Potter's Wheels

A potter’s wheel is a rotating platform used by ceramic artists to shape and form clay into functional or decorative pieces like bowls, vases, and pots. It allows for precise control over the clay’s movement, enabling the artist to create symmetrical, smooth forms through the technique of centering and throwing.

How Do I Choose the Right Potter's Wheel for Me?

The best potter's wheel for you depends on your experience level, space, and budget. Beginners often start with smaller, more affordable electric wheels, which offer good stability and ease of use. Experienced potters might prefer a wheel with more power, such as a higher-end electric wheel or a manual wheel, especially if they’re working with larger or heavier clay. Consider the weight capacity, motor power and whether the wheel’s head can handle the size of the pieces you plan to make. Also, think about whether you want a portable wheel or a more permanent setup.

Can I Use Any Type of Clay on a Potter’s Wheel?

While most clay bodies can be used on a potter’s wheel, it's best to choose a clay that's smooth and pliable, such as stoneware or porcelain. Some clays, like raku or some earthenware types, may be more challenging to work with due to their coarser textures or tendency to crack when thrown.

Do I Need a Splash Pan for My Potter's Wheel?

While a splash pan isn’t strictly necessary, it’s highly recommended. A splash pan catches excess water and clay that gets thrown off the wheel during the throwing process, keeping your workspace cleaner. It also helps maintain a consistent moisture level in the clay, which is important for shaping and moulding. Most electric wheels come with a splash pan, but if you're using a manual wheel, you may need to purchase one separately.

Potclays are exclusive authorised UK importers of Shimpo and Cowley products and authorised UK importers of Amaco-Brent products. 

Please note that a number of our US suppliers are experiencing delays due to increased global demand for their products. If you see the Pre-Order option, it means the stock has not yet arrived but you can Pre-Order it to secure a place in the queue when it does arrive. We would strongly recommend you Pre-Order Shimpo potters wheels especially, as they are extremely popular. Contact our sales team for the latest information on stock availability.

Shimpo & Amaco-Brent are market leaders within the field of ceramics. You can be sure that by investing in a Shimpo or Amaco-Brent potter's wheel, you will be rewarded with many years of enjoyment. Potclays confidently offer our own two-year limited warranty on all Shimpo & Brent products. Warranty documents are available on request.

Have you been inspired by BBC's Great Pottery Throw Down? Pottery is enjoying somewhat of a revival and demand for classes is at an all-time high! Why not capitalise on this in your studio and invest in a potter's wheel? If you need any no-obligation advice, we are only an email or phone call away! Our technical team can be contacted here.

Potclays is the SOLE OFFICIALLY AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR for the UK and Eire for Shimpo wheels and pugmills and we can confidently offer you peace of mind that should something go wrong, we will do our utmost to resolve the problem and have the full support of Shimpo Japan in doing so.

Ours are NOT GREY IMPORTS: “Grey Imports” cannot follow the usual route through the manufacturer's distribution system and will have been specified for a market other than the UK. Thus for example they may not comply with UK electrical requirements. Potclays is the only authorised distributor for Shimpo and L&L in the UK, so for peace of mind be sure that any Shimpo products you buy are from Potclays or one of its authorised dealers.

Full and comprehensive technical/after-sales/warranty support: You’re never far from help when you buy from us. Our engineers are specifically trained in repairing the equipment we sell and spare parts are in almost all cases kept in stock. At worst, they can be obtained quickly because as exclusive distributors we have regular shipments from Shimpo. A quick reliable repair service can be crucial in the unlikely event that something should go wrong with your equipment. Furthermore, buying from Potclays gives you peace of mind in that if a problem arises, we are in the best position to liaise with the manufacturer to resolve it. (Please note: We can only supply spares for wheels that have a red "Imported by Potclays" sticker on the dataplate)

Two-Year Warranty: Shimpo is one of the most prominent and highly-esteemed brands within the field of ceramics and you can be sure that by investing in a Shimpo wheel or pugmill you will be rewarded with many years of enjoyment: As such, Potclays confidently offer a two-year limited warranty on all Shimpo products.