So does anyone know about this wheel? I need to buy a wheel soooon... but alas, I am a student and on limited funds, and unless I can find something soon on craigslist or the local message boards (or if by miracle a wheel arrives delivered on my doorstep) I'm gonna have to shell out for a new wheel.
So what have you heard if anything?
And what about the Pacifica GT400?
P.S. If you have any other affordable wheel recommendations or a wheel you want to sell me, please do not hesitate to let me know. ;)
17 comments:
I have a used Brent wheel and it works great. If you go for used, make sure you have a good supplier in your area who can do repairs- some suppliers only repair on the models of wheels that they sell. Shimpo or Brent would be my first pics for anyone looking to buy (used or new). I've heard Pacifica is good too...
Check out Craigslist under for sale, crafts. You might just find a used wheel for a whole lot less!
I went through the same thing a couple of years ago and these were two I looked at. I finally settled on this Bailey http://www.baileypottery.com/potterywheels/wheelsalecompare.htm
and I really like it so far. Lots of shelf space for tools and buckets and I have centered 15 lbs. of clay with no problem.The only thing that I would say negative is that the pedal takes a little getting used to. It isn't very sensitive and has to be pressed a tiny bit harder than the Brent pedals, no big deal though because I usually throw without pressing the pedal. If I had my choice and the $$ of course I would have bought a shimpo but this was the best I could do at the time with my budget. I have used the Pacifica and it is a great wheel too. It seems like the reason I got the Bailey was that it was the most affordable option at the time for the quality. Good luck
ps: we had Pacificas at the studio where I last worked and they are workhorses, never had anything go wrong with them. We had the more expensive Brents so I don't know anything about this model. I do know that we replaced parts on the Brents often.....but they have awesome power.
Ever think of building your own? Can be done for a lot less than buying in my experience. I built a kickwheel since that's what I wanted (which is hard to move around since it's so heavy) but putting together an electric one shouldn't be that difficult methinks.
I have had a Brent ie for about 3 years. It works great and I have never had any problems with it. I throw smaller pots, under 8 pounds. If you throw bigger you might want more horsepower, but I love this wheel for my work.
We worked with Brents in the school where I trained 20 years ago. The wheels just kept going, but sometimes the pedals were a bit shaky. But that might have been because hundreds of students were using them every day. And maybe they're better now. I bought a Soldner ten years ago and have no trouble with it, but it's possibly a bit expensive for you. I do know of a Pacifica 800 available for $600 near me, in Mass. I seem to remember you're in California, though.
We had a ton of Brent CXC's at the school I went to. They were bomb. I miss them LOTS! Where I teach we have Shimpo's. We have 1 new Whisper wheel which is pretty much fought over during class. It resembles the Brent in feeling but is super quiet. I really love those nice Brents but they get pricey. I definitely recommend Shimpo as well.
Build your own.
http://createniks.wordpress.com/2009/09/27/diy-potters-wheel/
2.5 hp motor will turn anything you want.
Thank you for all the feedback... I think I will really be considering one of the brent ie's. I really like the fact that it is convertible as I have heard good things about throwing whilst standing up.
As for the DIY suggestions, if i had the time and skill, sure, but I don't. So I am going to buy one and remain jealous of those of you who have managed to make your own. ;)
It might be unfair for me to say (I used to work for Shimpo!!), but I would suggest you to buy Shimpo VL-Lite. It's the same class as Brent ie.
Shimpo wheels have smoother speed control. Brent wheel tend to get problem with foot pedal in a long run.
Actually, the main business of Shimpo is industrial drive/motor, so when it comes to speed control and torque, Shimpo has better technology.
I HEART my Pacifica GT400. I've used brent wheels, shimpo whispers, you name it. The studios I teach in and the communal one where I work have a full range of styles, which I spent all of last year trying out in order to decide on one. I chose the Pacifica GT400, for the quietness, power, speed, changeable directions (I love to switch wheel directions for banding), you can move the wheel when it's off... love it.
Plus, I found it on craigslist for wicked cheap. keep watching for ones within driving distance and you may find some great deals.
Again, thank you so much for all of your suggestions...
What I am hearing is that the Brent ie, th Pacifica GT400, and the Shimpo VLite all have happy customers which is great to know.
@Powen Liu- I have noticed the foot pedal thing on the Brents and it absolutely drives me nuts, more than noise or lack of power, so thanks for pointing that out.
For now, I think I have decided to wait a little while to purchase a wheel. I'm going to keep working with slabs and molds and practice my throwing on my studio mate's wheel. A friend has kindly offered that I use her GT400 while she's in grad school and won't be at the studio as often. I think that should be good enough for now, and I've never thrown on a Pacifica, so I should learn something, too.
Thanks again for all the great input!
Hope you don't mind an extra 2 cents...
I have a model ie; I bought a secondhand one (unused) while still a student. My college ceramic studio has all Brent wheels (we're in Indiana, and AMACO is in town), so I was used to the more powerful models. I have to say that this wheel is less powerful, and the speed control is kind of jumpy. It's an ok wheel for the price, and not bad as a starter wheel, but if I were you I'd check out the Shimpo, as I generally hear more good things about those wheels. If you go with a Brent (loved the ones at school - they never die!), I'd suggest trying to find one of the more powerful models secondhand.
i enjoy both wheels. we use them both at the center i teach for. however that particular model of brent has started to get a shakiness over the past few years. meanwhile the pacifica pedals are a bit finicky. i have a different brent model in my studio and i love it.
I don't know about the Brent IE, but I've had my Brent C since 1984, and it's still spinning :)
an IE is a terrible choice as it is 1/4 horsepower and is as expensive or more than other brands standard counterparts. you will pay the same amount for a lighter version. I would recommend a gt400 or a clay boss. They are much cheaper and are standard 1/2 horsepower, 100 # centering capacity and reversible.. they are not whisper quiet but are by no means loud. Great wheels for the money
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