How Do You Make A Homemade Pottery Wheel?
A pottery wheel, also known as a potter’s wheel, is an important tool used in ceramics and pottery making. It consists of a spinning disk mounted on a stand, which allows potters to raise round and symmetrical pottery forms with ease. The wheel head spins at a constant speed while the potter shapes clay that has been centered on top of it using their hands and tools. As the wheel turns, the clay can be shaped into uniform walled vessels with more symmetry and consistency than could be achieved with handbuilding techniques alone.
Using a pottery wheel requires some skill, but it is an efficient way to quickly produce numerous clay pots, bowls, vases and other round objects out of clay. The momentum of the spinning clay allows it to be pushed up and shaped into the desired form. Pottery wheels have been used since ancient times to create pottery with thinner walls and smooth curves that would be difficult to construct without the wheel’s assistance.
For hobbyist potters and ceramic artists, having a home pottery studio complete with a potter’s wheel setup can be very rewarding. While professional-grade pottery wheels can be expensive, it is possible to make your own using common materials and basic mechanical skills.
Materials Needed
To build a homemade pottery wheel, you will need the following materials:
- Wood pieces – You will need 2x4s and plywood to build the frame. The amount needed depends on the size you want to make it.
- Screws and nails – For assembling the wood frame.
- Electric motor – A 1/2 or 1/3 hp electric motor to power the wheel. You can often find these used for a good price.
- Pulleys – At least two pulleys, one on the motor and one on the wheel axle, connected by a belt.
- Bearings – Ball bearings or other bearings to allow the wheel head to spin freely.
- Bucket – A 5 gallon bucket works well for the wheel head.
- Clay – Obviously you’ll need clay to throw on your wheel. Any pottery clay is fine, choose based on your preference.
These basic materials are all you need to construct a functional electric pottery wheel at home. The specific amounts depend on the size and design you want to build. Be sure to have safety gear like gloves and eye protection before starting.
Design Considerations
When designing a homemade pottery wheel, there are several key factors to consider for optimal functionality:
Sturdy Frame – The frame needs to be built sturdy and stable to handle the forces of spinning clay without wobbling or shaking. Consider thickness of wood, braces, and wide footprint for stability.
Smooth Rotation – A smooth, consistent rotation is critical for properly shaping clay. Use high quality bearings, pulleys, and belts so the wheel head turns evenly without jiggles or vibrations.
Adjustable Speed – Having variable speed control allows shaping clay at slower speeds for detail work or higher speeds for throwing larger pieces. Incorporate a motor with speed control and/or a foot pedal.
Ergonomic Seat – For user comfort during long throwing sessions, design an adjustable seat at the proper height and distance from the wheel. Consider seat swiveling ability and cushioning.
Building the Frame
The frame is the base of your pottery wheel that will provide stability and support the wheel head. Building a sturdy frame is crucial for smooth wheel operation and preventing wobbling.
Start by cutting your wood pieces to size according to your plans. Using a miter or table saw works well for clean cuts. You’ll need pieces cut for the base, legs, and top support. Make sure cuts are straight and smooth.
Assemble the base first by attaching the side pieces to the front and back pieces. Secure with wood glue and screws. Allow time for the glue to set before continuing. Attach the legs next using pocket holes, braces, or notches to keep them stable.
Finally, attach the top support which will hold the wheel head. Make sure the top is level by measuring diagonally and adjusting the legs as needed. The frame should be square and not wobbly for good wheel performance.
Once assembled, sand any rough edges and apply a finish if desired. Then the frame is ready for installing the motor and wheel head in the next steps.
Installing the Motor
Mounting the motor is a crucial step in setting up a homemade pottery wheel. The motor you select needs to have enough power to spin the heavy clay at a consistent speed. Most DIY pottery wheel builds utilize a 1/2 horsepower or larger electric motor.
When installing the motor, first attach it securely to the frame using bolts and brackets. Make sure it is oriented so the drive shaft is positioned where you want it relative to the wheel head. Next, mount a drive pulley on the motor shaft that matches the dimensions of the wheel head pulley.
Connect the two pulleys with a V-belt, making sure there is enough tension so it does not slip during use. Give the belt a test spin to ensure everything is aligned properly and spins smoothly. You may need to adjust the motor mounts or tension on the belt to achieve the desired performance. Proper motor installation is key to creating a homemade pottery wheel that spins clay with power and reliability for years of crafting.
Adding the Wheel Head
A key component in building a homemade pottery wheel is attaching the wheel head securely to the axle. The wheel head is the rotating disk that you will throw and shape your clay on. Follow these steps to properly add the wheel head:
- Slide the wheel head onto the axle, being careful that it sits flat and true. The fit should be snug but allow the wheel to spin freely.
- Install ball bearings or bushings on both sides of the wheel head to reduce friction and ensure smooth spinning. Ball bearings that fit the axle diameter are recommended.
- Place washers and locking collars on the ends of the axle and tighten in place. This will lock the wheel head securely onto the axle.
- Test spin the wheel by hand to ensure proper fit and smooth rotation before fully assembling.
Proper installation of the wheel head with quality bearings will provide flawless spinning for throwing and shaping clay. Take your time securing the wheel head and make any adjustments needed to achieve smooth, wobble-free operation.
Creating the Work Surface
Creating a smooth, comfortable, and functional work surface is important to get the most out of your homemade pottery wheel. Here are some tips for creating an effective surface:
Install a “bucket” or container that will hold the clay while spinning. This bucket can be made of plastic, metal, or wood. Make sure it is firmly attached to the wheel head, either by bolting it on or using an adhesive like epoxy. The bucket should have smooth sides and a depth of at least 4 inches to hold clay while throwing.
Add a removable splash pan that catches water and clay scraps. Attach this pan around the wheel bucket using bolts or adhesive. Make the pan removable so you can dump out water and clay buildup. The pan can be made from sheet metal, plastic or other non-porous materials.
Consider adding a comfortable seat that supports proper throwing posture. An adjustable stool or chair at the proper height allows you to sit upright while centering and throwing clay. Make sure the seat height allows your forearms to be parallel to the floor when centered over the wheel head.
Electrical Hookup
Properly wiring the motor and switch for your homemade pottery wheel is crucial for safe operation. Here are some tips for the electrical hookup:
Wiring the Motor
Use the proper gauge wire based on your motor’s power rating. Connect the wires from the motor to your power source, either a standard wall outlet or a standalone power switch. Use wire nuts or crimp connectors to securely connect the wires. Double check that wiring polarity is correct before powering on the motor.
Adding a Switch
Installing a power switch allows you to easily turn the pottery wheel on and off. Mount the switch in a convenient location on the frame. Connect the switch wires to the motor wires and power source wires according to the switch wiring diagram. Make sure to electrically isolate any exposed wires.
Testing Safely
Before fully powering up your pottery wheel, do a safety check. Make sure all connections are secure with no exposed wire. Have the wheel spinning at low speed and watch for any wobbling or vibration issues. Start at low power and slowly increase speed while monitoring for problems. It’s better to find issues at low speeds rather than at max speed. With careful wiring and testing, your homemade pottery wheel should run smoothly and safely.
Adjustments and Tweaks
Once your homemade pottery wheel is fully assembled, you’ll likely need to make some adjustments and tweaks to get it running smoothly. Here are some of the key things to focus on:
Balancing the Wheel
Having a balanced wheel head is critical for smooth operation and preventing vibrations. Check that the wheel head spins true without wobbling. If needed, you can add small weights to the underside of the wheel head to improve balance. Start with only a few grams of weight and re-test until you have it spinning smoothly.
Adjusting the Speed
The motor speed can be adjusted either using a potentiometer dial or by swapping out the motor pulley. Test a range of speeds to find the optimal rpm for throwing and trimming your pieces. Faster speeds are good for aggressive trimming while slower speeds are ideal for throwing larger pieces.
Securing Parts
Make sure all joints and connections are tight and secure. Pay particular attention to the motor mount, wheel head bearing, and drive belt tension. A loose drive belt can cause slippage and inconsistent spinning. Check fasteners after the first few uses and periodically tighten if needed. Apply threadlocker on critical fasteners to help prevent loosening over time.
Using Your Pottery Wheel
Once your homemade pottery wheel is built and ready to go, it’s time to start making pottery. Here are some tips for using your wheel effectively:
Preparing the Clay
Before you can center clay on the wheel, you need to properly prepare it. Start by wedging your clay to remove any air bubbles. Cut off chunks and smack them against your worktable, then knead the clay firmly with your hands. Repeat until the clay feels smooth and free of air pockets.
You’ll also want to form your clay into a rounded shape that will sit nicely on the wheel head. Use your hands to gently work the clay into a ball or cone shape.
Centering the Clay
Place your clay on the center of the wheel head. Turn on the wheel to a moderate speed. Apply downward pressure with both hands on the sides of the clay. This will center the clay and form it into a cylinder. Check to make sure the clay is centered by looking from above.
Once centered, you can slow the wheel speed. Use your thumbs to further shape the cylinder and compress the clay.
Opening the Clay
With centered clay, use your thumbs to press into the top center, opening up the form. Apply pressure from the sides with your fingers to widen the cylinder walls. Open the form to your desired size and shape.
Raising the Walls
To raise the walls evenly, place one hand inside the cylinder, bracing it outward. Use your other hand to gently pull upwards on the outside wall. Repeat this process, raising the wall a little higher each time. Keep walls even by regularly re-centering and compressing the base.
Once you’ve raised the walls to your preferred height, you can refine the shape and add details like a rim or foot. Let your creation air dry or bisque fire before glazing.
