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The verdict: a used pottery wheel from Brent, Shimpo or Speedball is often the best value in pottery, as long as you see it running and check it properly. Buy new if you can't inspect the wheel in person, want a full warranty, or are looking at a budget model where used savings are small and support is thin.
Good studio wheels are simple machines built to last: a motor, a controller, a pedal and a heavy head. That's why they hold their value and why so many change hands when studios upgrade or hobbyists move. It's also why a careful 15-minute inspection tells you most of what you need to know.
We haven't inspected or tested specific wheels for this guide. The checklist below draws on manufacturer documentation, dealer information and the problems owners describe most often in pottery communities.
Used vs new at a glance
| Used wheel | New wheel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower, often well below new | Full retail |
| Warranty | Usually none, unless factory-refurbished | Brent and Speedball floor wheels: 10 years. Shimpo: 5 years |
| Condition | Varies. Inspect before buying | Known |
| Delivery | Often local pickup, no freight | Freight for floor wheels |
| Model choice | Whatever is available near you | Current lineup |
| Included extras | Sometimes bats, tools, pans | Splash pan and bats with many brands |
| Resale later | Little further loss if bought well | Biggest drop happens to you |
| Best for | Buyers who can inspect and do basic upkeep | First-time buyers who want certainty |
The case for buying used
Brand-name wheels last. AMACO backs new Brent wheels with a 10-year warranty, and Speedball does the same for its Boss floor wheels. Makers don't offer that unless the motors and controllers are built to run for a long time.
Parts exist. For the main brands, you can still buy key parts. AMACO lists a replacement motor controller board and a bat pin kit for Brent wheels, for example. That makes an older Brent a reasonable bet.
Factory-inspected options. Speedball sells factory-inspected used wheels, including the Artista, Clay Boss, Big Boss and Boss Elite, with a 1-year limited warranty. That's a middle ground between a classified ad and a new wheel. Our Speedball pottery wheel guide covers those models.
No freight. Local pickup avoids freight charges on a wheel that often ships at well over 100 lb.
The case for buying new
Warranty. A new Brent comes with 10 years of coverage, and a new Shimpo with 5. Don't assume a warranty transfers to a second owner. Ask the maker with the serial number.
No hidden faults. A controller that cuts out when warm or a bearing that's starting to go may not show up in a short test.
Current features. Newer wheels may have features older ones lack, such as the direct-drive motor in Shimpo's VL-Whisper or Brent's current Classic Controller with modular motor and pedal connections.
Budget wheels. If you're shopping at the low end, a used budget wheel saves little and has no service network. Buying new at least gets you a return window.
Used pottery wheel inspection checklist
Bring a small bag of clay, a towel and, ideally, someone who throws. Ask the seller to have the wheel plugged in and ready.
1. Identify the wheel
- Find the brand, model and serial number. On Brent wheels, this tells you whether you're looking at a current Model B, C or CXC or an older model such as a Model A or IE.
- Look up the original specs. Our Brent and Shimpo reviews list the current lineups.
- Ask the age, how often it was used, and whether it was in a home or a busy school studio.
2. Run it through every speed
- Start from a dead stop with the pedal at zero. The head should stay still.
- Press the pedal slowly. Speed should rise smoothly, with no jump at the start of the pedal travel.
- Run it at full speed for a few minutes. Listen for grinding, squealing, clicking or a motor that surges.
- Hold a middle speed and push down firmly on the head with flat hands, or better, center a few pounds of clay. The wheel should slow a little and recover, not stall.
- Let go of the pedal. The head should stop or coast down cleanly. On direct-drive Shimpo Whisper wheels, Shimpo says the head stops immediately.
3. Check reverse
Switch direction and repeat a short speed test. On Brent wheels, the reverse is a toggle. On Speedball Boss wheels, it's a reversing plug. Some wheels, like the Speedball Artista and Shimpo Aspire, are made in one direction only, so a "broken reverse" may simply be the design.
4. Look at the wheel head
- Spin the head slowly and watch the rim against a fixed point. Visible wobble suggests a bent shaft or worn bearing.
- Check the surface for pitting or corrosion. Shimpo warns that highly acidic clays can damage aluminum heads.
- Check that the bat pins are present, straight and the right spacing for your bats. Most US wheels use 10-inch spacing.
5. Inspect the pedal and cord
- Look for cracks in the pedal housing and dried slip inside it.
- Flex the cord gently along its length. Any cuts, exposed wire or heavy repairs are a reason to walk away or plan a replacement.
- Check the plug and the power cord for damage.
6. Check the belt (belt-driven wheels)
Brent wheels use a 6-groove poly-V belt with automatic tensioning, according to AMACO. Shimpo's VL-Lite uses a belt with automatic tensioning too. With the wheel unplugged, ask whether you can see the belt. Cracks, glazing or missing ribs mean a replacement is due. Belts are a normal wear part and not a reason to reject a good wheel.
7. Check the frame, splash pan and extras
- Look for rust on the frame, legs and under the table, and check that the legs are level and secure.
- Make sure the splash pan is included and not cracked. Two-piece pans are easier to clean.
- Ask what else is included: bats, leg extensions, tools.
8. Ask about service and safety
- Has the motor, controller or pedal ever been replaced?
- Has it been dropped or stored somewhere damp?
- For Shimpo VL-Whisper or RK-Whisper wheels, note Shimpo's warning that they may be harmful to people with pacemakers.
9. Plan the move
Floor wheels are heavy and awkward. Shimpo lists the VL-Whisper at 120 lb, and Brent wheels ship at well over 100 lb according to dealer listings. Before you go, measure doorways and the vehicle, bring a helper and a moving blanket, and ask whether the legs or splash pan come off. Never lift a wheel by its head or pedal cord. Lighter wheels, such as Shimpo's 51 lb VL-Lite, are a one- or two-person job.
10. Budget for first fixes
Even a good used wheel may need a few small things straight away: a new belt on a belt-driven model, fresh bat pins, a replacement splash pan or a pedal cord. These are normal wear parts. Factor them into your offer rather than walking away, and buy them from the manufacturer or an authorized dealer so they fit.
Red flags
- The seller won't run the wheel for you.
- The motor or controller smells hot, smokes or cuts out.
- The pedal has a "dead zone" and then jumps to high speed.
- Clear wobble in the head.
- The cord is damaged or has been spliced.
- No brand or model can be identified, so parts can't be sourced.
What a fair used price looks like
We don't quote prices because they change and vary by region. Instead, compare against the current new price of the same model or its successor. Then adjust for age, condition and what's included. Remember that a new floor wheel's price usually doesn't include freight, and that a used wheel loses its main value if it needs a new controller right away. Our pottery wheel price guide shows the new-price tiers to compare against.
Choose a used pottery wheel if…
- You can inspect it running, in person.
- It's a Brent, Shimpo, Speedball or another brand with available parts.
- You're comfortable with basic upkeep like replacing a belt or pedal.
- The savings are big enough to cover the lost warranty.
Choose a new pottery wheel if…
- You can't see the wheel run before buying.
- You want the full warranty and dealer support.
- You need a specific feature, such as a direct-drive motor or a particular head size.
- You're comparing budget wheels, where used savings are small.
Not sure which models to look for? Our best pottery wheel roundup lists the current options. Used kick wheels are another route, with their own checklist in our kick wheel vs electric guide.
How we put this together
We didn't inspect particular wheels for this article. The checklist is based on manufacturer documentation and product pages (AMACO/Brent, Shimpo, Speedball), dealer information, and the problems owners and teachers report most often on the Ceramic Arts Daily forum and in community studios.
FAQ
Is it worth buying a used pottery wheel?
Often, yes. Brand-name wheels from Brent, Shimpo and Speedball are built to run for many years, so a well-kept used one can be a better buy than a new budget wheel. The catch is that you usually lose the warranty, so inspect the wheel running before you pay, or buy a factory-inspected used wheel such as those Speedball sells with a 1-year limited warranty.
What should I check on a 2nd hand pottery wheel?
Run it at every speed from a dead stop. Check that the pedal responds smoothly from zero, the motor does not surge or cut out, the head runs without wobble, reverse works, and there is no grinding or squealing. Look at the cord, pedal, splash pan, bat pins and frame, and ask the age, model and service history.
Does a pottery wheel warranty transfer to a second owner?
It depends on the maker and is not something to assume. Many warranties are tied to the original purchaser and registration. Ask the manufacturer with the serial number before you buy. Speedball's factory-inspected used wheels come with their own 1-year limited warranty.
Which used pottery wheel brands are best?
Brent, Shimpo and Speedball are the safest used buys because they are common, long-running and still supported with parts. AMACO, for example, sells replacement motor controllers and bat pin kits for Brent wheels. Unknown brands and budget imports are riskier, since parts and service can be hard to find.
Where can I find a used pottery wheel?
Local community studios, schools and colleges upgrading their equipment, ceramic supply shops, pottery guild newsletters and local classifieds are the usual sources. Buying locally lets you see the wheel run and avoids freight costs, which matter for a floor wheel that can weigh over 100 lb.