Wiktor Wise
Electric pottery wheels can be expensive, so why not build your own? With some spare parts and salvaged motors, you can create your own electric pottery wheel at home. There are many different ways to build one, from using a treadmill motor to using parts from a ceiling fan, a bucket, and a plastic bottle. The weight of the wheel is an important factor to consider, as well as the height of the turning surface to the floor. You can also control the rate at which the wheel head spins by using a variable speed motor. Building your own electric pottery wheel can be a fun and creative project, and with the right parts and instructions, anyone can do it!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Motor | Variable speed motor, treadmill motor, ceiling fan motor, scooter motor |
| Other Materials | Bucket, plastic bottle, salvaged parts, bike, corded electric drill, oil pan, foot pedal, PC power supply, old car tire |
| Weight | Electric wheels are lighter and more portable than kickwheels |
| Cost | Around $100 |
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What You'll Learn
- Sourcing materials: Salvaged motors, spare parts, and treadmill motors can be used
- Cost: The cost of building a wheel varies, with one Instructables user spending $106
- Portability: Electric wheels are generally smaller and lighter than kickwheels
- Variable speed motors: These allow control of the wheel head's spin rate
- Tutorials: Online tutorials provide step-by-step instructions for building a pottery wheel
Sourcing materials: Salvaged motors, spare parts, and treadmill motors can be used
Building your own electric potter's wheel can be a fun and rewarding project, and it's definitely possible to use salvaged motors, spare parts, and treadmill motors to create a functional wheel. Here are some tips and instructions for sourcing these materials:
Sourcing Salvaged Motors and Spare Parts:
- Look for second-hand or salvaged electric motors that can be repurposed for your project. You can often find these at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces.
- Consider using a ceiling fan motor, as suggested by YouTuber HowToLou, who posted a tutorial for making a potter's wheel using a ceiling fan, a bucket, and a plastic bottle. They also provide instructions for waterproofing the motor.
- If you're looking for a variable speed motor, New Earth Clay Pottery shares a concept for building one from salvaged parts. This type of motor allows you to control the rate at which the wheel head spins.
- Other potential sources for salvaged motors include washing machines, automobiles, and old drills, as suggested by various makers in the community.
Sourcing Treadmill Motors:
- Treadmill motors are a popular choice for building electric potter's wheels due to their availability and power. You can often find free or low-cost treadmills on Craigslist or even curbside on trash day, as shared by Scott from Symmetrical Tile and Pottery.
- When using a treadmill motor, you'll also need to consider the motor controller. The original controller may be too complicated, so you might need to purchase a smaller, more functional model.
- Keep in mind that a direct-drive setup is not ideal for a pottery wheel, as it can put a lot of thermal strain on the motor. Instead, consider using pulleys to control the speed and reduce the strain on the motor.
- You can also use treadmill motors to create a foot pedal system for your potter's wheel, providing more control over the speed and direction.
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Cost: The cost of building a wheel varies, with one Instructables user spending $106
The cost of building an electric potter's wheel varies depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design. For example, one Instructables user built an electric pottery wheel using salvaged materials from automobile parts, spending only around $106 on the project. This particular design utilized a ceiling fan motor, a bucket, and plywood, demonstrating that it is possible to create a functional pottery wheel on a tight budget.
On the other hand, the cost of purchasing a new electric pottery wheel can range from $200 to over $1,000, depending on the brand, features, and specifications. Electric pottery wheels can be categorized into three price ranges: budget, mid-range, and advanced models. Budget wheels, typically priced between $200 and $400, are ideal for beginners or those with limited funds. More expensive options may offer additional features, such as variable speed control or increased horsepower, which can be beneficial for handling larger amounts of clay.
It's worth noting that the cost of building your own electric pottery wheel can vary significantly depending on the materials sourced and the design chosen. For example, some makers have used treadmill motors or scooter motors as the basis for their pottery wheels, which may require additional components such as a wheel head, wiring, and a frame. The use of salvaged or recycled materials can help reduce costs, but it may also require more time and creativity in the building process.
When considering the cost of building or purchasing an electric potter's wheel, it's important to keep in mind your long-term goals and needs as a potter. Electric pottery wheels can last for a decade or more with proper maintenance, so choosing a wheel that aligns with your current skill level and future aspirations is essential. Additionally, factors such as portability, weight, and the inclusion of a splash pan can also influence your decision, as these features may vary between different models and price points.
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Portability: Electric wheels are generally smaller and lighter than kickwheels
If you're looking to build your own electric potter's wheel, portability is an important factor to consider. Electric potter's wheels are generally smaller and lighter than kickwheels, making them easier to transport and move around your studio. This is especially important if you plan on giving live demonstrations at exhibitions or festivals, as you'll be able to easily bring your wheel with you.
Kickwheels, being motorless and manually operated, rely on the power supplied by the artist's foot to turn the wheel. This makes them incredibly heavy and difficult to transport. In contrast, electric wheels are operated through a pedal system that electronically controls the wheel's speed, making them much more portable.
The weight difference between the two types of wheels is significant. While an electric wheel might weigh around 35 pounds, an average kickwheel can weigh 250 pounds. This makes a huge difference when it comes to moving and transporting your wheel.
In addition to their lighter weight, electric wheels also tend to be smaller in size. This makes them easier to fit into smaller studios or storage spaces. They can also be more easily moved around within your studio, which is important if you like to change up your workspace or need to mop the floor.
When building your own electric potter's wheel, keep in mind the advantages of portability that electric wheels offer over kickwheels. You can achieve this by using lighter materials and a compact design. Remember that being able to easily move your wheel can open up new opportunities for sharing your craft with others.
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Variable speed motors: These allow control of the wheel head's spin rate
Variable speed motors are an important component of electric pottery wheels, as they allow the potter to control the rate at which the wheel head spins. This is a crucial feature, as the speed of the wheel can greatly impact the shaping of the clay and the final product.
The speed of a pottery wheel can vary from zero to 240 or 300 RPMs, and the ideal speed depends on the specific piece being crafted and the potter's skill level. For example, when centering clay, a faster speed is recommended as it allows for better control and quicker centering. On the other hand, when throwing and forming a piece, a medium or slower speed is preferred to avoid the clay collapsing due to centrifugal force.
There are several ways to control the speed of an electric pottery wheel. One common method is through a foot pedal, which allows the potter to adjust the speed with their foot while keeping their hands free for working with the clay. Some models also offer hand controls for speed adjustment, which can be beneficial for potters with disabilities or limited leg mobility.
When building an electric pottery wheel, it is possible to salvage parts from other appliances to create a variable speed motor. For example, one potter used a treadmill motor to build a pottery wheel, while another used a ceiling fan motor. These creative approaches not only reduce costs but also showcase the versatility of electric pottery wheel construction.
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Tutorials: Online tutorials provide step-by-step instructions for building a pottery wheel
There are several online tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions for building an electric pottery wheel. ClayGeek, for instance, offers a range of DIY electric pottery wheel tutorials, including one by VertDude, who used a treadmill motor to build a pottery wheel for his daughter. The tutorial covers preparing the motor, building the wheel's framework, installing the wheel head, and wiring. Another Instructables user, Colemishler, created a smaller, more portable version of the wheel. Scott from Symmetrical Tile and Pottery built a low-cost wheel using a free treadmill, motors, speed controllers, MDF, pulleys, and other parts.
YouTuber HowToLou posted a video tutorial for making a pottery wheel from a ceiling fan, a bucket, and a plastic bottle, including instructions for waterproofing the motor and draining water from the bucket. Keroberson, another Instructables user, created a design using salvaged automobile parts for around $106.
The Ceramic School also provides instructions for building three different DIY electric pottery wheels and two DIY kick wheels. One of the electric wheel designs uses a ceiling fan motor, a bucket, and plywood, while another employs a scooter motor, an oil pan, a foot pedal, and a PC power supply.
In addition to these detailed step-by-step tutorials, there are numerous online resources offering free lessons, tips, and advice on various aspects of pottery making, including choosing the right tools and setting up a studio.
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Frequently asked questions
The key components of an electric pottery wheel are a motor, a wheel, and a power source.
You can use salvaged materials such as automobile parts, treadmill motors, or washing machine parts. Some people have even used ceiling fans, buckets, and plastic bottles to build their own electric pottery wheels.
The cost of building an electric pottery wheel can vary depending on the materials used. One Instructables user built a pottery wheel for around $106 using salvaged materials.
Building your own electric pottery wheel can be a fun and cost-effective alternative to buying a pre-made wheel. It can also be customized to your specific needs and preferences.
