Does The Shimpo Vl Whisper Come With Bat Pins?

The Shimpo VL Whisper is an electric pottery wheel designed for potters and ceramic artists of all skill levels. Shimpo is a leading manufacturer of pottery equipment and the VL Whisper is one of their most popular wheels.

It is an affordable, direct drive pottery wheel with a powerful 1/2 HP motor that provides smooth, consistent rotation. The variable speed foot pedal allows for speeds from 0-250 RPM, giving artists a high degree of speed control for centering and throwing clay. Designed to run quietly thanks to the brushless motor, the “Whisper” name refers to its quiet operation compared to other pottery wheels.

With its sturdy 14″ wheel head, the VL Whisper can handle large amounts of clay, making it well-suited for throwing medium to large vessels. It’s a versatile wheel that can support most common clay types and techniques used by hobbyist potters as well as professional ceramic artists.

About the Shimpo VL Whisper

The Shimpo VL Whisper is a popular mid-range potter’s wheel that features quiet operation and smooth rotation. According to Shimpo Ceramics, the VL Whisper utilizes a direct drive system with a brushless DC motor, eliminating belts and vibration for nearly silent use. Key features include:

  • 1/2 HP motor providing smooth power and torque
  • Speed range of 0-250 RPM
  • Aluminum alloy wheel head with 12″ turning capacity
  • Forward and reverse rotation
  • Variable speed foot pedal control
  • Removable splash pan
  • Adjustable and removable table legs

With its sturdy construction and quiet performance, the Shimpo VL Whisper is a versatile wheel suitable for beginners to advanced potters looking for reliability and control.

Bat Pins

Bat pins are small metal pegs that are inserted into holes around the perimeter of a pottery wheel bat. They serve to securely attach a bat to the wheel head so it does not shift around during throwing. Bat pins allow potters to quickly mount and remove bats as needed. This enables efficiently throwing multiple pieces on bats and later removing them for trimming or decorating off the wheel.

Bat pins are essential accessories for pottery wheels that accept bats. They provide the following key benefits:

  • Hold bats firmly in place while throwing
  • Allow easy bat changes between pieces
  • Enable throwing on bats for easier transport
  • Facilitate throwing multiples and assemblages
  • Permit throwing and trimming on separate wheels
  • Reduce stress on large thin bats [1]
  • bat pins give potters flexibility in workflow

In summary, bat pins give potters flexibility in their workflow and improve throwing efficiency and quality when using wheel bats.

Bat Pins on the Shimpo VL Whisper

The Shimpo VL Whisper pottery wheel does not come with bat pins included. According to the product description on the Krueger Pottery website, “Bat pins are not included with the VL Whisper wheel system” (https://kruegerpottery.com/collections/vl-whisper-parts). Bat pins need to be purchased separately if desired.

Bat pins are small metal pins that insert into pre-drilled holes in the wheel head to hold bats (ceramic throwing surfaces) in place while throwing. They provide stability and prevent the bat from shifting during throwing. Since bats are not included standard with the VL Whisper, neither are the bat pins.

Those wanting to use bats with the Shimpo VL Whisper will need to purchase 14″ bat pins compatible with the wheel separately. Krueger Pottery sells VL Whisper 14″ bat pins for $49 a set of 3 pins (https://kruegerpottery.com/collections/vl-whisper-parts). This allows bats to be securely fastened to the wheel head.

Adding Bat Pins

The Shimpo VL Whisper comes with pre-installed bat pins on the wheel head to hold bats (pottery wheels) in place while throwing. However, some users may wish to add additional bat pins for more securing options. According to Seattle Pottery Supply, installing bat pins on a Shimpo wheel involves just a few simple steps:

First, locate the pre-drilled holes on the wheel head that are designed for bat pin installation. Most Shimpo wheels have multiple sets of these holes to allow flexibility in bat pin positioning.

Next, insert the bat pins into the desired pre-drilled holes. Use a rubber mallet to lightly tap the pins all the way into the holes until they are fully seated.

Once installed, the bat pins can be used to secure a bat onto the wheel head. Place the bat over the wheel head lining up the holes with the bat pins. Then, give the bat a gentle tap with the mallet to lock it into place over the pins according to Seattle Pottery Supply. The bat should now be firmly attached and ready for throwing.

To remove or reposition the bat pins in the future, simply use pliers to grip the bat pins and pull them out of the pre-drilled holes. Then insert them into the desired new positions as needed.

Using Bat Pins

Bat pins allow you to securely fasten your workpiece to the wheel head when turning ceramics on the Shimpo VL Whisper. Here are some best practices for using bat pins:

– Position the bat pins in an area of the bat where they will not interfere with your workpiece. Place them evenly spaced around the workpiece for stability.

– Make sure the pins are pressed firmly into the bat head and tightened properly. They should be secure enough that the workpiece does not wobble.

– When initially securing the workpiece, gently press it onto the bat pins before beginning to throw. The pins will hold it steady as you center the clay and begin turning.

– Use an appropriate number of bat pins for the size and shape of your workpiece. Larger or off-balanced pieces may require more pins for support.

– Avoid hitting or bumping the bat pins with your turning tools. This can loosen them, allowing the workpiece to shift.

– Check that the bat pins remain tight periodically while throwing longer pieces. Retighten if needed.

– Keep an eye on the contact points between the bat pins and workpiece. Friction can cause cracking or tearing if the clay begins to stick.

– When finished, carefully remove the workpiece from the bat pins by hand. Do not try to pry it off with your turning tool.

By following these simple tips, bat pins can hold your work steady and allow for easier, safer turning. With practice, you’ll gain a feel for the best setup and use of bat pins on the Shimpo VL Whisper.

Other Accessories

In addition to bat pins, there are some other useful accessories to consider using with the Shimpo VL Whisper pottery wheel:

Splash pans – Splash pans like the 2-Piece Splashpan help contain water and clay splashes while throwing. They fit directly onto the wheel head.

Bats – Bats like the 12″ Hard Maple Bat provide extra throwing surfaces that can be quickly removed from the wheel head.

Work tables – Work tables like the Shimpo Folding Work Table provide additional durable and stable work surfaces surrounding the wheel.

These accessories help optimize the pottery wheel for efficient throwing and catching trimmings. They also help keep the studio clean. Experienced potters recommend outfitting your wheel with at least a splash pan and a few different sized bats.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is key to getting the most out of your Shimpo VL Whisper wheel and bat pins. Here are some tips:

Clean the wheel head and bat pins regularly to prevent buildup of dried clay that can loosen the bat pins over time. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the wheel head and gently clean bat pin holes.

Apply a light coat of wax to the wheel head periodically to help keep bat pins snug. Avoid getting wax in the bat pin holes. Many potters recommend a paste wax or candle wax.

Check bat pins for wear and replace if the pins become loose even when clean. Replacement pins can be purchased from most ceramic suppliers.

When inserting bat pins, gently twist and press them in firmly to ensure a tight fit. Do not pound them in forcefully as this can damage the bat pin holes.

If bat pins are still loose, remove them and apply a thin layer of white glue or silicone in the bat pin holes. Let dry completely before reinserting pins (refer to community.ceramicartsdaily.org).

Consult the Shimpo VL Whisper user manual for full maintenance recommendations from the manufacturer (Shimpo VL Lite Manual)

Alternatives

If you’re looking for a pottery wheel that comes with bat pins, there are several good options besides the Shimpo VL Whisper. Here are a few to consider:

The Brent CX Pottery Wheel is a popular choice that comes standard with bat pins. This professional-grade wheel has 12 bat pins built into the wheel head to hold bats securely in place while throwing. It’s a sturdy, powerful, and well-reviewed wheel.

The Brent Model C is another good option. This wheel includes removable bat pins as a standard feature. The Brent Model C is slightly less expensive than the CX but still offers excellent performance and reliability.

Some potters add DIY bat pins to pottery wheels that don’t come with them. While convenient, this doesn’t offer the same stability and security as wheels with factory installed bat pins. For best results, purchasing a wheel with built-in bat pins is recommended.

Conclusion

In summary, the Shimpo VL Whisper does come with bat pins included. The bat pins help secure bats on the wheel head for throwing. They are important accessories that allow you to properly center and hold bats on the wheel while throwing.

Based on the information provided, it is recommended that those interested in purchasing the Shimpo VL Whisper will not need to buy bat pins separately, as they are included with the wheel. The bat pins will be useful for securing bats during the throwing process.

For those looking for a quality electric pottery wheel that includes bat pins, the Shimpo VL Whisper is an excellent option to consider. Be sure to also look into other included accessories, maintenance recommendations, and alternative wheels as needed when making your purchasing decision.

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