star Big Blue Extruder, the only extruder on the market with a round “wagon wheel” handle. It’s wall mounted with a variety of dies.

TOP PICK

The top pick and I believe most innovative extruder on the market is the North Star Big Blue Extruder. Featuring a wagon wheel handle, it is easy to use, has a large capacity barrel, and is durable and long lasting. It’s one of the more expensive extruders (aside from powered extruders) but the size, versatility and easy of use more than compensate for the high price point. The gear system allows you to turn the handle and extrude with ease, and the barrel can hold up to 25 lbs of clay. The Big Blue extruders typically retail from around $900 to $1090.

The Bailey 4 inch extruder features a wall mount, lever handle, and interchangeable dies.

BEST FOR MOST STUDIOS

For most studios, a basic Bailey 4” extruder is a great option. The 4 inch square barrel allows you to make hollow forms up to 3 inches in diameter, but it’s not so large that it’s hard to extrude the clay. This extruder typically costs around $400 and the die kit is an additional $130. It’s one of the better options when you consider price and the die options, but drawbacks include installing the dies and that the barrel is welded to the wall mount, making clean up harder.

If you are looking for a handheld, mini extruder, or “clay gun,” check out our Handheld Extruder Guide here.

A complete review of wall mounted clay extruders follows.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: North Star Big Blue Extruder

2. Runner Up: Bailey 4, 5 or 9 inch extruders

3. North Star 4 inch extruder

4. Scott Creek 4 or 5 inch extruder

5. Brent Extruders

6. Other Wall Mounted Extruders

7. Powered Extruders

8. Extruder Tips

9. Extruder Comparison Chart

10. Summary

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Top Pick: North Star Big Blue Extruder

The North Star Big Blue Extruder.

The North Start Big Blue Extruder combines a big barrel capacity with an easy-to-turn wagon wheel handle and a wide selection of dies. It does cost a premium, typically $900 to $1090, but the size and versatility makes it a wonderful addition to any studio.

The Big Blue has a 6 x 6 x 12 inch tall aluminum barrel that will hold up to a full 25 lb bag of clay. The dies can extrude up to a 4.5 x 4.5 inch wide hollow form, and the dies are a sturdy, hard plastic.

To use the extruder, the die and bottom brace are attached to the barrel with two hex screws. The dies have helpful channels to lock into place. Then, the barrel is filled with clay, and this whole unit is slid up and in and attached to the machine. On one hand, this is an advantage as the dies and clay can be added at a workbench, but the drawback is that you have to move up to about 30 lbs in to place and secure it on the ledge “lip” that will hold the barrel securely. Overall, I find it easy to use, but you want to make sure that you don’t drop a clay-filled barrel on your feet so a shelf or stool underneath can help.

The wagon wheel handle and rack and pinion gears are the real selling point for me, as it makes it much easier to extrude large amounts of clay for extra long tubes and coils. Every other extruder on the market uses some form of a lever handle, which can be dangerous if left sticking out into your space, and they can be hard to pull down. The wagon wheel handle is also relatively compact, or at least it doesn’t stick out into your space.

The Big Blue Extruder is not cheap, typically priced anywhere from $900 to $1090, and the dies cost about $40 each. But, it’s an amazing machine that if properly cared for, will work for decades. I simply keep it clean and add some grease to the gears from time to time.

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Runner Up / Best for Most Studios: Bailey 4”, 5” or 9” Extruders

The Bailey 4 wall mounted extruded with a 4” barrel.

Bailey makes a great line of clay extruders that are well built and available at a lower price point than the North Star Big Blue. The Bailey models feature a barrel welded to the wall mount, dies that attach with a brace, and a plunger with a lever that slides up and down the pole.

The models include a 4” barrel, a 5” barrel, and a much larger 9” barrel. The 4” and 5” models are available in mild steel or stainless steel—you’ll want to go with stainless if you are using porcelain and are worried about rust. Bailey also makes two sizes of die kits, one kit fits both the 4 and 5 inch barrels, while there’s a larger kit for the 9” extruder. There’s also an extension kit that adapts the small dies to the bigger barrel. If you want, there’s also an upgraded powered version with a variety of stands and other tools suitable for a production studio. When considering the Bailey models, keep in mind the cost of the die kit because the models only come with one coil die and two blank plates, so you’ll definitely have to buy dies.

Overall, it’s a flexible system that is well engineered and is suitable for a wide variety of studios. On the 4 and 5 inch models, the die is attached to the bottom of the barrel via a brace with swinging arms, which are then screwed tight with wing nuts. Then, clay is added to the barrel, the plunger is inserted and you pull the lever to extrude the clay. The 9” model only differs in that the die is held on with C clamps. On all models, hollow form dies are held in place with a cross bar—it screws on to the dies so if you are frequently using multiple hollow forms, plan to buy extra cross bars to save time.

The Bailey 9” extruder can make hollow forms up to 8” in diameter.

It’s a bit cumbersome to attach the dies but once in place, these are easy to use. One drawback is the Baileys are harder to clean as the barrel is mounted to the wall. If you have time, let any clay inside dry completely, scrape it out, and then wipe clean with a large sponge. It’s helpful to oil moving parts and the dies as needed, to prevent rusting. It’s also easy to lose the wing nuts with the Bailey models, so keep track of those! If you are doing a serious amount of extruding, you’ll also want to research the various expansion boxes and powered models that Bailey makes.

Understanding the models

The 4” models will hold 11 lbs of clay. The 5” will hold 17 lbs of clay. The die kit is the same for both of these models, ranging from 2 to 3” diameter for hollow forms. The 5” models allow you to extrude longer or more forms, but it may be harder to pull the lever with the increased volume of clay.

Standard 4” typically costs between $310 and $390, while the Stainless 4” ranges from $345 to $435, and the die kit costs about $130. The Standard 5 typically retails for $340 to $425. There is also a Stainless 5 option, but it’s only available with a custom build.

The 9” model will hold up to 29 lbs of clay andtypically retails for between $520 and $650, and the die kit for this model costs around $150.

Overall, for most studios I would recommend the 4” model as that will be the easiest to extrude and 11 lbs of clay will result in a decent amount of extruded forms.

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North Star 4” Stainless Extruder

The North Star 4” Stainless extruder comes with the 3 dies picture and the lockout plate.

In addition to the Big Blue Extruder, North Star makes a lever-style extruder with a 4” wide steel or upgraded stainless barrel. The lever is fixed, as opposed to the sliding style of the Bailey, making it a safer to operate. (There’s a chance of pinched fingers with the Bailey if you’re not careful). There’s also a lever extension that will help make extruding easier. The trade off with the fixed lever is the barrel is smaller, holding just 8 to 9 pounds of clay. But, this should still extrude hollow forms that are 15 to 18 inches tall or more, you’ll just have to reload the barrel a bit more frequently.

The North Star 4” Standard Extruder is made with mild steel.

The compact size, fixed lever, simplicity of use, and optional stainless upgrade make this a great extruder for most studios. The steel barrel typically retails for around $370, while I’ve seen this stainless anywhere from $409 to $519, and the extruder does come with 4 coil dies. You will need to purchase the hollow die set separately.

Another consideration with either of these models is that there is a 6” expansion box that allows you to use the same dies as used in the Big Blue Extruder. If you wanted to keep open an upgrade possibility, this is the model for you.

The Stainless option exists for those who work in porcelain and want the smallest possibility of rust possible. But if you keep your extruder clean and maintained, it should stay rust free.

This extruder is available at many clay suppliers or direct from North Star.

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Scott Creek 4” and 5” Extruders

The Scott Creek 4” Extruder

Scott Creek makes a 4” round barrel and 5” square barrel extruder with an interesting twist: a stair-step lever crank that you move up and down as needed. These extruders also have a great feature: a quick-release die cap to make installing and switching dies a breeze.

Both models feature an aluminum barrel, which will never rust and can be used with porcelain. The barrels also can be removed from the wall mount for easy cleaning, which is a noteworthy feature for an extruder!

All in all this is a great system. You pay extra up front for features such as the aluminum barrel and quick-release end cap, but the ease of use will more than make up that cost over traditional steel extruders.

The 4” round barrel typically costs around $400 and the dies range from $52 to $140, and the 5” square barrel costs around $440 plus the dies. There are also expansion boxes for each model and associated dies, and Scott Creek makes table mounts and and a free-standing extruder stand.

With all this great stuff (especially that quick-release cap) I still would favor the Bailey system over these because of the flexibility of using the same die sets in different Bailey models. With the Scott Creek, you are locked in to that size die, or the specific expansion box that goes with that model. But if you take a look and find that the die sets and sizes work for your needs, then by all means, get one of these extruders. It will be a workhorse and there are many positive reviews of these models.

These extruders are available at speciality ceramic suppliers or directly from Scott Creek.

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Brent Extruders

The Brent HD Extruder features a removeable barrel and quick-release end cap.

Amoco Brent makes two extruders, the STD and HD, that combine a lot of the best features of other manufactures in a typical overbuilt Brent style, allowing it to take all kinds of use (and abuse) such as what you might find in an academic studio. But you will pay extra, with each model clocking in around $650 to $700. This review will focus on the HD as it has some upgrade features and can often be found for a bit less than the STD, around $650.

The Brent HD extruder has a 4” round steel barrel that will hold up to 10 pounds of clay. The barrel attaches to the wall bracket with 2 quick-release pins, making it easy to remove and clean. It also has a twist-and-turn end cap to hold dies, making it way less fussy than the Bailey extruders. Another thoughtful feature is a built-in hook to hang the end cap when not in use. Finally, it has a “clutch” lever to facilitate either raising or lowering the plunger and lever.

In addition to the wall mount, Brent makes a table mount and a mount designed to fit on a Brent slab roller. Like Brent slab rollers, this is an overbuilt workhorse that does come at a premium price. A drawback is a relatively limited selection of hollow dies. In general, all round barrel extruders just don’t have as much space and die options as a similar-sized square barrel.

If you have a Brent slab roller or love Brent products, then go with this extruder. It’s well built and has a lot of features, but for the main thing that you want an extruder to do—extrude shapes, especially hollow forms!—this extruder has limitations. But custom dies might solve your problems. For more info on this model and dies, the Brent website has the best info but you might find it for sale for less at online retailers or ceramic suppliers..

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Other Wall Mounted Clay Extruders

There are a few more extruders that are on the market. But with limited availability, I’m reluctant to recommend these until they are sold at more locations and it’s clear there will be long-lasting product support from the manufacturers. But if you see features and prices that work for you, go ahead and order a whole set up.

Crackpots Extruder

The Crackpots Clay Extruder

The Crackpots Extruder is a straight forward, fixed lever, round barrel extruder with a variety of interesting die options, especially from aftermarket die vendors on eBay. It typically retails for $199 or less, making it one of the most affordable wall-mounted extruders.

Find it at oldsashartisans.com.

Clay Master 4” Extruder

The Clay Master extruder is available at a few ceramic suppliers. It’s unclear who manufacturers this device and the die options are limited. But, other square 4 inch dies will most likely work with this extruder. It has a fixed or “anchored” handle and will hold about 8 pounds of clay. Find it at clay-king.com or other ceramic suppliers.

EX-115 4” Extruder

Another extruder with limited availability is the EX-115 4” Extruder. This model features a fixed lever, a round barrel, and square dies. Bailey or North Star dies will most likely work with this model. Find out more at clay-king.com.

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Powered Extruders

If you have a production studio or just want an easier way to extrude, powered extruders are available. They are not the main focus of this article, but for more info check out these websites:

Bailey System 3 Power Drive, starts at $946 but you’ll need to order barrel, dies and other parts. See more at baileypottery.com

MudTools Push Extruder, $1,400. See more at mudtools.com.

Peter Pugger Hydraulic Extruder, $4999. See more at clay-king.com.

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Extruder Tips

A few tips for getting the most out of your extruder.

1. Keep it clean! A clean extruder stays rust free and functional. You can put a light oil on moving parts to keep things functional.

2. For cleaning, get big blocks of clay out and if you have time, you can let other clay bits dry. Then knock them out and proceed with cleaning. It’s always easiest to clean completely dried clay.

3. Use the most moist clay you can as this will be easier to extrude. But, if you are working with bigger forms, stiffer clay can hold more structure right away.

4. Some people recommend spraying cooking oil inside extruders. I never do this for two reasons. 1) cooking oil can “gum up” if left sitting places and 2) while I do oil moving parts and hinges on extruders, there’s no need to mix any sort of oil with clay. Keep the barrel clean and use clay that is the right consistency, and it should be easy to extrude.

5. Let forms “hang” for a bit before cutting off. This will allow them to stiffen up and stay true to form, which is especially important as you move into hollow shapes that are 4 inches in diameter or more.

6. Protect your dies from being bent. Don’t over-push the lever or wheel as you can bend or ruin dies. If the machine won’t go any further, don’t push it.

7. For project ideas, check out the books Extruded Ceramics or The Extruder Book.

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Wall Mounted Clay Extruder Comparison Chart

This chart is organized first by barrel size and then alphabetically by manufacturer.

Model	Typical Price	Barrel Shape	Barrel Diameter	Barrel Material	Capacity	Lever	Detachable Barrel	Warranty
Bailey Standard 4	$309-$387	Square	4"	Mild Steel	11 lbs	Slide	No	2 Years
Bailey Stainless 4	$346-$433	Square	4"	Stainelss	11 lbs	Slide	No	2 Years
Brent STD	$574-$675	Round	4"	Mild Steel	10 lbs	Slide	No	1 Year
Brent HD	$548-$685	Round	4"	Mild Steel	10 lbs	Slide	Yes	1 Year
Clay Master	$350-$420	Square	4"	Stainless	8 lbs	Fixed	No	?
Crackpots	$199	Round	4"	Mild Steel	7 lbs	Fixed	No	?
EX-115	$350-$400	Round	4.5"	Stainless	7 lbs	Fixed	No	?
North Star 4" Standard	$370	Square	4"	Mild Steel	8-9 lbs	Fixed	No	Lifetime
North Star 4" Stainless	$440	Square	4"	Stainless	8-9 lbs	Fixed	No	Lifetime
Scott Creek 4"	$399	Round	4"	Aluminum	8-9 lbs	Stepped	Yes	2 Years
Scott Creek 5"	$460	Square	5"	Aluminum	12 lbs	Stepped	Yes	2 Years
Bailey Standard 5"	$340-$426	Square	5"	Mild Steel	17 lbs	Slide	No	2 Years
North Star Big Blue	$950-$1090	Square	6"	Mild Steel	25 lbs	Wagon Wheel	Yes	2 Years
Bailey Standard 9	$517-$647	Square	9"	Mild Steel	29 lbs	Slide	No	2 Years

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Summary

Wall mounted clay extruders are a great tool in the studio. The are the best way to make hollow forms, such as tubes, squares, hexagonal or custom shapes. Most models also include a test tile form, which can speed up that process. Overall, all the extruders above will be long-lasting and durable. They differ on size, die options, lever options, and material. Overall, my favorite is the North Star Big Blue Extruder as I find it the easiest and most practical to use. But a simple lever option, such as the Scott Creek, North Star, or Bailey, are also affordable and durable.

What is your favorite extruder? Let us know in the comments.

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Table Top Pottery Wheel Buyer's Guide

The Speedball Artista table top wheel.

The Shimpo Aspire table top wheel.

NOTE: For an updated version of this guide, click here.

If you need a lightweight, compact pottery wheel your best option is a table top or portable wheel. These are especially popular for classrooms, at-home use, or if you need to put your wheel away on a shelf or closet. You can still 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.

For portable wheels, there are basically two options:

Speedball Artista: A lightweight wheel with an 11” wheelhead and 1/3 HP motor (Shop Artista at Blick)

Shimpo Aspire: A lightweight wheel with a 7” wheelhead and 1/3 HP motor (Shop Aspire at Blick)

For full size wheels that can easily be converted to table top wheels, there are another two options:

Brent IE models: an entry-level full sized wheel that without legs is just 13” tall and can be used on a table top. (Shop IE at Blick) (Note: The IE models appear to have been discontinued as of 2021)

Shimpo VL-Whisper: Our top pick for a full size wheel, the VL-Whisper has a unique magnetic motor design that allows it to be used without legs as a table top wheel. (Shop VL-Whisper at Blick)

This guide will cover each of these models to help you make the decision that is right for you.

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Table of Contents

1. Speedball Artist Portable Wheel

2. Shimpo Aspire Portable Wheel

3. Brent IE Wheel

4. Shimpo VL-Whisper

5. Other Table Top Options

6. Comparison Chart

7. Summary

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Speedball Artista Table Top Wheel

The Speedball Artista wheel is designed for table top use.

The Speedball Artista is a popular table top pottery wheel that has optional foot pedal and leg attachments. It has a 1/3 horse power motor, an 11” wheelhead, can center up to 25 lbs of clay, and weighs just 26 pounds. The wheelhead, which has standard 10” bat pins, sits just 3 5/8” above whatever surface you set this on. That’s a lot of options in a small package that usually costs around $450 to $500.

The Speedball line of wheels. At right is the Artista with the optional leg and foot pedal attachments.

The optional legs and foot pedal will add about another $200 to the cost, giving you basically a full size pottery wheel. I wouldn’t recommend getting the Artista and all the attachments if what you really want is a full-size wheel (Check out the Speedball Clay Boss for that), 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 this is great option. It’s also a great wheel for kids, hobbyists, or that you can add to the corner of a classroom or home studio.

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Shimpo Aspire Table Top Wheel

The Shimpo Aspire pictured with the optional foot pedal.

The Aspire is 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 Aspire costs about the same as the Speedball Artista, generally around $480 to $530, but unlike the Artista, it is solely a table top wheel. It does not have optional legs, but there is an optional foot pedal for an extra $60. The wheel head is small, but adequate for the amount of clay it can handle. And there are a variety of bats that will fit the 6” bat pin spacing.

The decision here is a bit simpler than with the Artista because it is a dedicated table top machine that is lightweight and dependable. Aside from the optional foot pedal, it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles but it’s a quality Shimpo machine that might be the right wheel for your situation.

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Brent IE Pottery Wheel

The Brent IE-X, the upgraded 1/3 HP version of Brent’s entry-level wheel.

Note: as of spring 2021, the IE wheels are no longer listed on Brent’s website and appear to have been discontinued. You may still find them at some suppliers, or used.
The IE is the entry-level wheel from Brent, and while not exactly a portable wheel, it does feature adjustable legs that allow it to be easily used as a table top wheel. In this configuration, the wheelhead sits 13” above the surface it is placed on. The IE weighs around 90 lbs so once it is placed on a table top, you’re probably not going to want to move it that often.

The IE has a 1/4 horse power motor, a 12” wheelhead, a 75 lb centering capacity, a top speed of 240 RPM, and the legs are adjustable from 20 high to 25” high. The base IE model can be upgraded to the same features with a reversing switch (the IE-R model), or the IE-X features a 1/3 HP motor with a 14” wheelhead.

The IE will give you the same dependable quality that Brent is known for, but to me, it’s a model that doesn’t really fill a niche. With a base price of around $1200 to $1300, it is a LOT more expensive than an entry-level budget wheel such as the Speedball Clay Boss. And it’s not too much cheaper than a really great, more powerful wheel found in the Brent line or other manufacturers.

Where the IE does shine is the flexibility for table top use. If you want a full-size table top wheel and you prefer Brent wheels, than this is the wheel for you.

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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 not only our top-rated full-size wheel, it is also a great option for table top use. With the virtually silent, magnet-driven wheel, the VL-Whisper has a flat design that can sit on a table top when the legs are removed. Like the IE, the wheelhead does sit relatively high off the table top, but 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 (or 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. At a typically price of $1350–$1450, it hits that sweet spot of great performance and options, while being in about the middle of the price range for full size wheels.

While it can be a table top wheel, the VL-Whisper is certainly not portable or that easy to move and put away. But if you are comparing it to the IE, it’s got a lot more options for just a bit more money. It’s a great wheel.

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Other Table Top Wheel Options

Another option is the U.S. Art Supply 3/4 HP Table Top pottery wheel. It has a stronger motor than other table top options, an 11” wheelhead with proprietary 3-pin bats, can go forward and reverse, tops out at 300 rpm, has a foot pedal, and weighs around 43 lbs.

They have really packed a lot of features into this table top wheel and it is in the same price range as the Artista and Aspire—around $500, though it is heavier.

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 Artista or Aspire. And for around $200 more, you could get a full-size wheel like the Speedball Clay Boss.

In addition to the U.S. Art Supply table top wheel, there are a variety of generic wheels for sale. They range anywhere in price from $150 to $500, so they seem like a great budget option. But you may end up with a machine that breaks down quickly and is not well built. In general, I would go with the trusted pottery wheel manufacturers that provide a 2, 5, or even 10 year warranty on their wheels. The last thing you want is to buy a junky machine, so go with a wheel that will stand the test of time.

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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	$459–$567	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	$480–$565	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	$500	3/4 HP	11"	Custom 3 pin design	Yes, switch	17 x 26 x 13"	42.3 lbs	0-300	1 year	25 lbs
Brent IE	$1,198–$1,475	1/4 HP	12"	10"	Optional upgrade	21 x 26 x 13" high or 20-25 with legs"	93 lbs	0-240	5 years	75 lbs
Brent IE-X	$1,348–$1,685	1/3 HP	14"	10"	Yes, switch	21 x 26 x 13" high or 20-25 with legs"	93 lbs	0-240	5 years	100 lbs
VL-Whisper	$1,250–$1,550	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. Portable wheels work for kids, classrooms, home use, or if you need to bring a wheel for a demo. If you just want table top wheels, you can also easily modify a few heavier full-size wheels to use on table tops. The wheels covered in this post are all well-built, dependable options for table top use, and a few are light enough to be truly portable. Given the choice, I would recommend a full-size wheel such as the VL-Whisper, but if you are going for your first wheel or need a lightweight, portable option, dropping $500 on the Shimpo Aspire or Speedball Artista will get you a wheel that will hold up under years of use.

What table top pottery wheels do you prefer? Let us know in the comments.

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Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart

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

Note: Updated prices and info as of October 2023

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

Click here for our complete 2023 Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide, including our top picks, tips on how to buy, and a complete description of each manufacturer.

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	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

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

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

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

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

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	-

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

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

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 2023-24 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

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

Skutt Thomas Stuart: skutt.com/pottery-wheels

Soldner: bluebird-mfg.com

Speedball: speedballart.com

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