The Brent Model B pottery wheel is the smallest standard wheel in AMACO's Brent range. AMACO lists a 1/2 HP, 5 amp permanent magnet DC motor, a 14 in cast aluminum head, a 0 to 240 rpm reversible speed control, a cast aluminum foot pedal, a free splash pan and a 10-year warranty. Our verdict: it is a dependable home wheel with plenty of capacity for functional pottery, but compare the Model C before you buy, because dealers often price the two close together.
This review is research-based. We have not thrown on a Model B. We compared AMACO's product page and warranty page with listings from Bailey Pottery, The Ceramic Shop, Clay-King, Seattle Pottery Supply and New Mexico Clay.
Brent B pottery wheel specs vs its closest rivals
| Wheel | Motor | Capacity | Speed | Direction | Warranty | Typical US price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brent Model B | 1/2 HP, 5 amp DC | 150 lb (AMACO); 50 lb (Bailey) | 0 to 240 rpm | Switch | 10 years | $2,025 to $2,750 Check price |
| Brent Model C | 3/4 HP, 7 amp DC | 225 lb (AMACO); 75 lb (Bailey) | 0 to 240 rpm | Switch | 10 years | $2,050 to $2,850 Check price |
| Speedball Clay Boss | 0.5 HP | 100 lb | 0 to 240 rpm | Plug | 10 years | $1,150 to $1,400 Check price |
| Shimpo VL-Whisper | 1/2 HP (400 W) direct drive | 100 lb | 0 to 250 rpm | Reversible | 5 years | $1,800 to $2,150 Check price |
Figures come from each maker's page, with Bailey's Brent figures shown beside AMACO's. Price bands are from AMACO, Speedball and US dealers in October 2026; check the live price.
Brent Model B at a glance
We review the Model B because it is the cheapest way into a Brent, and Brent's frame, pedal and warranty are the same across the B, C and CXC. What you give up is motor size.
- Motor: 1/2 HP permanent magnet DC, 5 amp
- Capacity: 150 lb continuous (AMACO, The Ceramic Shop, Clay-King); 50 lb rated to center (Bailey)
- Speed: 0 to 240 rpm, reversible electronic speed control with a forward/reverse switch
- Wheelhead: 14 in cast aluminum with concentric circles and two bat pins
- Pedal: Cast aluminum, 4 ft cord
- Included: Two-piece removable splash pan; 14 in plastic bat (Clay-King)
- Power: 110V; a 220V version (22606G) is sold
- Colors: Yellow or black
- Weight: not published by the maker; dealer shipping weights range from 119 lb to 162 lb
- Warranty: 10 years
Pros
- Same frame, pedal, controls and 10-year warranty as the dearer Brents
- Reversing by switch with a neutral position
- In stock at AMACO when checked
Cons
- Often priced close to the Model C
- Lowest torque in the Brent range
- Capacity figures conflict
- Costs far more than the Speedball Clay Boss
Who should skip it: Buyers who can find a Model C for a small premium, and beginners on a budget, who get similar capacity for much less from a Clay Boss.
How much clay can the Brent B center: 150 lb or 50 lb?
The two published figures are three times apart, and we found both still live in October 2026:
- AMACO (the maker) says the Model B "handles 150 lbs. continuously". The Ceramic Shop and Clay-King repeat 150 lb.
- Bailey Pottery says the Model B is "rated to center 50 lbs. of clay".
Source conflict: AMACO lists 150 lb; Bailey's listing says 50 lb. Bailey's figures for the other Brents follow the same pattern: 75 lb for the C against AMACO's 225 lb, and 100 lb for the CXC against AMACO's 300 lb. Neither source explains how its number was measured. We use AMACO's figure as the maker's rating and show Bailey's alongside it.
For a home potter, either number is far above a typical load. Mugs, bowls and most vases use a few pounds of clay each. The gap matters only if you plan very large pieces, and then you would choose the C or CXC anyway. For technique, see how to center clay.
What the Model B does well
A switch for reversing
The B has a forward/reverse switch with a neutral safety position. Speedball's Boss wheels reverse by unplugging and flipping a connector instead. If you trim in the opposite direction or share the wheel with a left-handed potter, the switch is quicker.
The full Brent platform
The 14 in cast aluminum head, cast aluminum pedal, all-steel frame and two-piece splash pan are the same parts you get on the C and CXC. Accessories such as AMACO's leg extension booties fit the B too.
Long warranty and wide dealer network
AMACO gives 10 years, and Brent wheels are stocked by many US pottery dealers. Register within 6 months; AMACO's warranty is non-transferable and must be serviced through an authorized dealer or AMACO. Full terms are in our Brent pottery wheels guide.
Weak points
- Price positioning: At typically $2,025 to $2,750, the B is close to the C. At AMACO's list prices the gap is about $100.
- Motor size: 1/2 HP is the smallest in the range. It is enough for functional ware, but the C and CXC give more reserve.
- Belt drive: Dealers describe automatic belt tensioning, but a belt is still a wear part. Direct-drive wheels such as the Shimpo VL-Whisper avoid it.
- Weight unclear: AMACO does not publish the wheel's weight, and dealer shipping weights differ (119 lb at one Ceramic Shop listing, 162 lb on its category page).
Brent B vs C for a home studio
Both wheels share the head, speed range, pedal, controls and warranty. The C adds a 3/4 HP, 7 amp motor and a higher rating (225 lb from AMACO, 75 lb from Bailey).
Choose the Model B if
- Your dealer prices it clearly below the C.
- You throw functional ware such as mugs, bowls and plates and do not plan large pieces.
- You want the yellow version and the yellow C is out of stock, as it was at AMACO when we checked.
Choose the Model C if
- The price gap is small, which it often is.
- You expect to throw larger forms as your skills grow.
- You want more reserve torque for centering bigger lumps of clay.
If you are tempted to go further, the Brent CXC review covers the 1 HP model.
Brent B vs Speedball Clay Boss
The Clay Boss is the B's most direct budget rival. Speedball lists a 0.5 HP motor, a 14 in head, 0 to 240 rpm, a 100 lb rating, a pedal and a 10-year warranty, typically for $1,150 to $1,400. That is close to the B on paper for far less money.
The B's advantages are a switch for reversing, a cast aluminum pedal and an all-steel frame. The Clay Boss's advantages are price and weight (Speedball lists 68 lb). Read the Clay Boss review; a full Clay Boss vs Brent B comparison is planned.
Model B versions: yellow, black, 220V and Adaptive
AMACO sells the Model B in its classic yellow and in black. The black version lists slightly higher at AMACO and at The Ceramic Shop, and the specs are the same. Seattle Pottery Supply also lists a 220V Model B for buyers who need it; AMACO says other 110V Brents can be supplied at 220V on request.
The Brent Model 16 Adaptive uses the same 1/2 HP, 5 amp motor and 150 lb AMACO rating as the B, on a frame with a crank that sets the head height from 21 in to 35 in. It costs far more, and AMACO showed it out of stock when we checked, but it is the Brent to look at for throwing from a wheelchair. See our Brent range guide for its specs.
What a 1/2 HP Brent is suited to
A 1/2 HP motor is a common size for home and classroom wheels. The Speedball Clay Boss and Shimpo VL-Whisper sit in the same class. On paper the B handles everything a learning potter throws: cylinders, mugs, bowls, plates and small to medium vases, plus trimming.
Where you may feel the limit is centering a large lump in one go, or throwing big platters and jars. If that is your plan from day one, start with the Model C or CXC. If you are still learning, put the savings toward clay, tools and lessons. Our wheel throwing for beginners guide is a good place to start.
Setting up a Brent Model B
AMACO ships the B as a 110V wheel with a 5 amp motor; a 220V version is sold. AMACO does not publish a breaker size or plug type on the product page. Use a grounded outlet and avoid extension cords. Have a licensed electrician check the circuit, especially if it is shared with a kiln room, a heater or other tools.
Tall potters who throw seated can raise the wheel 2 in or 4 in with AMACO's reversible leg extension booties. See pottery wheel height for setup advice.
Safety: Unplug the wheel before cleaning and keep water away from the control box. Clean slip with a wet sponge or mop; never dry sweep, because clay dust contains silica. See clay dust safety.
Who should buy the Brent Model B?
- Home potters who want a Brent and find the B clearly cheaper than the C.
- Potters who want a reversing switch rather than a plug.
- Schools and shared studios standardizing on Brent parts.
Who should skip it?
- Beginners on a tight budget: the Speedball Clay Boss offers a similar head, speed range and warranty for much less.
- Anyone who can get a Model C or CXC for a small premium.
- Buyers who want a quiet wheel with no belt, who should compare direct-drive options in our quiet pottery wheels guide.
Alternatives to the Brent Model B
Brent Model C
3/4 HP and a 225 lb AMACO rating on the same frame. Often the better value. Check the Brent Model C on Amazon.
Speedball Clay Boss
0.5 HP, 100 lb, 14 in head, pedal and 10-year warranty for well under Brent pricing. Check the Clay Boss on Amazon.
Shimpo VL-Whisper
1/2 HP (400 W) direct drive with no belt, 100 lb capacity and reversing, with a 5-year warranty. Read the VL-Whisper review.
Buying used? Our pottery wheel for sale guide covers what to check. For every brand ranked, see best pottery wheels.
Sources: AMACO Brent Model B, Model C and Model CXC product pages (shop.amaco.com); AMACO warranty page; AMACO leg extension booties page; Bailey Pottery Brent Model B, C and CXC listings; The Ceramic Shop Brent B and Brent B Black listings and Brent category page; Clay-King Brent Model B listing; Seattle Pottery Supply Brent Model B 110V and 220V listings; Speedball Clay Boss page; Shimpo VL-Whisper page. Specs checked October 2026.