Choosing My First Pottery Wheel

A Beginner’s Guide to Finding the Right Wheel on a Budget

When I first started looking for a pottery wheel, I knew I needed something to kickstart my new love for pottery—something within my budget that wouldn’t leave me broke but would last me a long time.

Like many new potters, I dreamed of owning a Brent CXC, but that was way out of my $1200 budget. Even though $1200 is still a big investment, I was determined to start throwing again and find a way to share my love of pottery with others.

Researching the Options

I dove into researching the specs for different pottery wheels, sifting through details on models like the Speedball Clay Boss, Speedball Big Boss, and the Shimpo VL Lite. I didn’t know there were forums or pottery websites with guidance back then, which is why I wanted to write this post—to help others who might be in the same boat.

After a lot of comparison and consideration, I settled on the Speedball Clay Boss. It fit within my budget, and I felt confident it could handle the kind of throwing I wanted to do.

In the sections that follow, I’ll break down the key features I looked at, the challenges I faced, and a few lessons learned for anyone choosing their first wheel.

Understanding Wheel Specs: What Matters

Shopping for pottery wheels can be overwhelming because of the sheer amount of technical information. Manufacturers list everything from horsepower and voltage to the materials used on different surfaces. These specs matter, but they’re not always easy to interpret! Here are a few key features that stood out as I learned:

• Horsepower & Centering Capacity: The horsepower of the motor determines how much clay the wheel can center without slowing down. The Clay Boss, for example, has a centering capacity of 100 pounds, though this doesn’t mean it can actually center that much clay at once. The capacity depends on the quantity of clay and the pressure applied while throwing. If you plan on working with larger pieces, a higher centering capacity is important so the wheel doesn’t slow down from too much pressure.

• Voltage: You’ll want to check the voltage as well. I didn’t want to install a special 220-volt plug just to use my wheel, so I made sure it could run on the standard voltage at home.

• Removable Splash Pan: This was a must-have feature for me! A removable splash pan makes it so much easier to clean up—I can just take it off and spray it down with a hose. It’s small details like these that can make a big difference in your day-to-day use.

Budgeting for a New Studio

Budget played a huge role in my decision. I was just starting to build out my studio and had already bought a used kiln (a major expense) and still needed to buy all the basics—tools, clay, and glazes. Setting a budget was essential; I didn’t want to overspend and put extra stress on my family.

Later, I was lucky enough to find a Brent CXC, along with a smaller kiln and slip casting molds, at an estate sale. I kept my Clay Boss as a reliable backup, especially since my Brent is from the 80s and needs the occasional tune-up.

My First Throw at Home

Once I brought my new wheel home from Dallas (our closest ceramic shop), I couldn’t wait to set it up. We cleared a spot in the garage, set everything up, and I finally took my first spin!

My first pieces weren’t exactly masterpieces; a couple flopped, thanks to a year-and-a-half break from throwing. Some of the pieces that survived ended up bloating in the glaze firing because I hadn’t wedged the clay well enough, leaving air bubbles. Still, those first attempts were all part of the learning experience, and I loved every minute of it.

Reflections & Advice for Beginners

Looking back, I think the Speedball Clay Boss is one of the best beginner wheels you can invest in if you’re looking for a wheel that will grow with you. There are cheaper wheels, but if you want to eventually work with larger pieces, a higher-quality beginner wheel is worth it.

My advice? If you’ve never taken a ceramics class, start there. Make sure you enjoy working with a wheel before building out your own home studio, as studio equipment can get pricey.

Choosing my first wheel was such an exciting step, and I’m happy to share what I learned along the way. Hopefully, this helps others find their own perfect wheel to start their pottery journey!