Narrowed It Down To A Couple Wheels?

[Saki]

Which every you choose, my 2cents would be to make sure its reversible  i.e. can spin clockwise and counter clockwise

I understand that Japanese potters throw with the wheel turning clockwise, but I am not familiar with a throwing technique that employs both forward and reverse. May I inquire why this is a useful feature?

[neilestrick]

I have never reversed my wheel, either. I throw counter-clockwise. Why would I need to reverse it?

[Guest]

 

I understand that Japanese potters throw with the wheel turning clockwise, but I am not familiar with a throwing technique that employs both forward and reverse. May I inquire why this is a useful feature?

 

 

Maybe for a left handed turner?

[bciskepottery]

Reversible wheels allow manufacturers to reach both markets -- those who learned/prefer clockwise and those who learned/prefer counter-clockwise. It seems more western potters are experiencing training in the east -- Japan, Korea, China -- where the wheels operate opposite of what they learned on; and vice versa. Not aware of any throwing technique that uses both.

[ChenowethArts]

My 2 cents worth:  I have experience on Creative Industries, Brent C and CXC, and most recently a Shimpo VL Whisper. I actually found things I like about each of those.  The poor ole CI only lasted 20 years before it could be stopped while centering 5 pounds of clay.  The Brent CXC is a workhorse...rock-solid, able to handle more clay than I can possibly handle/center...not sure if it will ever wear out.  The Shimpo is what I use the most these days...I really like the quiet action but have had to adjust a bit to the brakes and the close-fitting splash pan.  For the money, I think I would lean toward Brent...for the luxury, I'm getting spoiled on the Shimpo.

 

There are periodic specials run by some of the bigger online suppliers (including free shipping) that you might look for...but having a local supplier may give you better access to any maintenance issues you encounter.

 

Happy shopping!,

-Paul

[neilestrick]

 

 

I understand that Japanese potters throw with the wheel turning clockwise, but I am not familiar with a throwing technique that employs both forward and reverse. May I inquire why this is a useful feature?

 

 

Maybe for a left handed turner?

 

 

It's not a left-handed vs. right-handed issue. Are all the potters in Japan left handed? No. They simply work clockwise for whatever reason. It's like which side of the road we drive on.

[Guest]

I get it, its like there ain't no such thing as a left handed piano.

 

Funny thing is Bailey told me that that being able to switch rotation direction gives a wheel a better resale value to left handed potters. I had believed it because there was a left hand potter in the class we took that struggled with throwing and the instructor told her she would do better with a left handed wheel. Maybe they both meant East vs West type throwing skills.

 

Looks like I misunderstood, thanks for the clarification..

[neilestrick]

I get it, its like there ain't no such thing as a left handed piano.

 

Ha! I love it!

 

There are some left handed potters who have an easier time trimming on a clockwise wheel. They just aren't comfortable holding a trimming too in their right hand. But I tell my lefty students to try to learn to do everything counter-clockwise, because they may end up in a studio some day that doesn't have reversing wheels. So my lefties typically either trim right handed, or hold the tool with their left hand and trim at the 6 o'clock position.

[Guest]

Makes a lot of sense, thanks

[Mark C.]

My search for left handed piano just ended,darn

[sarahwarth@yahoo.com]

Neil, I'm thinking about a Skutt.  Any recommendations for which model?  I was thinking of the premiere.

[neilestrick]

Neil, I'm thinking about a Skutt.  Any recommendations for which model?  I was thinking of the premiere.

 

Total overkill. Plus if they're still making them like they used to, the 1hp models are a couple of inches taller to make room for the big motor. You won't need more than the 1/2hp model unless you're doing super ginormous pieces. I prefer the built in splash pan. Heavier, super solid. Just as easy to clean.

[sprig2]

I wanted to let you guys know which wheel I wound up with. )  It has taken me all this time to get a wheel. I have tried and tried to buy one used but have not managed to do so. Tomorrow I pick up my brand new Brent C wheel. I was considering a few different ones thanks to you guys input. I figured if I could find any of the ones I decided on used then that would be the wheel I got!  I appreciate all the input you guys gave me.  I am very excited to say the least. One thing I have found out is used pottery wheels are sold before the ink dries on the add ROFL... or should I say before the keys stop typing the listing! LOL . I decided to go with the bigger wheel as I have developed a interest in throwing flower pots after watching 9000 throwing videos! LOL ok maybe not 9000 but a bunch! Being a avid gardener myself the planters have really caught my attention!  Thank You again. 

[Mark C.]

I started my career with a model C. Good solid choice. You will be happy. 

Mark

[Rex Johnson]

...a reversible wheel is useful for more than just throwing and/or trimming.

It's also useful for applying wax and decorating if reverse feels ergonomically better to your brush application.

I use my wheels for anything that makes the production easier on me...

Oh, and yes I use a Griffin Grip too  there's nothing to gain by being a purist.

Otherwise I'd be digging the clay out of my hillside...

[Pres]

Wheel reversal also works well to burnish the clay. I have used it with some pit fired, and raku, especially when the clay was very groggy. For some reason or so it works better to burnish on the wheel in reverse. Uhhh why not by hand? Because it takes less time, and you don't handle it by hand.

 

best,

Pres

[Mark C.]

I seem to go backward more than my wheels.

[Rex Johnson]

...yes, forgot that, burnishing too!