Crusty Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 We are going Saturday to look at a used Skutt model A wheel.. its in good condition and I am told it works just fine and has had low usage... What I need is some help on what to check to make sure it is in working condition.. it has a foot controller with it ... Thank you~Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 This is an older wheel it looks like-make sure the wheel head is true(not bent) when spining. Its been to many years since I threw on this to tell you anything else the foot pedal should work well as well. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxden Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 I'll tell you what I would be looking at. Does the wheel have a nice range of speeds? Does it rotate at a steady not jerky rate? Can you slow it to a crawl and it stays constant? Does it stop when you want to? Also when it's turning put your hands on the wheel head and apply resistance, If you stop or slow it without a great deal of force, that could signal transmission, motor, belt or some other kind of problem. It could be minor or major and would take some further examination. Another consideration is the availability of parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusty Posted September 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 I was told this wheel has a gear reduction box.. no belts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 how much are they asking for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusty Posted September 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 their asking 250 for it... if it has a reduction drive in it, it may be worth it ,, but if its a belt drive I don't think it is.. those gear boxes are not cheap!!! Its a Model B not A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusty Posted September 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 all belt driven, we will pass... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Well any older equipment is going to likely need some work here and there but if it truly is lightly used and it passes both the test above then I'd say go for it and start throwing some clay. Buying used equipment is always risky but a good wheel for a couple hundred bucks seems like a no brainer. Around here good used wheels seem to be in the 5-600 range. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelP Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 all belt driven, we will pass... Why? Belt drives, by definition, are much more simple (=reliable) than gear drives, very inexpensive and easy to repair and, with all probability, less noisy. Many types of machinery benefit greatly from using gear drives, but a pottery wheel, esp., an old one, is not one of those, IMO. Stephen 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusty Posted September 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 This belt system is why we passed on it, not to mention the wheel is ran by rope tention.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 not sure I follow, do you mean the belts are no longer available or are you concerned about their performance? If its the latter, in what way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusty Posted September 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 that is actually a Skutt and Sons model B, im not sure what year but, the age of it and what I would have to go through to change the top belt is really what turns me off.. I have not seen a rope driven system although I understand how it works... I just don't think it would make a good first wheel for us.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 This whole system as well as the wheel is a really old wheel. My worry is not the belts its all the other parts-wheel head bearings -shaft pulleys all are so old replacement is an issue-looking at the guts its a three belt drive-very old school. You can call skutt and see whats available for this wheel. If its Zero than forget it. The belts are all findable-the other parts are the issue. This is a rope controlled pedal which has its own issues as well.I threw on one of these about 40 years ago. I would hold out for a modern wheel. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusty Posted September 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Mark we purchased a Clay Boss last night after talking about all the used wheels we have seen and what type of shape their in.. I think it will be a better starter wheel for us,plus warranty. We can always upgrade in due time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lianimals Posted January 7, 2020 Report Share Posted January 7, 2020 If y'all are still out there on this topic, I have the exact same model. Still works really well and I actually kinda love that it's heavy as heck. I don't even have to secure it to anything and can put alot of heft into it. Anyway, if the person still has it, I'd like to talk more! They're hard to find. Hulk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Posted January 7, 2020 Report Share Posted January 7, 2020 13 hours ago, Lianimals said: If y'all are still out there on this topic, I have the exact same model. Still works really well and I actually kinda love that it's heavy as heck. I don't even have to secure it to anything and can put alot of heft into it. Anyway, if the person still has it, I'd like to talk more! They're hard to find. ha ha, hopefully they are not still trying to move it 6 years later :-) Hulk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusty Posted January 12, 2020 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2020 (edited) lol funny, we got the Clay Boss and 2 weeks later picked up a brand spankin new J-230 18x27 L&L manual kiln still wrapped up and on the pallet with kiln shelf kit . Plus a used Shimpo Velocity that was and still is in good shape for $300.00 .. you talk about 2 happy potters doing a little dance ... Edited January 12, 2020 by Crusty add info Hulk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harmony D Posted February 26, 2020 Report Share Posted February 26, 2020 On 1/6/2020 at 8:53 PM, Lianimals said: If y'all are still out there on this topic, I have the exact same model. Still works really well and I actually kinda love that it's heavy as heck. I don't even have to secure it to anything and can put alot of heft into it. Anyway, if the person still has it, I'd like to talk more! They're hard to find. I just purchased one of these wheels! It didn't come with a pedal or legs though! If you have any information, I'd love to talk about it! I'm going to build a stand for it soon! Hulk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hulk Posted February 26, 2020 Report Share Posted February 26, 2020 (edited) The (beefy casting, very heavy, smooth, impressive!) pedal on my late model Skutt has a small potentiometer in it; the actual electric part is rather tiny, especially in contrast to the housing. No idea how your antique-ish motor is controlled, hence, no idea if this could help at all ...Skutt's current line up has the standard or "SSX" control board (both by Minarik), big motor, heavy foot pedal, tiny potentiometer within. Shout if you're not finding source of this pic, are interested in Minarik documentation, would like spec on that potentiometer (it's just a few screws to get to it - I hadn't noted any specs on that part...). Edited February 26, 2020 by Hulk shout if Harmony D 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harmony D Posted February 27, 2020 Report Share Posted February 27, 2020 23 hours ago, Hulk said: The (beefy casting, very heavy, smooth, impressive!) pedal on my late model Skutt has a small potentiometer in it; the actual electric part is rather tiny, especially in contrast to the housing. No idea how your antique-ish motor is controlled, hence, no idea if this could help at all ...Skutt's current line up has the standard or "SSX" control board (both by Minarik), big motor, heavy foot pedal, tiny potentiometer within. Shout if you're not finding source of this pic, are interested in Minarik documentation, would like spec on that potentiometer (it's just a few screws to get to it - I hadn't noted any specs on that part...). Thank you! I'll look into it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheel Posted June 17, 2021 Report Share Posted June 17, 2021 My neighbor just gave an old Skutt model B to my son and we're planning to rehab. Actually still hoping the motor works. The carcass is a little rusty but it's in generally good shape. I'm randomly looking for any kind of source for spare parts, belts in particular, if anyone has any suggestion?? Will post some before after photos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Beller Diesel Posted June 18, 2021 Report Share Posted June 18, 2021 @Wheel Have you tried reaching out to Skutt for the specs? You might be able to find replacement parts anywhere you find small motors and/or automotive parts. Hulk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxie Posted July 2, 2021 Report Share Posted July 2, 2021 How much is a fair price to purchase this same model Skutt & Sons Model B, it has 1/4 HP, rope pedal, excellent condition. I'm a second owner and bought it 1972. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hulk Posted July 2, 2021 Report Share Posted July 2, 2021 Good question! ...am seeing listings $200-400 for than'n - mostly dated listings... ...am curious how the pedal/rope control works! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxie Posted July 2, 2021 Report Share Posted July 2, 2021 Mine is much cleaner and in great condition compare to the photo of this one. And the original legs are attached too. It's so hard to part with an old time friend since 1972, know what I mean? I want my wheel to go to a good home that will love it as I do. Hulk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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