US Art Supply Table Top Pottery Wheel Rated
- Ease of Use
- Construction Quality
- Versatility
- Value for Money
- Smoothness of Rotation
Craft Schmaft Verdict
The US Art Supply Table Top Pottery Wheel is a heaven-sent piece of equipment for both beginner and intermediate potters.
It’s well built while still being (reasonably) portable, has a reliably strong motor and offers plenty of versatility with a reversible turn. Removing the splash guard takes a little practice, but you’ll get used to it!
We love the US Art Supply Table Top Pottery Wheel with LCD Wheel Speed Display and think that it has a lot to offer, especially if you are looking to take your pottery making skills to the next level.
This one is definitely a contender as the best table top pottery wheel, because it has a strong motor and a lot of options in terms of spin speed.
It is a heavy little machine, which is both a plus and a minus at times, because it can really handle quite a bit for its relatively compact size.
But what makes it really exceptional? What elements should you be wary of?
Let’s dive in to discover if it’s the right wheel for you.
Contents
US Art Supply Table Top Pottery Wheel: The Details
Specs
- Weight: 43 pounds
- Dimensions: 26 x 17 x 13 inches
- Wheel Head Size: 11 inches
- Centering Capacity: Up to 25 pounds of clay
- Warranty: Limited 1 year warranty, protecting against defects due to manufacturing.
Construction
This is definitely a heavy duty machine, based on the weight of it alone. It is very sturdy and weighs enough that it doesn’t shift or move when it is in use.
In a lot of ways, this is a good model if you want something that rivals professional quality pottery wheels at a fraction of the price.
Depending on the height of your table, this wheel could be used sitting down or standing up, though it would probably be slightly easier to use from a sitting position.
It should last for several years, as long as you take good care of it.
Accessories
The US Art Supply Table Top Pottery Wheel comes with all the basic accessories you need to start making pottery, plus a couple extras.
In the box:
- Foot Pedal
- Splash Guard
- 11” Plastic Bat
- Cup
US Art Supply Pottery Wheel Features
Adjustable Control Dial
If you would rather have constant speed instead of using the foot pedal, the control dial lets you set a speed you are comfortable with and it will stay there as you mold your clay.
This is a great feature for beginners or for children, since they may not be used to the foot pedal and the constant pressure that is needed to keep an even spin.
LCD Speed Display
Whether you are using the foot pedal or the control knob, the LCD display makes it easy to keep track of how fast the wheel is spinning.
The display also faces the wheel, so you can watch the speed as you throw pottery, without craning your neck or moving as you work.
Reversible Spin Direction
This function is super handy, especially if you are left handed.
Just change the setting, and you will have full control of which way the wheel spins. It can also be helpful if you want to try out which direction works best for you, or work from different directions.
Powerful ¾ Horse Power Motor
This wheel has a lot of get-up-and-go for its size.
The motor is pretty strong and well-built, so it can handle a lot. You should be able to use up to 25 pounds of clay on this wheel. The motor is robust and doesn’t sputter or struggle to support the weight of the clay.
Portable
Because it’s made to go on a table top, it is considered to be a portable model. It’s a great feature if you tend to create pottery in more than one place.
The wheel itself can be a little hefty though, weighing in at just over 40 pounds.
Removable Splash Guard
If you’re looking to work on pottery but not make a huge mess, the splash pan is a huge part of the appeal of this machine.
You won’t have to spend as much time wiping down your work area after you throw a piece of pottery; all you have to do is remove the splash pan and clean it.
US Art Supply Table Top Pottery Wheel Review
The Positives
You Can Turn the Wheel By Hand
Once you’ve got the basic shape of your pottery done, if you want to add a few finishing touches, you can disconnect the pedal and move the wheel by hand.
The wheel shouldn’t be locked into place, so you have a lot of freedom with how you want to design your pottery.
You won’t have to transfer the clay to another surface or a banding wheel in order to finish off any handmade accents you want to add.
Here’s a look at the wheel in action:
Strong Motor
The motor on this wheel is really what makes it rival more professional models.
It’s considerably strong for the more compact size, so you won’t ever feel like you are throwing pottery on a cheap or ramshackle wheel.
Good Bats
The wheel comes standard with two bats, but you can order more if you need them. The bats are sturdy and they stay level as you mold your pottery.
It’s pretty easy to line up the nubs on the bottom of the bats with the holes on the wheel’s table surface, and it stays in place even as the wheel spins at its fastest speeds.
They’re also just about the perfect size, because you can easily remove the bat when you’re done and set it on a shelf or separate table to dry. It’s a really great option if you want to work on more than one piece, because swapping out the bats is super simple to do.
The Negatives
Removing the Splash Guard Takes Practice
This is one of those features that are great in theory, but a little more complicated in reality.
You will want to be gentle with the splash guard, because it is made out of plastic.
It’s still durable, but it is worth investing a little time and practicing how to remove and put the splash guard back on. Once you get the hang of it, it makes cleaning the guards so simple.
Heavy, But Still Technically Portable
Though this wheel was made to travel, it is a bit on the heavy end of things. It weighs about 43 pounds, so you may need help if you want to move it around.
If you can grab a friend or family member to help you lift the wheel, it shouldn’t be too much trouble.
In a way, it kind of needs to be a bit heavy. The weight and sturdy nature of this model is what really allows it to have so much power. It also makes sure it is well anchored to whatever surface you put it on.
Overall Verdict
The US Art Supply table top pottery wheel has a lot to offer, especially for beginners and those with moderate pottery throwing experience, because you can so easily adjust the rate of the spin and keep it steady if you need to.
If you like to have a lot of control over the speed of your spin, this wheel was made for exactly that.
The one drawback for beginners might be the price tag, since it is a little expensive, but a worthy investment if you plan to make pottery for years to come.
This wheel is definitely built to last and it gives you the freedom to make pottery wherever you choose.
Highly recommended!
Have you tried the US Art Supply Table Top Pottery Wheel yet?
