Jump to content

Shimpo Vl - Lite Wheel


Recommended Posts

Hi guys!

 

Looking for some opinions on this wheel?

 

I have been throwing for the last 5 years throughout high school and college. I recently was throwing on a Brent B wheel at a studio for a while and I fell in love, but I don't very much have the funds to just throw money down for one.

 

I really want a wheel of my own, and I have tried looking all over online for some sort of review on this wheel, but can't find anything. From what I have heard and read, many people love their Shimpo wheels, but I was just wondering if anyone here has thrown on this specific wheel? Any comment will help!  ^_^ (even if its another wheel suggestion)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If I recall correctly, the Shimpo VL Lite is a belt-drive wheel; the other Shimpos are direct drive (no belts). If you can, visit a supply shop or studio and give the various models a try. That is the best way to see which one works for you. I have a Shimpo Whisper and like it very much. I looked at my wheel purchase as a one-time purchase, so I bought the one I liked. Given the cost and the fact a good wheel will last your lifetime, it doesn't make sense to me to buy a less expensive "entry-level" wheel and then another more expensive one later. A few dollars spent now will be recovered many times over the lifetime of your wheel.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 (Given the cost and the fact a good wheel will last your lifetime, it doesn't make sense to me to buy a less expensive "entry-level" wheel and then another more expensive one later. A few dollars spent now will be recovered many times over the lifetime of your wheel. 

 

so true!

Mark

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We been looking really hard for a wheel for almost 3 months.. just not a lot in our area worth buying used.. we ended up getting a new Boss wheel, yea its a econo wheel but the ones we seen used sell for 400 plus if their in decent shape.. so in a couple years we will probably step up to the "lifetime" wheel and sell this one or at least ask In the 400 range and get exactly what we want.. im sure it can pay for it self when we learn how to use it... I catch on to things  pretty quick, once I set my mind to something , I am a crazy man until I figure it out.. Determination

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You're absolutely right bciskepottery, thank you for the advice. I am just being impatient and just miss playing in mud, it's been months :(

 

And Crusty, boss wheel is definitely a good starting wheel! You will definitely get the hang of it, just need to have A LOT of patience. My old professor always told me "once you get the hang of it, its like riding a bike, you'll never forget how to do it" and he's right. Once you understand the basics you will be amazed with what you create. It's so rewarding :)!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks, there is actually 2 Crusty's learning.. My beautiful better half is Cindy and im Jim.. We are both new but have a little bit of clay time behid us.. we are very excited to get going but our wheel is just now being shipped... slab it is til then.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At the end of the day they really are all just tools. It seems to me that for the most part any of the studio equipment from the major brands all last a really, really long time and gets the job done. My sister-in-law picked up a used clay boss when a local studio closed down and I used it for a while and it seemed just fine, not as quiet as our whispers but fine. Bet the Shimpo lite is fine too. If you have the extra dough then there are many compelling arguments for getting the more expensive equipment but I bet your pottery will not suffer one little bit regardless of what ya get and likewise will not likely be noticeably better because you bought a $1200 wheel instead of a $550 wheel. 

 

I personally would recommend getting the best you can afford and move on to throwing pottery instead of putting it off to save for a more expensive tool setup. Maybe 10-15 years from now you will need to pop for another wheel and by that time you will be a rich and famous potter and the best wheels will be even better.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.