Got A Brand Shimpo Aspire....aaaand It's Clunking. Normal?

[hantremmer]

Hello all,

 

I bought my first wheel after taking a few lessons.  It's a Shimpo Aspire.

 

While I'm excited, I'm also a little concerned.  You see, it's clunking.  I've not tried any clay on it yet, but there's a clunking sound that matches the rotation of the wheel.   When it's going slowly its quieter and when it's going fast it's louder, but it's there.

 

I've checked and the wheel is level.

 

Here's a video (that I'm not sure how to embed)

 

 

 

 I think there's a wheel in the class that clunks a bit.  It's called something like a Wagner Super 70 - an old wheel that one straddles - but I don't know if it's a belt drive like the Shimpo.

 

Obviously I want a wheel which works and that won't affect what I'm trying to throw.

 

ANy ideas?  I've no idea if this is normal or not.  If it ain't, should I be concerned and send it back or give it a while to see how it goes? 

 

 

 

 

[Marcia Selsor]

I got one and have been using it for a diamond sanding disc. No clunking. Call them. Maybe the splash pan isn't on right?

If not, call a Shimpo rep.

 

Marcia

[neilestrick]

Could be the seam in the belt. Call them.

[hantremmer]

Thanks for replying Marcia and Neil.   The wheel clunks with and without the splashpan and whether or not there's a batt attached, too.

 

This is so terribly frustrating; I was looking forward to potter-ing this weekend.  I'd just bought some clay and tools to use too, so I'll have to set them aside for the moment.

 

I've sent an email to Shimpo, but also the retailer to try to organise a return.

[neilestrick]

If you feel handy, make sure everthing is tight, especially where the bearings attach. There's a chance the screws are loose, but I'm betting it's the belt. Take off the cover so you can see the belt run, and check to see if the clunk is when the seam on the belt hits the small drive wheel at the motor.

[hantremmer]

Thanks for the tip, Neil.   I'm letting the retailer handle looking for a replacement wheel rather than try to fix this one.  Regardless, I'll be getting another Aspire - right size and budget - so if that develops a clunk I'll have an idea of how to fix it.

[hantremmer]

Had a response from Shimpo.  It matches the advice here.

 

Apparently with wheels that have been sitting for a long time - say on a cargo ship - the belts can develop a thump.  If I understand the email correctly, sometimes EDIT: running the wheel by itself may get rid of it.   Or what can happen is that the moulding from the belt isn't completely clean on the 'join point', so taking it off and scraping away the residue with a flat-head screwdriver might sort it.

 

Of course I'd suggest that, per the advice here, people contact the company itself before trying anything.