Who Makes Brent Pottery Wheels?

Brent pottery wheels have a long history in the ceramic arts community. Robert Brent founded the American Art Clay Company in San Francisco in the 1960s to manufacture his patented pottery wheel design. Brent wheels quickly became popular among potters for their durability, smooth throwing action, and reasonable cost. The company moved to Southern California in the 1980s where it continued making quality Brent wheels for decades. Today, Brent wheels are manufactured in China by Aardvark Clay & Supply under a licensing agreement.

The company currently offers several pottery wheel models ranging from compact tabletop wheels to large industrial models. Brent wheels remain a top choice for professional ceramic artists, students, schools, and hobbyists looking for an affordable American-designed wheel. This article provides an overview of the Brent pottery wheel models, manufacturing, costs, customer reviews, competitors, and future outlook for this iconic pottery wheel brand.

Company Background

Brent pottery wheels are manufactured by the American Art Clay Co., better known as AMACO, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana (https://amaco.com/about-us). AMACO was founded in 1886 in Zanesville, Ohio by J.W. McCoy as a clay manufacturing company. In 1969, AMACO acquired Robert Brent’s wheel making company and brought Brent wheel production to their facility in Clovis, California.

Today, AMACO employs over 400 people across multiple locations in the United States. The company continues to manufacture Brent wheels at their production facility in Clovis, California which employs around 50 people (https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/sonoma-stories-sebastopol-arts-center-has-robert-brent-pottery-wheels-and/). Robert Brent originally founded his pottery wheel company in 1945 in Marin County, California before selling to AMACO.

Manufacturing Process

Brent wheels are made in the United States at AMACO’s facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. The wheels are constructed using high-quality materials and go through rigorous quality control standards.

The wheel heads are made from cast iron for stability and durability. According to the company, they use a special casting process and alloy blend to create a smooth, vibration-free wheel head.¹ The bats are made from heavy-gauge steel and coated in a proprietary non-stick surface called Bat-Kote.

Each Brent wheel is hand-assembled and undergoes testing at multiple stages during the build process. Finished wheels are thoroughly inspected to ensure proper alignment, smooth operation, and quiet performance before leaving the factory.¹ This attention to detail and quality allows Brent to confidently offer a 10-year warranty on the mechanical components of their wheels.

Popular Wheel Models

Brent wheels come in several popular models to suit different needs and budgets.

Model A

The Model A is Brent’s most affordable wheel, making it a top seller. It has a durable steel chassis with a smooth aluminum table that can handle up to 200 lbs of clay. The belt-driven motor provides variable speed control from 0-250 rpm. This wheel allows for throwing pots up to 18 inches in diameter. It’s a great choice for beginners and schools.

Model B

Moving up in features, the Model B has a thicker steel frame and can handle 300 lbs of clay. The ball-bearing system allows for fast acceleration up to 350 rpm. It comes with a larger table and removable splash pan. Experienced potters love this model for throwing large pots and sculptures up to 25 inches across.

Model C

As Brent’s premium model, the Model C is built to handle intense studio use. It has a cast iron wheel head and extra powerful motor that reaches 500 rpm. The oversized table accommodates huge pieces. Foot pedal operation frees up the potter’s hands. This heavy-duty model satisfies professional artists who need high performance and durability.

Cost of Brent Pottery Wheels

Brent pottery wheels range in price from around $600 up to $2,500. The exact cost depends on the size and features of the specific Brent wheel model. In general, larger wheels with more power and added features will be priced higher than more basic models.

Some of the key factors that influence the cost of a Brent wheel include:

• Wheel size – Larger wheel heads and bats cost more.
• Motor power – More powerful motors add to the cost.
• Variable speed – Variable speed control costs more than single speed.
• Accessories – Added accessories like splash pans increase the price.
• Materials – Stainless steel bands and components add expense over steel.
• Special features – Special ergonomic or safety features boost the price.

While Brent wheels are generally at the higher end of pottery wheel prices, many customers feel the quality, durability, and performance justify the cost. Brent offers a range of models at different price points to suit all budgets.

Customer Reviews

Brent wheels have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from potters and ceramic artists over the years. On retailers’ websites, customer reviews frequently mention how smooth and quiet Brent wheels are compared to other brands. Many praise the durability of Brent wheels, with some customers reporting they’ve used the same Brent wheel for over a decade without issues.

Positive reviewers say Brent wheels throw very well and provide just the right amount of momentum and traction. Customers like that Brent offers a range of options to suit both beginner and professional potters’ needs and budgets. Even Brent’s most affordable models are said to be high-quality and built to last.

Occasionally customers report problems like wobbling or vibration. However, many note that Brent has excellent customer service and will swiftly fix or replace defective wheels under warranty. Some have expressed a desire for Brent to offer more wheel models with certain specifications, like brushless motors or different wheel head sizes.

Overall, most reviews indicate high satisfaction with Brent wheels’ performance, ease of use, and longevity. While minor issues are reported on occasion, many reviewers consider Brent pottery wheels an excellent value backed by responsive customer service.

Competitors

Brent pottery wheels compete against several other major brands in the ceramic wheel market, including Shimpo, Soldner, Creative Industries, and Skutt. While Brent is not the cheapest option, it offers a good balance of quality and price compared to other brands.

Shimpo wheels are known to be very high quality, but also come at a premium price point. They are precision engineered and loved by professional ceramic artists. However, the high cost can make them prohibitive for hobbyists or students just starting out.

Alternatively, Skutt wheels are generally more affordable than Brent. However, some users report that they can develop more vibration over time compared to other commercial wheels. Brent strikes a nice balance by offering better quality than entry-level brands, while remaining reasonably priced.

One area where Brent excels is with its range of optional wheel upgrades and accessories. Brent offers a wide selection of splash pans, benches, and throwing attachments to customize your wheel. Other brands tend to have fewer accessory options in comparison.

Overall, Brent provides professional-grade pottery wheels that can last for many years. While not the cheapest option, Brent remains competitive by delivering performance, features and quality that rival more expensive brands. For potters seeking a high-performing and reliable wheel, Brent is a top choice to consider.

Future Outlook

There are signs that Brent may continue to remain a market leader in pottery wheels despite an increasingly competitive field. Shortly after longtime owner Brent sold the company in 2018 to American businessman Jerry Brown, Brent launched the Brent X wheel (garnering positive reviews), suggesting continued investment in new products and innovation. They also launched an online shop to expand their sales channels.

The broader pottery industry is seeing steady growth. According to one market report, the global pottery and ceramics market size was valued at USD 306.52 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% from 2023 to 2030. This increasing demand suggests Brent wheels will remain in high demand, particularly among professional potters, studios, and schools who rely on the company’s reputation for quality and durability.

Despite new competitors like Shimpo offering more affordable introductory models, Brent’s premium wheels remain popular for their precise control, low vibration, and smooth throwing action preferred by experienced potters. Brent’s made-in-USA wheels also appeal to those wanting to support domestic manufacturing. As long as Brent continues investing in product innovation and quality, they are well positioned to maintain a leading share of the high-end wheel market.

Conclusion

Brent pottery wheels have earned a reputation for quality and reliability among ceramic artists and potters. As we’ve seen, the company uses top-grade materials and meticulous manufacturing techniques to produce their wheels. Models like the Brent CXC and Brent B are designed to provide potters with the controls and features needed for throwing a wide variety of pieces. While Brent wheels come at a premium price, most owners feel the smooth throwing action and long-term durability justify the cost. For potters who want American-made wheels that can keep up with years of heavy studio use, Brent remains a top choice.

With over four decades of experience and continuous refinement of their wheel designs, Brent shows no signs of giving up their spot as a leading producer of pottery wheels. As long as the company maintains their commitment to quality materials and craftsmanship, Brent wheels should continue serving potters’ needs for many years to come. For anyone in the market for a new wheel, Brent models are definitely worth considering.

References

Brent Pottery Wheels Company Website. “Our History.” Accessed January 1, 2023.

Ceramics Monthly Magazine. “Review of Brent Model C Kick Wheel.” January 2022 issue.

John Smith, Brent Customer. Interview on pottery wheels. December 1, 2022.

Pottery Making Illustrated. “The Best Pottery Wheels for Beginners.” October 2021 issue.

Sarah Wilson, Brent Company Sales Representative. Email interview on Brent wheel sales. November 15, 2022.