• Centering Capacity - the ability of the pottery wheel to keep the clay in the center of the wheel head while spinning
• Crafts - the section on eBay in which pottery wheels are most commonly found
• Do It Yourself Kickwheel Kit - a kickwheel that is unassembled, but cheaper
• Electric Wheel - a pottery wheel that is propelled by an electric motor
• hp - horsepower of the pottery wheel's motor
• Kickwheel - a heavy pottery wheel that is propelled by a person's foot by kicking the heavy cylinder on the very bottom
• Motorized Kickwheel - a pottery wheel that can be propelled by a person's foot or by an electric motor (depending on the artist's choice)
• Portable Wheel - a pottery wheel that can easily be moved from place to place
• RPM - the speed of the rotation of the wheel head
• Throwing - the process of using your hands to shape a ball of clay while it spins around on a pottery wheel
• Wheel head - the metal platform of the pottery wheel where the ball of clay is set to be shaped by throwing

The quality of pottery wheels is determined by the amount of horsepower it has and it's centering capacity. Suppliers have different standards in how they measure this, but usually the higher the horsepower and centering capacity, the better the pottery wheel. The quality of the pottery wheel is shown as a fraction. A higher fraction means a better pottery wheel. Most people do not need more than 1/2 hp, including professionals. Pottery wheels with 3/4 hp and higher are for professionals who throw all day or plan to make giant pots.

Both of these types of wheels have their advantages and disadvantages. Many people like to use kickwheels because it is easier to control speed for a beginner. Also, many people enjoy the "Zen" quality of pottery done on kickwheels. Kickwheels are also very tough and long lasting. The main problem with kickwheels is they are very expensive and heavy. Shipping a kickwheel can easily cost over $150, even over $200!

Electric wheels are a little more difficult to use since they use a foot pedal to control the speed. Some electric wheels only have two selectable speeds. Good electric wheels have foot pedals that allow the artist to easily control the wheel head's speed. The major advantage of electric wheels is they are lighter. Some have been made for easy transport, by making them able to fit into a special plastic carrier a little bigger than a suitcase.

• 17 - 21 - Professional - You should consider buying a high-quality pottery wheel (1/2 hp or higher).
• 10 - 16 - Intermediate - You should consider buying a decent pottery wheel that is within your budget. (1/6 - 1/2 hp)
• 2 - 9 - Amateur - You should reconsider whether or not you should buy a pottery wheel. You might want to take a throwing class first. (1/6 hp)

Artista (Creative Industries) - This is a very compact pottery wheel with an 11" wheel head. It weighs only 35 pounds! The wheel has 1/3 hp and can center up to 25 lbs. of clay. Speed can be adjusted with a foot pedal from 0 to 220 RPM. This wheel is great for amateurs, intermediates, and public schools.

• Price - around $370

Clay Devil (Kemper) - The Clay Devil is cheaper than the Artista and 15 lbs. lighter, but much of the quality is lost. It only has 1/15 hp, can only center up to 8 lbs., and has a 0 to 200 RPM. It does have a foot pedal, but I suggest amateurs and intermediates buy the Artista if they want a good portable wheel.

• Price - around $350

Model K (Lockerbie) - Lockerbie kickwheels are the most popular in this group. Their sturdy quality would satisfy any professional artist. Model K has a 14" wheel head and an optional 1/3 hp motor. The Lockerbie Model K weighs about 270 lbs. Foot rests can be added, but they are very expensive (over a $100).

• Price - $698 plus shipping

Wood Kickwheel Kit (Brent) - This is an unassembled kickwheel, but it may be the best route for some people. The kit comes with either a 12" or 14" wheel head and all the necessary supplies. I have seen similar kickwheels that have lasted for a long time. There is also a metal kickwheel kit available from Brent too.

• Price - $210 plus shipping

• Price - about $535

Legend (Thomas Stuart) - The Legend is a great wheel for an intermediate user. The Legend has a 14" wheel head, a 1/3 hp motor, and can center up to 75 lbs. of clay. It can be upgraded so the wheel has more torque, better control of speed, and less noise. The reversible switch is a huge plus for left hand users!

• Price - about $795

VL Whisper (Shimpo) - VL Whisper is one of the quietest pottery wheels on the market. The wheel has a 100 lbs. centering capacity, and the foot pedal can easily adjust the speed between 0 to 250 RPM. VL Whisper has a 1/2 hp. It also has a 14" wheel head and weighs 135 lbs. This is a very popular pottery wheel right now.

• Price - about $835

Model CXC (Brent) - Model CXC is a very expensive pottery wheel made for professional artists who work all day long. It has a 1 hp motor and can center 100 lbs. of clay. The wheel also has a reverse switch. The wheel head is 14" wide, and the wheel weights about 129 lbs. They usually come with a 5-year warranty.

• Price - about $1124