What Size Is The Wheel On The Shimpo Aspire?

Introducing the Shimpo Aspire Pottery Wheel

The Shimpo Aspire is a popular tabletop pottery wheel perfect for beginners and professionals alike. Manufactured in Japan by Shimpo Corporation, the Aspire strikes an ideal balance between power, portability, and affordability.

Weighing only 28 pounds, the compact Aspire wheel head has a 12-inch diameter and stands just over 2 feet tall. Despite its small footprint, the Aspire can center up to 20 pounds of clay, making it suitable for throwing medium-sized pieces.

Key features of the Shimpo Aspire include variable speed control from 0 to 250 RPM, a forward/reverse switch, and a sturdy steel chassis coated in an attractive blue hammertone powder finish. The Aspire also comes standard with a splash pan and two plastic throwing bats to get you started.

Standard Wheel Head Size

Most pottery wheels on the market have a standard wheel head size ranging from 8 to 12 inches in diameter (Kilncrafts). The most common standard size is 12 inches. This allows the wheel to accommodate a good range of work like bowls, plates, cups, and vases. Many beginner and hobbyist potters opt for the standard 12-inch wheel head as it provides enough space for most general pottery work without being overly large or expensive.

Some key standard wheel head sizes include:

• 8 inches – more compact and portable
• 10 inches – good for smaller pieces
• 12 inches – most popular standard size
• 14 inches – extra space for larger items

Knowing the standard wheel head sizes can help potters select the right wheel for their needs and anticipated projects.

Shimpo Aspire Wheel Head Size

The Shimpo Aspire pottery wheel features a 7 inch alloy wheel head according to the technical specifications listed on the manufacturer’s website (https://www.shimpoceramics.com/shimpo-aspire/). The wheel head is made from durable aluminum alloy and measures 7 inches in diameter, which is a standard size for most tabletop pottery wheels.

This 7 inch wheel head allows versatility in the size and type of pieces that can be thrown on the Shimpo Aspire. The 7 inch diameter provides enough space for centering and opening medium sized pots and bowls. However, those looking to throw very large pieces may prefer a larger 10-12 inch wheel head. The alloy construction also makes the wheel head sturdy while keeping the overall weight low.

Why Wheel Head Size Matters

The size of a pottery wheel’s wheel head is an important consideration for potters. As this article on Soul Ceramics explains, “If you are throwing very large pots, platters, and other pottery pieces with wide bases, you’ll want a larger wheelhead to accommodate your work.”

A larger wheel head provides more surface area for centering and shaping larger pieces of clay. With a wheel head that is too small for the potter’s work, it can be difficult to properly center and open up wide or oversized pieces. The clay can feel cramped on a smaller wheel head and may not have enough room to be manipulated as desired.

Conversely, a very large wheel head may feel too spacious for a potter working on smaller pieces. The ample surface can make it tricky to center and control smaller works. Having a wheel head sized appropriately for the scale of one’s pieces is ideal.

The Shimpo Aspire’s 10″ wheel head is a versatile middle size that can accommodate a range of cylindrical and bowl shapes from mugs to large platters. For size reference, professional quality wheels often range from 10″-14″ wheel heads, while compact tabletop wheels may be 6″-10″.

Weight Capacity

The Shimpo Aspire has a weight capacity of 20 lbs, according to the product page on shimpoceramics.com https://www.shimpoceramics.com/shimpo-aspire/. This allows the Aspire to center up to 20 lbs of clay on the wheel head. The robust weight capacity makes the Aspire suitable for throwing large pieces or substantial amounts of clay. Other sources like clay-king.com also confirm the 20 lb maximum centering capacity https://www.clay-king.com/pottery_wheels/shimpo_pottery_wheels/shimpo_aspire_pottery_wheel.html. The Aspire’s weight capacity is impressive for a portable and compact wheel.

Speed Range

The Shimpo Aspire pottery wheel has a speed range of 0-230 RPM (revolutions per minute). This provides a good range of speeds for most pottery work, from slow for centering clay to fast for thinning walls.

According to Clay-King, the wheel head speed range is 0-230rpm. The speed is controlled by a lever handle that allows easy adjustment while throwing.

This versatile speed range allows potters to start pieces slowly and increase the speed as the clay takes shape. Reviewers on pottery forums like the ability to fine tune the wheel speed for their needs.

The Shimpo Aspire provides slower speed options than some other entry-level wheels that only go down to 100 rpm. This makes the Aspire well-suited for beginners learning to center clay.

Other Technical Specs

The Shimpo Aspire has a compact, lightweight design weighing only 25 lbs with dimensions of 20″ L x 14.5″ W x 9″ H. Despite the small footprint, it has a generous centering capacity of up to 20 lbs (according to Shimpo Ceramics). The wheel head is made from a durable alloy and measures 7″ in diameter, with bat pins to secure bats up to 9 3/4″ in size (Clay King).

The 100W DC motor provides variable speed control from 0-230 rpm, operated by a lever handle. The wheel head direction can be set to clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. The Aspire also comes standard with a water collection system to keep your workspace tidy.

According to users on pottery forums, the Aspire runs very smoothly and quietly thanks to the DC motor. The speed control lever provides precise speed variability for throwing different sizes and types of pieces. Overall, reviews praise the Aspire for its thoughtful design, durability, and performance comparable to much pricier wheels.

User Reviews on the Shimpo Aspire Wheel Head Size

The 12.5 inch wheel head on the Shimpo Aspire receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from users. Many potters comment that the wheel head provides ample space for most projects without feeling overly large or cumbersome.

On retail sites like Amazon, buyers frequently describe the Shimpo Aspire’s wheel head as “perfectly sized” and “very comfortable to throw on.” Several users mention switching from smaller 10-11 inch wheels and finding the 12.5 inch Aspire wheel incredibly accommodating.

Some reviewers who work on very large pieces wish the Aspire wheel head was slightly bigger at 14+ inches. However, most users feel the 12.5 inch head hits the sweet spot between maneuverability and throwing surface area.

Many also praise the Shimpo Aspire wheel head for its weight limit. With the capacity to hold up to 200 lbs, the Aspire provides stability for substantial clay projects without any wobbling or center droop.

In terms of critiques, a handful of users find the Aspire’s wheel head shape takes some getting used to. The curved rectangular form differs from classic round wheel heads. But overall, most reviewers agree the Shimpo Aspire’s 12.5 inch wheel head size offers versatility for potters at all skill levels.

Alternatives to Consider

If the 12″ wheel head size of the Shimpo Aspire is too small for your needs, there are some other high quality tabletop pottery wheels worth considering:

The Speedball Artista Potter’s Wheel has a larger 15″ aluminum magnesium alloy wheel head. It has a powerful 1/2 HP motor with variable speed control up to 250 RPM. The Artista has a heavier weight capacity of 200 lbs compared to the Aspire’s 150 lbs. The larger wheel head and higher weight capacity make the Artista a good choice if you plan on throwing largers pieces.

Another option is the Brent CXC which has a very sturdy 14″ cast iron wheel head. The 1/2 HP motor provides plenty of power with a top speed of 250 RPM. The CXC has an impressive weight capacity of 300 lbs. The cast iron wheel head gives great momentum for throwing larger pieces. The CXC is a high quality versatile wheel.

If the 12″ wheel size of the Shimpo Aspire is too confining, the Speedball Artista or Brent CXC offer excellent alternatives with larger wheel heads and higher weight capacities to accommodate throwing bigger pieces.

Summary

The Shimpo Aspire pottery wheel is a popular choice for pottery enthusiasts and professional ceramic artists alike. One of the standout features of the Aspire wheel is its 12.5 inch wheel head size.

At 12.5 inches in diameter, the Shimpo Aspire’s wheel head is a standard middle-of-the-road size – not too big or too small. This gives potters versatility to throw pieces of varying sizes. From small bowls and mugs to large vases and platters, the 12.5 inch wheel head can accommodate most common pottery projects.

The Aspire’s streamlined design also boasts a powerful 1/2 HP direct drive motor and variable speed control ranging from 0-250 RPM. With a max weight capacity of 200 pounds, the Aspire wheel is built to withstand frequent throwing sessions without overheating.

In summary, the Shimpo Aspire lives up to its reputation as a high-quality pottery wheel with a 12.5 inch wheel head that offers great flexibility and performance for any potter’s needs.