If you're just getting started with pottery, selecting the right potter's wheel for your needs can be a daunting task.
There are many factors that go into choosing the perfect wheel and it can be difficult to know where to start.
To make things easier, let’s take a look at the three main types of potter’s wheels available on the market today.
Kickwheel Type Potters Wheels
The kickwheel is an early type of potter's wheel that has been in use since ancient times.
This type of wheel uses a leather strap and flywheel connected by a belt or chain, which is attached to one side of the wheel head.
The flywheel can be spun manually by kicking it with one foot while keeping both hands free to manipulate clay on the wheelhead.
While this type of wheel isn't as popular as it once was, it still has its uses in certain contexts.
For example, kickwheels tend to be quieter than other types of wheels and can actually be less tiring for those who are inclined towards manual labor.
Electric Potters Wheels
Electric potters' wheels are probably what come to mind when most people think about modern pottery wheels.
These machines use an electric motor and flywheel connected by a belt or chain, which can be powered either by plugging it into an outlet or using batteries.
Electric wheels are generally considered more precise than kickwheels due to their greater range of speed control and ability to accurately adjust their speed while maintaining consistent torque levels.
Additionally, electric wheels tend to require less effort from the user, making them ideal for long periods of work or large projects that require precise control over clay motion and rotation speeds.
Belt-Driven Potters Wheels
Belt-driven potters' wheels combine elements from both kickwheels and electric motors in order to create a hybrid machine that is capable of producing fine detail work without sacrificing power or speed control capabilities.
Like electric wheels, belt-driven ones use an electric motor but instead drive a pulley system connected directly to the wheelhead shaft rather than relying on a belt or chain connection like traditional kickwheels do.
This design eliminates slippage between components and results in more precise control over clay motion and rotation speeds as well as more torque at lower speeds—all while consuming less energy than an electric motor alone would require.
Conclusion
Whether you're just starting out with pottery or you're looking for something more advanced, there's sure to be a wheel out there that fits your needs perfectly!
Kickwheels offer a unique combination of power and finesse but may not suit everyone's needs; if you prefer something quieter or need more precision then perhaps an electric wheel is worth considering instead?
Finally, for those seeking maximum versatility without sacrificing any performance characteristics then belt-driven wheels could very well prove to be what you've been looking for all along!
No matter which type you choose, we wish you luck on your journey towards creating beautiful artworks!
