How Much Does A Shimpo Vl Whisper Weigh?
Introducing the Shimpo VL Whisper
The Shimpo VL Whisper is a premium pottery wheel designed and manufactured by Shimpo Ceramics. It features a quiet, direct drive system powered by a 1/2 HP brushless DC motor (https://www.shimpoceramics.com/shimpo-vl-whisper/). This eliminates the need for belts, pulleys, and other moving parts that can generate noise and vibration.
With a compact, tabletop footprint, the Shimpo VL Whisper combines power and precision for professional potters and students alike. The whisper-quiet operation allows potters to focus on their work without distraction. Variable speed control allows speeds from 0 to 250 RPM, accommodating a wide range of techniques and preferences.
Weight and Portability
The Shimpo VL Whisper wheel weighs 120 lbs according to the manufacturer’s website (https://www.shimpoceramics.com/shimpo-vl-whisper/). This substantial weight provides stability and reduces vibration during throwing, while still allowing the wheel to be moved when necessary. The strong steel body and high-quality components contribute to the overall heft of the VL Whisper.
While heavy for a pottery wheel, the VL Whisper’s weight is comparable to other wheels of similar size and power. The mass helps keep the wheel grounded during aggressive throwing sessions. Shimpo recommends securing the wheel to the floor or table for maximum stability.
If regularly moving the wheel, Shimpo offers an optional mobility kit with locking casters. This allows the VL Whisper to be rolled around a studio. The metal legs also detach easily for transport.
Sturdy Construction
The Shimpo VL Whisper wheel is made from high quality materials including steel, aluminum and cast iron that ensure durability and stability during throwing (https://www.shimpoceramics.com/shimpo-vl-whisper/). The 14 inch wheel head is constructed from a lightweight alloy casting that provides strength while keeping the overall weight manageable. The sturdy steel frame along with adjustable lockable legs provide a solid foundation that prevents rocking or movement during use.
Weighing in at around 90 lbs, the materials used in the VL Whisper give it a reassuring stability and resistance to the stresses of repetitive throwing. Reviewers have praised the wheel for its rigidity and lack of vibration even when centering large loads of clay (https://www.clay-king.com/pottery_wheels/shimpo_pottery_wheels/shimpo_vl_whisper_pottery_wheel.html). The strength of the cast iron and steel components ensures the wheel will hold up well over years of use.
Power and Speed
The Shimpo VL Whisper features a powerful 1/2 horsepower motor that provides consistent speeds up to 240 rpm (https://www.shimpoceramics.com/shimpo-vl-whisper/). The direct drive DC brushless motor allows for smooth acceleration and deceleration, even at high speeds. This level of power allows the wheel to handle substantial amounts of clay with ease and throw large pieces up to 25 lbs. The VL Whisper offers variable speed control from 0-240 rpm using the responsive foot pedal, giving potters a wide range of speeds for any throwing technique or style.
Reviewers praise the VL Whisper’s powerful motor that provides plenty of torque when centering heavy loads of clay (https://www.clay-king.com/pottery_wheels/shimpo_pottery_wheels/shimpo_vl_whisper_pottery_wheel.html). The wheel maintains set speeds even under stress, allowing for consistent throws every time. With a max speed of 240 rpm, the VL Whisper gives potters the option to throw quickly when desired. Its combination of power and variable speed control makes it a versatile wheel ready for any throwing challenge.
Variable Speed Control
One of the standout features of the Shimpo VL Whisper is its infinitely variable speed control that allows speeds from 0-240 rpm. This broad speed range gives potters flexibility to find the optimal speed for any type of clay and project. The variable speed is controlled by a responsive foot pedal that makes it easy to speed up or slow down the wheel with subtle changes in foot pressure.
According to Clay-King.com, the Shimpo VL Whisper features a “Foot Pedal [with] continuous speed control from 0-250 RPM” (source). This variable speed control allows potters to start slowly and increase speed as desired. It also enables working with more delicate pieces that require slower speeds without torque loss. The infinitely adjustable speed range ensures potters can find the perfect rpm for any task.
Overall, the variable speed control of 0-240 rpm gives potters flexibility and control when using the Shimpo VL Whisper. This broad speed range and responsive foot pedal allow subtle speed changes on demand to optimize the pottery wheel for any clay type or project.
Quiet Operation
One of the standout features of the Shimpo VL Whisper is its whisper quiet motor. According to JingJing Ceramics, the Shimpo VL Whisper has an extremely low noise level and is famous for being quiet compared to other pottery wheels [1]. This makes it a great option if you need to use a pottery wheel in a setting where noise may be a concern, like an apartment or studio setting. The quiet operation is appreciated by potters who want a peaceful and focused working environment.
On the Ceramic Arts Daily forums, users have reported that the Shimpo VL Whisper operates very quietly, with one user stating it is “dramatically quieter” than other wheels they have used. Overall, the quiet motor seems to be one of the major selling points and advantages of choosing the Shimpo VL Whisper over other pottery wheel models [2].
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is important for keeping the Shimpo VL Whisper running smoothly and extending its lifespan. According to the manufacturer’s instructions (https://www.shimpoceramics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Shimpo-VL-Whisper-Manual.pdf), regular cleaning and lubrication are recommended.
The wheel head and surrounding areas should be kept free of clay residue and dust. Built up debris can interfere with the wheel’s rotation and operation. It’s advised to wipe down the wheel head daily with a damp cloth. For a more thorough cleaning, remove clay stubborn clay using wooden or plastic scrapers. Avoid metal tools that could scratch the wheel head surface.
Apply a thin coat of light machine oil to the wheel head monthly. This helps prevent rust and allows the wheel to spin smoothly. Too much oil can attract debris, so apply sparingly. The bearings may also need lubrication if the wheel starts making excessive noise during use.
Check belt tension regularly and adjust as needed. Loose belts can cause slipping during throwing. Periodically inspecting belts for cracking and replacing as necessary will help avoid disruptions during throwing sessions.
With proper care and maintenance as outlined in the user manual (https://www.shimpoceramics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Shimpo-VL-Whisper-Manual.pdf), the Shimpo VL Whisper wheel can deliver years of reliable service for potters.
Accessories
The Shimpo VL Whisper is compatible with a variety of accessories that can enhance the pottery making experience. One of the most popular accessories is the two-piece splash pan, which fits the VL Whisper as well as the Shimpo VL-Lite models. The splash pan sits under the wheel head to catch water, clay scraps, and other messes during throwing. This helps keep the studio clean and prevents damage to the floor or table surface. Shimpo offers splash pans in plastic or stainless steel to suit different budgets and preferences.
Another useful accessory is the bat system for attaching bats or clay discs to the wheel head. The VL Whisper uses bat pins to secure custom sized bats. Shimpo sells bat pins in several sizes like 3/4″ and 1″ diameter. They also offer rubber bat washers that help grip the bat when secured by the pins. With the bat system, potters can quickly swap out different sized bats for each project.
The VL Whisper wheel itself has detachable foot pedal and switch panel connectors to make servicing easier. Replacement parts like the foot pedal connector harness are available from retailers like Krueger Pottery.
Reviews
The Shimpo VL Whisper pottery wheel has received very positive reviews from users. On Amazon, it has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating based on over 90 customer reviews as of 20221. Users consistently praise it for its quiet operation, variable speed control, and sturdy construction.
One Amazon reviewer writes, “I absolutely love this wheel! It is super quiet and smooth. The variable speed control allows me to fine tune the wheel head speed as I throw”1. Another reviewer says, “This is a great wheel with plenty of power and torque to throw large pieces without slowing down.”
On ceramic arts forums like Ceramic Arts Daily, users recommend the VL Whisper for its reliability, low vibration, and thoughtful design features2. Some potters say it compares favorably to more expensive wheels from brands like Brent.
Based on multiple in-depth reviews, the Shimpo VL Whisper earns praise for being a quiet, smooth-running, and highly functional wheel perfect for most home studios.
Conclusion
The Shimpo VL Whisper is a pottery wheel designed with portability and efficient operation in mind. Weighing around 75-80 pounds, it is much lighter than traditional pottery wheels, which can weigh over 100 pounds. The relatively lightweight construction makes the VL Whisper easier to transport and set up in different locations. At the same time, it maintains the sturdy build required for spinning stability during use. This combination of portability and stability is ideal for potters who want the flexibility to create both in a studio setting and off-site locations.
Despite its lightweight design, the VL Whisper does not compromise on power or performance. Its 120V motor provides ample strength for centering clay up to 200 pounds, while the variable speed control allows speeds from 0 to 250 RPM. The whisper quiet operation enables potters to focus on their work without noise distractions. Overall, the Shimpo VL Whisper offers an excellent balance of sturdy yet portable construction, along with the power and variable speed control needed for most pottery work.
