Choosing a wheel

[Mostly Harmless]

Hi,

I am new to the forum. I have been going to ceramics evening classes for approximately 7 years and am intermediate level thrower. I want to get a wheel for home and have limited space.

I have been considering getting the top of the range Shimpo RK3E. This would suit me in terms of size and I have been told that they last a lifetime and are very reliable. I spoke to a supplier recently and enquired about the pros and cons of having the wheel head pinned for bats and whether is was possible to have interchangeable wheelheads. The guy said that he would suggest that I get a G34 Bailey wheel. He said that this would be better because you have easy access to the wheelhead without removing the sliptray. Also that the AC power is safer than Shimp DC.

I would really like peoples points of view regarding what they think are the best small wheels. Also what throwers think about pinning the wheelhead for bats / interchangable wheelhead etc and having a small sliptray.

Pearls of wisdom / points of view would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks.

[Critchley]

All I can do is say Welcome to the forum as I am no potter but we have some lovely potters who will be along to answer your questions.

[Mostly Harmless]

Thanks for the welcome.

[Daesul]

Can't help much really as I've never used a Shimpo! I recently treated myself to a top of the range Alsager with interchangeable heads and I love it. No need to remove the tray at all.

However, after having paid extra for the alternative wheelhead, I found out that it is possible to just use the one wheelhead, by having removeable screw-in pins put in for holding batts, so I could have saved myself some money!

You live and learn...

Before I got my Alsager I just used a kick-wheel that I got off eBay for £115.

[toppotter]

Hi MH

For what its worh her are my pros and cons of all the relevant wheels

The Bailey wheel
For: European tray, with drain which some people prefer and a intergrated seat and further shelf option can be added.
Against: It has some inverter whine noise which the Shimpo wheels do not suffer from. It is belt driven rather than direct drive like the Shimpos', The belt would need to be replaced in the future
http://www.toppotsupplies.co.uk/uthe-bailey-wheelu-206-p.asp

Shimpo RK3E
For: 14" wheel head, direct drive, really really stuningly quiet. Useful platic area for tools etc, covering steel chasis.
Comment: some pulsing felt when throwing very very large pieces (30" diam ) at low speeds.
http://www.toppotsupplies.co.uk/ushimpo-rk3e-whisper-wheelu-202-p.asp

Shimpo Whisper T
For: economy version of RK3E, just as quiet as RK3E, 12" wheel head,
Comment: slighty smaller 300w motor (RK3E 400w). Steel chasis not with plastic covering but powder coated.
http://www.toppotsupplies.co.uk/ushimpo-whisper-t-potters-wheelu-195-p.asp

Ref the safetey aspect all the wheels are tested to be safe under normal working conditions. Personally I wouldn't let this aspect be part of the decision making process. I have had no reports of any problems with any of the wheels.

Hope this helps

Robin

[Mostly Harmless]

Thanks Robin, that is really helpful. Can I ask you a few more questions...

1. To pin or not to pin? I like the convenience of fast attachment of bats by pins but not the fact that I would not be able to throw on the metal wheelhead and always have to use ply bats. What is your preference? Would you manally attach bats with clay when the item being thrown dictates a bat?

2. One supplier I spoke to who supplied Shimpo and Bailey leaned to Bailey as he viewed the Direct Drive as a design fault and costly if it broke down, although he had not come across this scenario actually happening. On the other hand I have spoken to potters who rave about the reliability of the Shimpo and that they are really built to last. What would be your opinion?

3. Is it easy to clean out the small slip tray on the Shimpo wheels?

[toppotter]

Hi MH

ref pins, we drill the wheel head and our pins are held in place by wingnuts underneath the head. This allows the user to remove them when they are not using plybats.

We have been selling Shimpo wheels since they came to the market, which must be 6 years I think by now and there have been no reports of motor failures by private or institutional users to my knowledge. On the other hand the Bailey wheel is using a standard method of wheel manufacture and will also probably stand the test of time.

Ref the tray on the Shimpo, it is easy to clean as the tray comes apart in two pieces for full cleaning. However if you use alot of water in your throwing you may find it a little inconvenient. It is possibly to fit a european style tray to the Shimpo (see link below)
http://www.toppotsupplies.co.uk/replacement-tray-for-most-wheels-283-p.asp

If you want to chat directly about choosing a wheel give me a ring 01952 813203

Robin

[Mostly Harmless]

Thanks again Robin.

I will no doubt contact you direct when I have pulled all my pennies together!

Regards

MH