Pottery wheels are used in the creation of pottery. They are typically made of wood but can also be metal or other materials. Pottery wheels vary significantly in size and shape depending on their intended use. The Kick wheel and Electric wheel are the most popular styles of the pottery wheel.
These pottery wheels are designed to rotate clay on a flat surface. If you are working with clay, you may have wondered what the difference is between these two types of pottery wheels.
This article aims to compare two types of wheels, kick wheel vs electric wheel.
What is a Kick Wheel?
A kick wheel is a machine, typically made of wood or metal, with a large circular shape and a spoked design.
A potter sits on the bench attached to the backside of the wheel and propels it using their feet. As they push down on the treadle beneath them, linked arms are used to turn the wheel at high speeds.
What is an Electric Wheel?
Electric wheels are similar in design to the kick wheel but run by electricity or batteries rather than human power. The main difference between the two types of revolutions is that they generate movement differently; one uses foot pedals, and the other has a switch.
Electric pottery wheels are typically smaller, and the spoked design has been replaced with a flat plate or plate mounted on ball bearings that allow for easy movement.
Top Difference Between Kick Wheel Vs Electric Wheel?
There are many differences between the two different types of wheels. Here are some of the significant differences between a pottery kick wheel and an electric pottery wheel.
1. Movement:
The significant difference between a kick wheel and an electric wheel is that one uses foot pedal, and the other has a switch.
2. Size:
Electric wheels are usually smaller in size with a flat plate or plate mounted on ball bearings that allow for easy movement.
However, kick wheel sizes vary, and the larger the wheel, the more stable it will be.
3. Price:
The electric wheels are typically more expensive than the traditional kick wheel because of their complex nature and costly materials.
4. Uses:
Potters commonly use kick wheels to create pots and large vases, whereas an electric wheel is most often used by children or beginners who find it to be a lot easier to use.
5. Materials:
Kick wheels can be made of different materials, such as wood or metal, whereas electric models are made entirely of plastic.
6. Purpose:
Kick wheels and electric models serve the same purpose but go about it differently, one is powered by a person using their feet, and the other has an electrical motor that does most of the work for them.
7. Design:
Kick wheels tend to have a spoked design, whereas electric models are typically made with a flat plate or plate mounted on ball bearings that allow for easy movement.
8. Variations:
Kick wheels can vary in size and shape depending on what they will be used for. There are even some models that come with more than one wheel attached to the machine’s body, whereas electric wheels typically stay true to their two-wheel structure, which also limits movement.
9. Accessories:
Kick wheels typically do not come with any accessories, but some models have been made specifically for people who want specific add-ons. For example, a kick wheel may have a motorized belt drive system in which a motor attaches to the backside of the machine, and a belt attaches to a small wheel on the other side to generate the movement.
10. Strength:
Kick wheels are typically stronger than electric models because they have a metal body and a sturdy back. On the other hand, electric wheels tend to have a plastic base and flexible backing that may slump if too much weight is applied.
How do they work?
Both electric and kick wheels generate movement by turning a wheel or “wheel head.” Most commonly, the wheel is powered by a motor that turns the wheel itself.
For electric motor models, there are typically two small motors on either side of the machine that run in opposite directions to create an even rotation, whereas, for kick wheels, the motors are linked to pedals that, when pushed down, turn the wheel.
Most kick wheels also have a “brake” mechanism that locks the wheel into place if it is set too fast or inappropriately handled.
What are the advantages of using one over the other?
Kick wheels and electric pottery class wheels both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages depending on what they are used for and who is using them. Here are some pros and cons of each model:
Kick Wheels
Advantages:
- Cheaper than the average electric fast wheel
- Simpler design than electric models
- Can typically achieve higher speeds than electric wheels
- Back support is more secure and stable
Disadvantages:
- Requires more strength because the user must push down on their feet to generate movement
- Only has one speed (although high speeds are possible)
- No power braking
- Requires more strength on the user’s part to use efficiently
Electric Wheels
Advantages:
- More expensive than typical kick wheel designs
- Easier to use than traditional kick wheels (typically for beginners or less advanced users)
- Can typically achieve lower speeds than a kick wheel, which makes it easier to control
- Power braking mechanism
- Neutral base allows the wheel to be stable no matter how much pressure is applied
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than a typical kick wheel design
- Basic design limits their speed and range of movement
- Limited by its cord length. If it isn’t plugged into an outlet, it cannot be used effectively.
- May need to be calibrated upon first use or after a long period of non-use.
- Wider base may make it less stable for some users.
Why should you consider purchasing a Pottery wheel?
There are many reasons to invest in a pottery wheel. Here are just a few of the reasons to consider purchasing one:
1. Develop Artistic Ability:
Pottery wheels help to develop artistic ability and speed by allowing the user to see what they are doing as they work. This can be a huge benefit for those who want to learn how to draw, paint, sculpt, etc.
2. Manufacture Pottery:
Pottery wheels make it possible for even those with no experience or artistic ability to make pottery.
This can be a great hobby for those who love art and the feeling of creating something, even if it isn’t an artistic masterpiece.
3. Make Money:
Pottery wheels can also help people start their own businesses or add to what they already have because they allow them to manufacture multiple pieces much faster than they could by hand.
This can make it possible for people to make money effortlessly while doing something they enjoy, without sacrificing quality or time spent creating each piece.
4. Add Convenience to Your Life:
Pottery wheels allow people to make pottery, paint, draw, sculpt, etc., much faster than they could with their hands alone.
This can also help students who need to get work done in a limited amount of time without sacrificing the quality of what they produce.
5. Express Yourself:
Pottery wheels allow people to express themselves in different ways, which is why artists often use them.
They can accommodate those who don’t feel comfortable expressing their emotions or artistic abilities with their hands alone and need another element (the wheel) to help them create something beautiful and meaningful.
6. Build Strength:
Using a pottery wheel can help people build upper body strength, especially when using it for several hours at a time.
This is why many artists admit that this type of exercise is one of the best ways to stay in shape without going to the gym or doing an intense workout.
Conclusion
Pottery wheels offer a variety of benefits that can be enjoyed by artists and non-artists alike. They are a great way to develop artistic skills, make pottery, and express oneself. In addition, they can help people build strength and stay in shape. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to make money or want to add convenience to your life, a pottery wheel is a perfect investment.
