VTschool Posted September 3, 2015 Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 I work for a new, very small, progressive education elementary school. This is the second year our school has existed. We are trying to slowly but surely build up our equipment in all areas. We would like to have a wheel, most likely a kick wheel. I do not know much about them, other than using one as a child. We have a chance to buy a Conway's Potter's kick wheel for $300. It had a crack through the flywheel but the current owner says it is balanced and spins fine. He bought the wheel used from a studio five years ago, and says the crack happened three years ago during a move. I can't seem to find information about Conways, or information about whether a through-and-through crack on a fly wheel should be a deal-breaker, or could be ok. Our school has very limited funds, so I'm hoping to get some advice on whether this purchase makes sense. Thank you in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Beller Diesel Posted September 3, 2015 Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 I found a listing on EBay for $210 (it was expired) and in better condition than what you describe. You could likely dicker the price down a bit. Is there strapping around the flywheel keeping it in one piece? Also, I wonder if it isn't going to be a bit tall for younger kids to straddle and brace properly in order to centre. Unless you're only letting the 5-6's on the wheel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted September 3, 2015 Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 Kickwheels are pretty low cost these days in the used market-that seems high especially for a cracked one. Over lessor move on and keep looking. Its about twice as much as it should be at least from my point of view. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTschool Posted September 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 Thank you for your thoughts. Ok, so I will see if we can get the price down significantly or else pass. I've attached a picture to this post in which you can see the crack in case that makes a difference in anyone's thoughts. If we do pass, any suggestions on the best place to find a used one? We are in rural Vermont, so not a lot of rural population density. A board such as this one? Also, I will check on the height for the young kids. Our teacher who works with our seven year olds says she has used one successfully in the past, but I agree that it looks high for them. Thank you so much for your input! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bciskepottery Posted September 3, 2015 Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 Check Craigslist for wheels, also government auction sites. There is a pottery barter site on Yahoo (?) that offers used equipment. Also, let clay/pottery shops know you are looking for a wheel . . . they often let potters post for sale items on store bulletin boards. This site does not have classifieds or allows the sale of items . . . all we offer is advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted September 3, 2015 Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 I think a kick wheel might be too big for elementary students. The bench is not adjustable and the kids may not be able to reach the fly wheel. An Arista wheel might be better for small children. http://www.dickblick.com/products/speedball-artista-potters-wheel/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=pla&wmcid=items&wmckw=30029-1010&gclid=CN3KpYzx2scCFZSCaQodXz8NiQ Check Bennett's Pottery supply.Or each on Ebay or craigslist. Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzine Posted September 3, 2015 Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 That crack doesn't seem like it would affect its use, but I second what Marcia says about it being to big. I have high school students struggle with the size of a kick wheel, both in reaching the fly wheel, and being able to generate enough power. I would hold off and keep an eye out for a smaller wheel. They make some nice tabletop wheels, that would work well in an elementary classroom. I've got a couple two speed Amacos, that can be used with or without a stand. They are very common, and come up for sale often. I would avoid eBay, since a lot of the equipment, the sellers tend to over-value. Govsurplus.com is a great source. Best of luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy Eberhardt Posted September 3, 2015 Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 If the goal here is to discourage and frustrate the kiddos, by all means, go with a kick wheel. If, on the other hand, the goal is to instill a love of ceramic arts, I would seriously consider a small table top model electric wheel. Craig's List would be my starting point in my search for such a wheel. You could even put it out there what your school is looking for. For such a worthy cause, you might even find someone who is willing to donate a good used one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted September 3, 2015 Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 Personally, I would not buy the kick wheel for working with elementary. It will probably end up being more of a banding wheel than anything else. I used to always believe that best to start with simplest and work to motorized or more complicated. However, after years of working with 3rd-7th graders in Summer programs, and HS students during the year, kick wheels were an exception to the rule. First, if they can not reach the drive wheel, they may try to by sitting on the edge of the seat, and possibly fall off. Secondly if they can reach the wheel, they may not have the strength to get the wheel up to speed, frustrating them. I think careful watch of the online sources may help you find a motorized belt driven wheel that will meet you needs, the students, and be safer and less frustrating. My opinion. Best, Pres Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRankin Posted September 3, 2015 Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 If you decide on a tabletop wheel Clay King sells the Artista wheel for $349 including shipping, plus $74 for the foot pedal but I've heard that it's not so wonderful so I don't have one and find the hand switch is sufficient. The Artista wheel is portable and can be moved out of the way when not in use. It is a convenient size for kids. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTschool Posted September 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 Thank you all for your wonderful advice. Perhaps my childhood elementary school memories of working on a kick wheel were getting the better of me. (Maybe we somehow had one sized for kids?). I'll be on the lookout for one of the electric wheels suggested by all of you. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rayaldridge Posted September 6, 2015 Report Share Posted September 6, 2015 I'd agree that a kickwheel is probably not suitable for elementary-sized kids. When my kids were little, I was afraid to let them use my kickwheel, which was one of the old Brent wood-and-bricks wheels. I was scared they'd slip off the seat and get their legs broken by the wheel's momentum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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