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.

---

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

---

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

---

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. 

---

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.

---

Thanks for reading. Stay in touch!

Sign up for occasional emails from The Studio Manager:

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

---

---

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.

---

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

Thanks for reading. Stay in touch!

Sign up for occasional emails from The Studio Manager:

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

Thanks for reading. Stay in touch!

Sign up for occasional emails from The Studio Manager:

---

Nidec-Shimpo Pottery Wheels Buyers Guide

Note: Updated pricing and info as of October 2023

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

This post will cover all the models, features, and accessories in the Shimpo product line. For other manufacturers, check out our 2023-24 Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide and our Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart.

Top Pick: VL-Whisper

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

This VL-Whisper has been on the market for about 10 years and has quickly become one of the most popular wheels among professionals and anyone looking for a quiet wheel.

Keep scrolling for a complete overview of Shimpo pottery wheels.

---

Table of Contents

• Overview of Shimpo Wheels

• Aspire Tabletop Wheel

• VL-Lite

• RK-Whisper

• VL-Whisper

• Shimpo Pottery Wheel Accessories

• Notes on repairing Shimpo wheels

• Summary

---

---

Overview of Shimpo Wheels

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

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

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

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

Notes on buying wheels online:

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

---

The Shimpo Aspire tabletop wheel.

Aspire

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

The Shimpo Aspire with the optional foot pedal.

Shimpo Aspire features
Motor: 1/3 horsepower
Wheelhead: 7 inch diameter
Reversible: No
Dimensions: 14 x 20 x 9 inches tall
Weight: 31 lbs
Speed: 0 to 230 rpm handheld, 0 to 250 rpm with foot pedal
Warranty: 5 years
Centering Capacity: 20 lbs
Price: Listed at $569

---

VL-Lite

The Shimpo VL-Lite

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

VL-Lite features
Motor: 1/2 horsepower, 100 watts
Wheelhead: 12 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch
Dimensions: 22 x 28 x 21 inches tall
Weight: 85 lbs
Speed: 0 to 250 rpm
Warranty: 5 years
Centering Capacity: 25 lbs
Price: Listed at $860

---

RK-Whisper

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

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

RK-Whisper features
Motor: 1/2 horsepower, 400 watts
Wheelhead: 12 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch
Dimensions: 20 x 21 x 20 inches tall
Weight: 118 lbs
Speed: 0 to 250 rpm
Warranty: 5 years
Centering Capacity: 100 lbs
Price: Usually available for around $1310

---

VL-Whisper

The Shimpo VL-Whisper

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

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

VL-Whisper features
Motor: 1/2 horsepower, 400 watt
Wheelhead: 14 inch diameter
Reversible: Yes, with a switch
Dimensions: 23 x 27.5x 22.75 inches tall
Weight: 122 lbs
Speed: 0 to 250 rpm
Warranty: 5 years
Centering Capacity: 100 lbs
Price: Usually available for $1532

---

---

Shimpo Pottery Wheel Accessories

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

The Shimpo Jigger Arm.

Jigger Arm Attachment

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

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

The Shimpo Ball Mill attachment on an RK wheel.

Ball Mill Attachment

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

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

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

Extension Tables for RK Models

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

The small table adds 2 square feet of working area.

The large table adds 4 square feet of working area.

Extension Legs for VL-Whisper

Extension legs for the VL-Whisper models.

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

---

Notes on Repairing Shimpo Wheels

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

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

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

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

---

Summary

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

The Aspire is a great tabletop wheel for a hobbyist, kid, or a pro looking for a portable wheel. The VL-Lite is an affordable, entry-level wheel that will make great pots and is easier to move.

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

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

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

For more on pottery wheels, check out:

2023-24 Pottery Wheel’s Buyers Guide

2023-24 Tabletop Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide

Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart

Brent Pottery Wheels Buyers Guide

The Best Banding Wheels

Best Pottery Wheel Stools

---

Thanks for reading. Stay in touch!

Sign up for occasional emails from The Studio Manager:

---

Handheld Clay Extruder Buyer's Guide

The Shimpo Nidec Handheld Extruder comes with 5 aluminum dies and one blank.

Handheld extruders or “clay guns” are useful tools for making small runs of handles, coils, and small hollow forms. If you are looking to make a repeatable shape in a quick, efficient way, then a handheld extruder is what you need.

These extruders work like a caulk gun: you fill the barrel with clay, screw the cap over the die form, and repeatedly squeeze the trigger to push clay through the die. It can be a bit of a wrist workout, so definitely use soft clay with these.

There are four options when choosing a handheld extruder: 2 sizes from Scott Creek, and one each from Shimpo and Kemper. There are also two miniature clay extruders such as the Kemper Klay Gun, for making extremely small shapes, which I’ll cover at the end of the post.

It’s really a coin toss as all four handheld extruders are well made, but for most studios and hand sizes, I would recommend the Shimpo Handheld Extruder. For about the same price, the Shimpo Handheld Extruder comes with a few more dies than the Scott Creek, and I prefer the circular handle at the back as opposed to the bar handle on the Scott Creek models. And as this is a handheld extruder, I prefer the shorter and wider barrel of the Shimpo because it is easier to squeeze out the clay.

A full review of handheld extruders follows, including the three options from Shimpo or Scott Creek, and two options for smaller decorative clay extruders. For larger extruders, check out our guide to wall-mounted extruders here.

---

Table of Contents

1. Shimpo Handheld Extruder

2. Scott Creek Super Duper Clay Gun and Clay Gun XL

3. Kemper IKEG Klay Extruder

4. Small Extruders: Kemper Klay Gun and Bailey Clay Gun

5. Summary

---

---

Top Pick: Shimpo Handheld Extruder

The Shimpo Handheld Extruder comes with 5 dies and one blank die.

The Shimpo Hollow Die Kit has 8 shapes. The middle of each shape is screwed on to the larger piece at the bottom.

The Shimpo Handheld Extruder is a quality tool that lets you easily make shaped coils, small hollow forms, or handles. It’s basically a caulk gun with an aluminum barrel and dies. The threaded barrel is 2 1/4” wide and about 10 inches long. The entire model measures about 13 x 9 x 3 inches, weighs just a few pounds, and can easily be stored in a drawer. It can be entirely submerged in water for cleanup, but you may want to oil the hinges and moving metal parts as needed.

Shimpo 4-in-1 Die Kit has 8 shapes of varying sizes and an isolator die.

The Shimpo Extruder is the top pick because the kit comes with five dies and one blank, and I prefer the circular handle. I also find the the shorter barrel makes it easier to squeeze out the clay, even though that means more frequent refilling. But it’s really a coin toss if this is better than the Scott Creek Clay Gun and the choice really comes down to personal preference. In my studio, I use a Shimpo Handheld Extruder along with a mixture of dies from Shimpo and Scott Creek.

Shimpo has two die kits: one with a selection of eight hollow forms and another with eight “4-in-1” shapes of varying sizes. You can extrude all four sizes at once, or use the isolation die to select just one. The hollow forms are what most people go for, as those shapes would be extremely hard to make without a die, but both kits would really expand the options in your studio.

The Shimpo Handheld Extruder generally retails for around $60 and the die kits are about $40 each. You can find this tool at ceramic supply stores or online at Blick.

---

Scott Creek Super Duper Clay Extruder and Clay Extruder XL

The Scott Creek Super Duper Clay Gun.

The Scott Creek XL Clay Gun has a 15” barrel.

Scott Creek makes two handheld extruders and five die kits. The Super Duper Clay Gun has a 10 inch barrel while the XL has a 15 inch barrel. Both feature a bar handle at the rear as opposed to the circular handle on the Shimpo. The barrel is 2 inches wide, which is 1/4” smaller than the Shimpo. Note that the Scott Creek die kits will definitely fit the Shimpo Extruder, but the Shimpo dies may not work with the Scott Creek guns. Both Scott Creek extruders come with one coil die and two blank aluminum dies.

The Scott Creek Handle Die Kit features 8 shapes cut out of clear acrylic. The Scott Creek Dies are compatible with the Shimpo Extruder.

Scott Creek extruders are rugged, well built, and will get the job done. They are a bit harder to find in stores, but are readily available direct from the manufacturer. Scott Creek also makes a hollow aluminum die kit with the same shapes as Shimpo, along with an aluminum die kit of small forms. There are also three die sets made out of clear acrylic including a “shape and coil” kit, tile trim kit, and handle kit. The handle kit is my most used die kit and I would recommend that kit regardless of which extruder you purchase.

Although it might seem attractive to use the larger XL Extruder, keep in mind that the longer barrel may be harder to clean and store, and it is that much harder to squeeze clay out. (Any handheld extruder really relies on wrist strength.)

The Scott Creek Super Duper Clay Extruder usually retails for around $55-60, and the XL goes for around $70, and the die kits generally cost about $40 each.

---

---

Kemper IKEG Klay Extruder

The Kemper IKEG Klay Extruder

The Kemper IKEG Klay Extruder is an interesting offering from the venerable clay tool manufacturer. It’s even longer than the Scott Creek XL, with a barrel measuring 20 inches in length by 2 inches wide. It comes with 3 aluminum coil dies, 1 blank die, and 2 plastic spouts.

As stated above, I feel that a shorter barrel is easier to use but if you decide to go with this option, you can always just fill the barrel with less clay to make it easier to use. Aside from that, the trigger of this gun is virtually identical to the Shimpo with a circular handle. Kemper has a limited offering of dies, but Scott Creek dies will work with this extruder.

The Kemper IKEG Klay Extruder typically retails for around $60 and can be found at ceramic suppliers such as Bailey.

---

Mini Extruders: Kemper K45 Klay Gun and Bailey Clay Gun

These miniature clay extruders are useful for making texture or super small coils, such as for hair. They also work with polymer clay, so if you are working in miniatures, this is the clay extruder for you. For typical clay studios, these mini guns often sit unused in studio drawers but if you need a really specific shape, they may work for you. They are virtually identical but the Bailey set also comes with a handy plastic carrying case.

The Bailey Clay Gun is a miniature extruder.

Bailey Clay Gun

The Bailey Clay Gun has 19 dies and a carrying case. It typically costs around $13. Make sure that whatever you put in the barrel is very soft.

Shop at Bailey

Kemper Klay Gun

The Kemper Klay Gun also has 19 dies and typically costs around $13. It may be exactly the same thing as the Bailey Clay Gun, but it doesn’t have a case.

Shop at Blick

---

Summary

Handheld extruders are a great way to make small batches of similar shapes, such as handles or hollow shapes. For a long time, I thought of them as an extraneous tool but once I started using them, I found that I really liked the look of extruded handles. Definitely don’t get one of these if it will simply sit unused in a drawer.

With only four models on the market, all are basically the same with just a few minor differences, so you can’t go wrong. For me, I prefer the slightly wider and shorter Shimpo barrel but my favorite dies are the handle kit from Scott Creek. You will find your own combination that works for you.

---

Thanks for reading. Stay in touch!

Sign up for occasional emails from The Studio Manager:

---

Best Pottery Wheel Stools

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

TOP PICK:

Our top pick is the Shimpo Potter’s Stool. It has 4 adjustable legs, a padded seat, and a rugged design that will last forever. It is also the only stool that can be set at an angle with two longer legs (see picture) if that is more comfortable for you. It’s in the middle price range of stools reviewed here, generally around $80-90 plus shipping.

The Shimpo Potter’s Stool is a great option but there are other pottery stools too. The full review is below.

For a full pottery wheel buyer’s guide, click here.

---

Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Shimpo Potter’s Stool

2. Speedball ST-4 Adjustable Potter’s Stool

3. National Public Seating 18” stool

4. Other Options

5. How to Find the Beast Seat Height for Throwing

6. Wrap Up

---

---

Top Pick: Shimpo Potter’s Stool

The Shimpo Pottery Stool.

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

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

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

---

Speedball St-4 Adjustable Pottery Stool

The Speedball ST-4 Adjustable Pottery Stool has a molded plastic cushioned seat with a low back, a hydraulic adjustment that ranges from 16 to 23 inches high, and a wide, sturdy, 5-pointed base. The cushioned seat is comfortable for long sessions, is made of some kind of semi-hard foam, and is easy to clean. There’s also a right-side lever to adjust the heigh. This lever also can be cleaned, but it’s best to keep this and the inner adjustable column free of clay.

This stool could be the top pick, but some may find that the wide base gets in the way and might be a tripping hazard in a tight studio. Another drawback is that if clay gets on the adjustable column, it can damage the mechanism. Over time, if not kept clean, the stool ceases to be adjustable. So it may not be a lifetime sort of purchase, such as the Shimpo stool, but it is very comfortable and if kept clean, will last for years.

The Speedball ST-4 Pottery Stool costs around $150 and is available at speciality ceramic suppliers. Click here to visit the Speedball website.

---

National Public Seating 18” Stool and 18” Adjustable Stool

18” Stool from National Public Seating in grey.

National Public Seating 18” Stool in black.

National Public Seating’s stools are the utilitarian workhorses of studios. Sturdy, stackable, and virtually indestructible, they will last for years and years of heavy use, and the shorter 18” stool can easily double as a tall step stool or low pedestal for use with your favorite banding wheel. The 18” fixed height stool is a fairly good option for the pottery wheel but some may find it a little short. There is also an option for just a bit more that can adjust from 18 to 27 inches however, this is a screwed-in adjustment that needs a hex wrench to change. You won’t be making quick adjustments like with the Shimpo stool.

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

Another plus to these stools is they are available in a few colors: a basic gray, black, and a grey with a padded vinyl cushion. These stools are very common and widely carried, so it can be good to shop around and see if there’s a sale. Typically they are around $35-$40 and a bit more for the padded or adjustable models, but I’ve seen them on sale for as little as $25. They aren’t as versatile as the easily adjustable Shimpo and Speedball stools, but there’s a lot to be said for having a simple stool around.

You can also find these stools with a backrest option—I’m not sure that is necessary on an 18” wheel, but it is nice for the taller chairs for other studio uses. My preference is to turn chairs like this upside down on the wheelhead when not in use.

In the U.S., Blick carries a lot of options for this stool.

Shop 18” National Public Seating Stool at Blick

Amazon also has a variety of options of this stool:

Shop grey 18” stool at Amazon

Shop black 18” stool at Amazon

Shop padded grey 18” stool at Amazon

Shop padded black 18” stool at Amazon

Shop adjustable 18"-27” stool at Amazon

---

---

Other Options for Pottery Stools

Speedball ST-1 Professional Pottery Stool.

Speedball makes a few other pottery-specific stools. The white Speedball ST-1 Professional Pottery Stool has a similar base and adjusting mechanism to the ST-4, but it has a more cushioned and contoured seat with an office-chair type back. It is designed to easily allow your legs to spay open around the splash pan of a wheel. Some swear by this chair but for me, it’s kind of an awkward design. Given the option I go for the ST-4 or Shimpo stool first. The ST-1 is adjustable from 18 to 23 inches high.

Speedball makes two other pottery stools, the ST-5 and ST-10. The ST-5 has the same mechanism and base as the other adjustable Speedball chairs, but with a flat seat. And the ST-10 is a fixed-height, 18” stool with a wooden seat. It is very similar in design to the National Public Seating stools, but with a wooden top. Aesthetically, it’s more pleasing but it is also much more expensive.

Speedball ST-5 Adjustable Height Stool.

The Speedball Stools are available at ceramic suppliers or click here to visit the Speedball website.

National Public Seating Adjustable Swivel Stool

A final option is the National Public Seating Adjustable Swivel Stool. Rather than a hydraulic column that can break down over time, this seat is adjustable by turning the seat and moving what is essentially a big screw up or down. The adjusting mechanism is housed in a steel center sleeve but the “teeth” of the swivel are exposed as you raise the seat. As long as this is kept clean, the stool should last for a long time. It’s great for academic studios, anywhere you need an adjustable stool, but it is heavier and harder to stack. The stool is available in a variety of styles including wood and hardboard seats, and can adjust from 17 3/4” to 24 1/4” high. Modestly priced, like most of the company’s products, it’s usually available for around $80.

Shop Swivel Stool at Amazon

---

How to Find the Best Height for Throwing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

Wrap Up

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

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

---

Thanks for reading. Stay in touch!

Sign up for occasional emails from The Studio Manager:

---

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.

---

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

---

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

---

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. 

---

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.

---

Thanks for reading. Stay in touch!

Sign up for occasional emails from The Studio Manager:

---

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

---

Shop pottery and ceramic shirts at Redbubble.

---

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

---

Thanks for reading. Stay in touch!

Sign up for occasional emails from The Studio Manager:

---

---

The Best Banding Wheel for Pottery and Ceramics

The Nidec Shimpo 9 1/2” wide banding wheel. Get it at Blick.

Note: Updated and edited October 2022

A banding wheel is a great tool for handbuilding, decorating, and carving. Potters and sculptors definitely needs one or more of these in the studio.

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

Top Pick: Nidec Shimpo Banding Wheels

The complete line of Shimpo Banding Wheels.

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

Shimpo banding wheels come in five sizes ranging from 7” to 11 3/4” wide. The three smaller wheels are all 2 1/4” tall, while the two taller sizes are 4 3/4” tall and 7 1/2” tall. My preference is for the shorter, lower-profile banding wheels but a pedestal-style banding wheel may work for your studio. Some may find these banding wheels to be on the heavy side, but the weight works to your advantage to create a steady, even, long-lasting spin.

Shopping tip: These banding wheels tend to be cheaper at Blick than Amazon.

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

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

18L 7” x 2 1/4”, 6.5 lbs, $64-$79 (Shop 7” at Amazon)

22L 8 3/4” x 2 1/4”, 13 lbs, $77-$90

25L 9 1/2” x 2 1/4”, 15 lbs, $89-$120 (Shop at Amazon)

25H 9 7/8” x 7 1/2”, 19 lbs, $117-$132 (Shop at Amazon)

30M 11 3/4” x 4 3/4”, 28 lbs, $138-160 (Shop at Amazon)

More pics of the Nidec Shimpo banding wheel

Top view

Bottom view

---

Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Shimpo Banding Wheels

2. Budget Pick: CSI Banding Wheels

3. Great option: Amaco Banding Wheels

4. Other Banding Wheels

5. Summary

---

---

Budget Pick: CSI Banding Wheels

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

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

For heavy sculptures or vessels these are great options. The 8” and 10” wheels have a 200 lb capacity, the 12” is rated to 300 lbs, and the 14” and 16” are rated to an 800 lb capacity.

The CSI banding wheels range in price from around $29 to about $47. That’s an incredibly great deal for a heavy-duty banding wheel, making this a great option for educational studios, beginners, or those more focused on sculpture and handbuilding rather than spinning decoration.

---

Great option: Amaco #5 Banding Wheel

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

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

---

Shop pottery shirts and aprons at Redbubble.

---

Other Banding Wheels options

Plastic Banding Wheels

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

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

---

Metal Banding Wheels

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

These wheels have numerous positive online reviews and are overall highly rated, but there are also some very negative reviews.

7” banding wheel is generally $29 to $39, while the 12” banding wheel is $39 to $49.

---

Jack Richeson Mobile Sculpture Stand and Turntable

A mobile sculpture stand gives you the freedom to work on pottery and sculptures from all sides, and roll your work station out of the way if needed. This can be a great option for figurative sculpture, or if you want to create an additional workspace without adding another table. To work on this stand comfortably, you’ll need a tall stool or work standing up. The center shaft is adjustable for a working height of 39.5 to 44 inches. The wooden work surface is 12 inches square, and the base is 29 inches square with 4 locking caster wheels. It’s a great stand for working on sculptures, pottery, or as a display stand. It retails for $208.

---

---

Summary

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

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

---

Thanks for reading. Stay in touch!

Sign up for occasional emails from The Studio Manager:

---