Need Help Repairing Old Amaco Electric Wheel No.1-101

[BGraceKelly]

Hello, I recently was given an old Amaco electric potter's wheel no. 1-101.  The wheel has not been used in a long time.  The wheel head does not switch to the correct direction for throwing.  There is also a knocking noise when the wheel is on.  I have a basic diagram of the parts and wiring that came with the wheel, but can't figure out where to begin troubleshooting the problem.  Any advice will be appreciated.

[Pres]

This wheel was a two speed, direct drive wheel. If the wheel is going in the wrong direction it may be someone reversed leads on the motor. It was never very strong, as it would handle 10# at the most. We used ours for a motorized banding wheel, and for very light 3-5 # throwing. If you are just learning to throw, may work, but the lack of variable speed will be frustrating if you have learned on another wheel. As to the knocking, sounds like there is a bolt loose on the connection to the motor. Look to where the two join together and see if anything is loose. Another thing to check is if the bearing is loose up on the shaft to the wheel head.

[Benzine]

I've had a couple of these wheels in two of my classrooms. They work well enough, in a classroom setting. All that I've ever had, had some age, and never made such a sound. I would check what Pres suggested.

 

I have yet to figure out, why they sell these wheels for so much, even to this day.

[David Moore]

Can a variable speed pedal or lever be added to this motor/wheel. I have one and want to make this variable speed instead of 2 speed.

Thanks!

[Nina Hoff]

On 2/26/2014 at 7:46 PM, Benzine said:

I've had a couple of these wheels in two of my classrooms. They work well enough, in a classroom setting. All that I've ever had, had some age, and never made such a sound. I would check what Pres suggested.

 

I have yet to figure out, why they sell these wheels for so much, even to this day.

 

On 8/6/2020 at 9:55 AM, David Moore said:

Can a variable speed pedal or lever be added to this motor/wheel. I have one and want to make this variable speed instead of 2 speed.

Thanks!

Hi David 

did you ever found a way to add a pedal?

[Nina Hoff]

On 8/6/2020 at 9:55 AM, David Moore said:

Can a variable speed pedal or lever be added to this motor/wheel. I have one and want to make this variable speed instead of 2 speed.

Thanks!

Hi David 

i just got one of too

could you add the foot peddals?

[Rbarr159]

Would also love to know if anyone figured out how to add a pedal. Going to look into it myself. 

[Allyson]

I also want to add a pedal to mine. I called a kiln repair business here in Denver and chatted with some of the folks there and they thought that you can’t turn a two speed wheel into a variable speed one. I haven’t given up but if anyone figures out how to do it, please post it here! Thanks in advance

[Pres]

The speeds for the wheel are on the motor. Electrically not possible to make the change unless you change the motor. Once you do that anything is possible.

 

best,

Pres

[Hulk]

Aye that.

Per Michaela C's post here Gearbox help for an old Amaco 1-101 - Equipment Use and Repair - Ceramic Arts Daily Community, the original motor is AC (alternating current); they changed out the motor (very likely a DC motor), and used a sewing machine foot pedal to control it (but the wheel head rotated too slowly, hrrm).

It is possible to precisely control AC motor speed and power. My guess is that pottery wheel makers are using DC motors (typically, brushed motors) and controllers for several reasons, which may include cost, simplicity, performance (particularly in relation to cost), tradition...