Pottery wheel comparison and how they work



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Information is your best tool when it comes to successful shopping,moreover when you are in the market for an expensive investment such as a pottery wheel. There are many styles,varieties,and manufacturers since the first wheels made it on the market. when making a large investment,as with most products you will have your favorites. The same applies to potter wheels. It is important to research the industry and make you choice on which is right for you.



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Whether you are a professional or a novice in pottery having the right pottery wheel can either make or break your enthusiasm in the hobby. While some people prefer the electric model others seek the kick-wheels durability and strong form that will last a lifetime. How do you know which brand is the best? Or that has the best reviews? Here are some brands and what they most stand out for.



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The Brent Potters wheel



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One of the first details that should be pointed out is this brand is produced in the Untied States by the founder,Robert Brent. Mr.Brent,known for his passion for pottery and was a true inspiration to anyone he encountered. While being unhappy with the past models on the market,Mr.Brent decided he would invent some that were unlike any other. His design consisted of the addition of electric speed and DC motor with enduring magnets,the first of its kind.



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Near the end of 1967,Mr. Brent's production line of pottery wheels was in production. Around 1973,he presented the pottery world with his version of a kick-wheel along with the world's first ever slab roller.



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The AMACO (American Art Clay Company) purchased the company with Brent leading the way in manufacturing. Still today the Brent Wheels are noted for being top of the line.



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Speedball and Creative Industries



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In 1971,Creative Industries manufactured the first of many wheels at its production plant is CA. In 2009 the Speedball Company merged with Creative Industries and took up shop in North Carolina. Those that invest in one of their products are mainly hobbyists,students and those needing a portable,light wheel. There were performance issues with the earlier models however in recent years upgrades have been noted in the specifications,improving the issues at hand. &lt;br&gt;



Soldner Wheels



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One of the leaders in innovation in the twentieth century was Paul Soldner. While a student under Mr. Paul Voulkos,Soldner took notice of the flaws the past wheels contained and began to make the needed changes to make upgrades to their performance. In 1955,Mr. Soldner created the pottery company empire that carried his name. Soldner potters wheel offered a new design in the foot pedal making it smooth to operate and pressure sensitivity. These type controllers add expense to his models but those that use his swear in their exceptional abilities,including handling large mounds of clay and on a well-designed wheelhead.



&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Shimpo&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;



Shimpo Industrial got its start in 1952 in Japan. By 1974,the American version was established and began production in the state of Illinois. The current establishment,Nidec-Shimpo is global and holds its own in the pottery wheel industry. It's quiet demeanor,smoothness and strong torque are just a few of the reasons potters enjoy the Shimpo brand



&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Axner,Pacifica,and Lockerbie&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;



Pacifica started production in 1972 and in 1992,was purchased by the Laguna Clay Company. Currently,Laguna expands on the making of and improvement of their electric wheel models. This brands attribute includes easy upkeep and repairs if necessary,smooth,quiet operations,with a lot of power.



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In 1978,Axner supplies came on the scene with Mr.Howard Axner leading the way. In 2006,Laguna and Axner merged as one. In the early to mid 60's,the Lockerbie wheel was often seen in educational institutions. By 2007,Lockerbie and Laguna merged and now manufacture and market the wheels. Laguna,on its own,produces a kick-wheel that can only handle light-duty jobs.



&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Skutt&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;



Pottery wheels manufactured by Skutt became globally known for their model electric kilns. In the later part of 2008,Skutt bought Thomas Stuart and currently they produce models that are well known for their quality-driven long-lasting endurance. In 1953,the Skutt father and son began producing the first of its kind multi-sided kilns. Today,the company still is going strong making glass and ceramic kilns,and a newer line of kick-wheels and electric wheels.



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Details to know before choosing a wheel



&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Durability&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;



Before you choose a brand or model wheel,you need to research its durability. If your wheel is going to be in a classroom,you will want to inquire about wheels that have steel legs to prevent denting and scratches. If you are interested in having a work area attached,it is important to find one that has a water-resistant counter-top. Knowing this ahead of time will prevent you from buying a cheaper model that will warp and become damaged rather quickly.



&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Warranty&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;



Buying a wheel is a large investment. With this being said,it is important that you choose a company that offers a warranty of their product. Pottery wheels can be expensive,the last thing you want to happen is for your to encounter problems that you are required to pay out-of-pocket. A warranty can range anywhere from 1 year to 10. Read the fine print! Know what is being offered in the warranty as well as knowing for certain your wheel can be repaired by a local establishment or if shipping will be required.



&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Price&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;



Just because a price is lower on one model doesn't mean you are getting the best value for your dollar. Price ranges can run anywhere between $150.00 to well over $1,000.00. Just like with anything else you prefer one over the other,a wheel is not going to be different. If you are interested in pottery,seek out art shows and ask questions to potters. Most will help lead you in the right direction or at least answer some of the more urgent questions. Do your homework,you can never learn too much. You can also watch videos to learn more about each brand and the qualities it has to offer. Good luck and most importantly,have fun!

Pottery Wheel Comparison

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Elite

Nunito Sans

Nunito

Roboto

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Pottery Wheel Comparison

Pottery Wheel Comparison

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