Pottery Kick Wheel

The kick wheel's beauty is it's simplicity. It consists of two wheels connected by a rod, attached to a frame. It's completely human powered so it requires no motor or electricity.

Using one is pretty simple, too. You sit on a raised seat and push a fly wheel with your foot.

After several kicks, the wheel gains momentum and keeps the smaller wheel head spinning for a minute or two.

Skutt Thomas Stuart Kick Wheel

When the wheel slows down, you kick the fly wheel again to keep it going.

Note: Some kick wheels come with a motor attachment too, so you can use them with electricity.

The great thing about them is the level of control you have. You can spin the wheel either direction. You can also go as fast or as slow as you like.

The drawback is their size. They're generally bulkier and heavier than an electric pottery wheel.

Build a Pottery Kick Wheel

Most people will purchase the wheel head and connection rod in a kit. Most of these kits include a quality wheel head and ball bearings which keeps the wheel spinning faster and more smoothly.

When I was just getting started in pottery, I helped a friend build a kick wheel.

We used mostly leftover wood from his garage and poured a fly wheel using concrete. I threw a lot of pots on that wheel and it worked well for us.

There are also a variety of models that you can purchase new, or you can purchase a Brent kick wheel kit.

Whichever route you choose to acquire your wheel, good luck and Happy Potting.

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