When purchasing a used pottery wheel from someone there are several questions you need to ask before you actually buy the equipment:
-How old is the wheel?
-Has it given them any trouble?
-How has the pottery wheel been maintained?
-What type of accessories come with the pottery wheel (bats, leg extensions, counters, etc.)
-What type of guarantee can they give you if the equipment fails upon arrival?
-Will the shipping be insured to safeguard against damage?
-Will the manufacturer's manual (i.e., operating guide) come with the equipment?
You might want to consider looking at sites that sell new potter's wheels to see if they have used equipment. In some cases companies have trade-in programs for potters; they turn in their used potter's wheel and get a credit toward purchasing a new piece of equipment.
Purchasing a Pottery Wheel-Questions to Ask
Purchasing a Used Potter's Wheel: The Devil's in the Details
Determine Size of Pottery Wheel Head
Before purchasing a pottery wheel you should also determine the size of the equipment you want to use. Most potter's wheels come with either an 11-inch, 12-inch, 13-inch, or 14-inch wheel head. This is sometimes called the centering wheel. The size of the head will determine how much clay you'll be able to center. For example, most 11-inch potter's wheels only let you center a small amount of clay, say, up to 25 lbs. Also, many of the 11-inch wheels are actually desktop wheels. This type of pottery wheel is strictly for the most basic of beginners that don't have a lot of floor space.
Ideally when looking for a pottery wheel for sale you want to choose one with a 13-inch or 14-inch reinforced aluminum head.
Get the Right Horsepower for the Used Pottery Wheel
The horsepower for a pottery wheel ranges from 1/4 HP to a 1 HP motor. The more horsepower, the more clay you can center and the more powerful the overall pottery wheel will be. If you're a beginner you may want to choose a pottery wheel with a 1/2 HP motor. More advanced potters may choose wheels with 1 HP motors.
For more information see:
Buying Used Pottery Wheels
What Is a Potter's Wheel?
A potter's wheel is used for shaping ceramic wares. The wheel is also used to trim excess clay from dried ceramic pieces and for applying decorations, glazes, and waxes. Although use of pottery wheels was used in the Old World it was also used in the Pre-Columbian New World, where pottery was historically made by hand (coiling and beating).
The potter’s wheel is sometimes referred to as a potter’s lathe. This term is usually linked to a machine used to shape metal and wood. Once a piece of clay has been shaped on the potter’s wheel it can then be beat into specific forms like plates, platters, cups, flatware, etc.
Pottery is made by first cutting off a hank of clay from a larger piece of clay, sometimes 10 pounds or more in size. A special tool is used for this process. The tool has small wooden handles on each side with a thin but strong piece of wire in the middle. Potters use this tool to slice the clay into more manageable pieces. Once a good size piece of clay is cut off the slab the potter places it in the center of the potter’s wheel.
Most potter’s wheels are electric; some older potter’s wheels are operated by constantly pumping a pedal, similar to old sewing machines. Although this type of potter’s wheel is no longer manufactured, it’s possible to find many used potter’s wheels in this style.
After the clay is placed in the middle of the wheel the potter turns on the wheel. The wheel then begins spinning. The speed of the wheel is controlled by a pedal located on the floor beside the wheel. The pedal looks similar to the gas pedal in an automobile. The potter then places his hands on each side of the clay, putting pressure on the clay. The potter shapes the clay into a circular form and attempts to “center the clay.” Centering the clay means that the clay is stabilized and stops wobbling. This is a technique that some find difficult to master. It takes time to become adept in centering a piece of clay. Once a student learns to do this they can then begin making pots on the wheel.
The potter then uses his thumbs to make an indentation in the middle of the slab of clay. This opens up the clay and make it easier for the potter to make shapes like bowls and vases. If the potter wants to make a bowl he uses both thumbs to make the opening fairly wide. He then uses his hands to shape the bowl. He then uses his thumb and forefinger to make a rim for the bowl. He then uses trimming tools to trim away excess clay and make a balanced base for the bowl. Once done the potter uses his cutting tool to cut the bowl from the potter’s wheel.
Because potter’s wheels are fairly sturdy and somewhat expensive several beginning students opt to purchase used potters wheels. A pottery wheel that’s been used is a smart investment because the machinery usually lasts for many years. Also, there are several places from which discount pottery wheels can be purchased.
Searching local classified ads for pottery wheel sales is a good idea. Also, online resources like eBay could possible have used pottery wheels for sale. If purchasing a pre-owned wheel be sure to get the original pottery wheel instructions so you know how to operate the machinery.
You might also want to get a guarantee that covers 30-60 days after purchase so if the wheel malfunctions you’re able to return it for a refund or you can contact the person from which you purchased the pottery wheel for advice since they should have extensive experience using the equipment.
