The choice of a pottery wheel can make or break your creativity and enjoyment in this hobby. It doesn’t matter how good you are; if you’re on the wrong wheel, it will frustrate and discourage to use.
With that in mind, we compared two different models from two different companies hoping we could figure out which one would suit your needs best.
The Shimpo VI Lite is a popular model for beginners because of its affordability, while the Whisper has more features and comes at a higher price point. Read on to learn about shimpo vl lite vs. whisper and which one is better for you.
The Shimpo Vl Lite vs Whisper
There are many differences between these models, so choosing which one would work for you is difficult. Instead of focusing on the subtle differences, we’ll highlight the most important ones here so that you can decide which one is best for your needs.
What is a Shimpo Vl Lite?
This potter wheel is an entry-level model, meaning that it has the basic features necessary to get started in ceramics. It comes with a foot pedal and has two speeds for throwing different projects, from slabs to vases.
The VL Lite also includes a splash pan and four pieces of stoneware clay, which are the minimum accessories necessary to throw.
How Does It Work?
The VL Lite is a manual pottery wheel, so you use your foot to push the clay against the turntable. It has two speeds for unique pieces. This model includes an adjustable stand so that you can set it at an angle or flat, depending on how comfortable you are using the machine.
What is a Whisper?
This fully electronic pottery wheel has more advanced features than the VL Lite. Instead of being hand-powered, this model has an electric motor to rotate the turntable so you can focus on your throwing. It also comes with five different included speeds, allowing you to have more control over your work.
The Whisper also features a tilting pottery wheel stand that lets you adjust the height and angle of your machine, making it easy to use for any project. This model also comes with splash pan and stoneware clay, just like its less-featured cousin.
How Does It Work?
The Whisper is an electronic model so there’s no need to use your foot. Instead, you move the speed pedal to rotate the wheel with your hand. The machine does so at five different speeds so you have more control over your work. You can also return it to a stop by hitting the off switch.
Features
Neither model includes any additional tools or accessories that are necessary to get started with potter, like slip tools or centering tools.
The Whisper has a tilting stand that lets you adjust it according to your height and comfort level, while the VL Lite doesn’t have this feature. This model also lacks rubber feet which provide more stability when throwing clay.
Both models are dominant for beginners and do not require any prior experience to get started.
However, the Whisper is better suited for someone who plans on doing serious work with clay, such as creating vases and bowls, while the VL Lite is more suitable for throwing small pieces like plates and mugs.
Material
Both the Shimpo VL-Lite and the Whisper are made of stainless steel, which is why you must be careful when using them because they can rust. Plus, if left untreated, the raw material will discolor your clay after continual use.
Even though both models are rust-resistant, I would still recommend that you paint or polish them with a clear coat if you want to keep your machine looking new for as long as possible.
Motor Power
The Shimpo VL-Lite has a 100 watt reversible DC motor, which is approximately more powerful than the Whisper model. However, if you throw minor projects or pieces that do not require a lot of strength to work with, then either should be sufficient for your needs.
The advantage of having a stronger motor comes in handy when you have larger projects to work on because it allows you to throw faster and makes the entire process of creating pottery much easier and less time-consuming.
Capacity
The VL Lite is a good option if you’ll only be throwing smaller pieces and don’t want to work with large slabs of clay. This model only includes four pieces of stoneware, while the Whisper comes with five.
Weight
The Whisper is much heavier than the VL Lite, making it difficult to move around. The Whisper is also larger, so you’ll need more space for it.
Speed
The Whisper has higher speeds for more control over your work. Both models have two speeds, but the Whisper goes up to five while the VL Lite only has two.
Price
The VL Lite is more affordable than the Whisper so it may be a better option for someone on a tight budget. However, the price difference doesn’t make up for its limited features and lower quality workmanship.
Ease of use
Both models are very simple since the manual pottery wheels have only two speeds. If you choose the Whisper, make sure that you have enough room for its gigantic size and weight. The quieter VL Lite doesn’t cause as many problems with noise or moving it around your studio.
How to Use Each One?
Once you’ve decided on the machine that would suit your needs, it’s time to get started using it! Here are step-by-step guides for each:
How to Use the Shimpo Vl Lite
- Unpack and assemble your new machine.
- Plug in and turn on your machine.
- Adjust the foot pedal so that it presses firmly but comfortably against the floor without moving or sliding around when in use.
- Add a little water to help start throwing clay smoothly, and then add just enough clay to cover the opening of the turntable, which is located at the bottom center of the machine.
- Press gently down with fingers on the top edge of wet clay until it is even with the bottom of the opening.
- Place your hands on top of the wheel an equal distance apart and rotate slowly to start working clay into a ball shape.
- Gently roll clay around wheel, moving your hands closer together until you reach an even thickness
- Rotate the wheel very slowly so that you can pull down to form slabs of various sizes according to need.
- To decorate, write words or designs on wet greenware by making impressions with stylus/needle tool or loops on wire tools before applying slip glaze for coloring.
- Tools are available for shaping, modeling, and texturizing, finishing, and polishing work after bisque is fired in kiln.
How to Use the Whisper?
- Unpack and assemble your new machine. Plug in and turn on your machine.
- Add a little water to help start throwing clay smoothly, and then add just enough clay to cover the opening of the turntable, which is located at the bottom center of the machine.
- Press gently down with fingers on top edge of wet clay until it is even with the bottom of the opening.
- Place hands about an equal distance apart at the top or side edge of the wheel and rotate very slowly so that you can pull down to form slabs of various sizes according to need/desire.
- To decorate, write words or designs on wet green ware by making impressions with stylus/needle tool or loops on wire tools before applying slip glaze for coloring.
- Tools are available for shaping, modeling, and texturizing, finishing and polishing work after it has been bisque fired in kiln.
Foot Pedal
The Shimpo VL Lite has a foot pedal that is connected to the wheel. It allows you to control the speed of the wheel, which is not possible with hand-held wheels. This makes it perfect for beginners because you can experiment with different speeds when throwing without having to stop and start over again.
On the other hand, The Whisper does not have this feature. You cannot control the wheel’s speed, so if you are used to working on vertical-style pottery wheels like this one, your arm will become tired very quickly since most people use their arms instead of their feet when they throw clay on a wheel.
Reversibility
Both the Shimpo VL Lite and the Whisper are reversible. Both models have a double-brake system that makes them safer to use.
If you will throw large pieces of clay, it is usually recommended that you use both hands to support your work instead of only one hand since doing so can cause your piece to break or roll-off unexpectedly.
However, if you are using both hands on your work, then simply place one hand on each side for balance, which allows you to always control the speed at which the wheel rotates.
Flexibility
Both models are very flexible since they use an adjustable top-mounted speed control so you can adjust how fast or slow you want them to rotate depending on what type of project you plan on throwing next.
In addition, they both have a double-brake system that makes them safer to use when you are throwing clay.
If you will throw large pieces of clay, it is usually recommended that you use both hands to support your work instead of only one hand since doing so can cause your piece to break or roll-off unexpectedly.
However, if you are using both hands on your work, then simply place one hand on each side for balance, which allows you to always control the speed at which the wheel rotates.
What are the Benefits?
Both models are dominant for beginner artists. The VL Lite is a great option if you’re not sure ceramic art is for you and don’t want to spend a lot of money. You can test it out without putting down a ton of cash to see if you enjoy working with clay.
The Whisper provides more features, but it’s also pricier. This model has more speed and control over your work, making it better suited for someone who plans to do ceramics seriously or already knows that they love working with clay.
What are the Drawbacks?
One drawback that both models share is their lack of portability. Mechanical pottery wheels like these are heavy so you’ll need plenty of space in your studio or workshop. They’re powered by electricity so you’ll need to have access to a power outlet in order to use either of these models.
Summary
If you are looking for a pottery wheel that is affordable, easy to use, and will last for years without maintenance, the Shimpo VL Lite model could be your best bet. It’s lightweight, so they can easily move it around if needed but still provide enough power to create high-quality pieces of art.
However, if you want more features or already know this hobby is right up your alley, then the Whisper may be an excellent option! With their reversible motor and double-brake system, both machines provide plenty of safety precautions to prevent accidents while throwing clay on the wheel. Now all you have left to do is decide which one suits your needs!
