If you are looking for a pottery wheel for sale, you have two routes. New wheels come from authorized ceramics dealers, art supply chains and Amazon, with a full warranty and delivery. Used wheels come from local listings, studio and school closeouts and dealer refurbs, and a well-kept Brent, Shimpo or Skutt can serve for decades. The right choice depends on your budget, how far you can drive to collect a 100 lb machine, and how comfortable you are inspecting one.
This guide is research-based. We compared maker spec sheets, warranty terms and US dealer listings, and drew the used-wheel checklist from maker manuals and long-time potters' advice on the Ceramic Arts Network community forum. We do not track individual listings, so we never quote a specific asking price.
Where to find a pottery wheel for sale
Where to buy a pottery wheel comes down to two questions: do you want a warranty, and can you collect a heavy machine yourself? Pottery wheels for sale new are easy to find online and ship to your door. Used pottery wheels for sale are local, cheaper and need an inspection. The same machine is also listed as a throwing wheel for sale, a clay wheel for sale or a pottery machine for sale, so search all of those terms.
New: dealers, art retailers and Amazon
- Authorized ceramics dealers (for example The Ceramic Shop, Clay-King, Sheffield Pottery, Chesapeake Ceramics and New Mexico Clay) sell Brent, Shimpo, Skutt and Speedball wheels with full maker warranties, and many will answer spec questions.
- Makers' own stores: AMACO sells Brent wheels directly, Speedball and Laguna list wheels on their own sites.
- Art supply chains such as Blick carry Speedball and Shimpo wheels.
- Amazon lists many brand-name wheels plus budget imports such as VEVOR. Check that the seller is the maker or an authorized dealer if warranty matters to you.
Used: where to look near you
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: the biggest local supply. Search "pottery wheel", "potters wheel", "Brent", "Shimpo" and "kick wheel".
- Studio and school closeouts: community studios, colleges and high schools replace wheels in batches. Ask local studios and check school district surplus auctions.
- Ceramics guilds and clay suppliers: guild newsletters and the bulletin boards at local clay suppliers often list members' equipment.
- Dealer refurbs and trade-ins: some ceramics dealers resell serviced wheels; ask what warranty, if any, comes with them.
Refurbished pottery wheels
A refurbished pottery wheel sits between new and used. It has been checked and serviced by a maker or dealer, and it usually comes with some warranty, which a private sale never does. Speedball's own Clay Boss page, for example, lists a 1-year limited warranty on used and refurbished wheels, against 10 years on a new one. When a dealer offers a refurb, ask what was replaced (pedal, controller, bearings, belt), how long the warranty runs and who honors it, then compare the price with a new wheel of the same model.
Quick picks: wheels worth buying new or hunting used
- Best new value: Speedball Clay Boss (100 lb, 10-year warranty)
- Best Brent pottery wheel for sale, new or used: Brent Model B (150 lb per AMACO, parts widely available)
- Quietest: Shimpo VL-Whisper (direct drive)
- Common school surplus wheel: Skutt Legend (one-piece splash pan)
- Cheapest new pottery wheel machine: VEVOR 14 in 450 W
Comparison: new specs to judge used listings against
| Wheel | Motor | Wheelhead | Capacity | Warranty (new) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedball Clay Boss | 0.5 HP | 14 in | 100 lb | 10 years | Check price |
| Brent Model B | 1/2 HP | 14 in | 150 lb (AMACO) | 10 years | Check price |
| Shimpo VL-Whisper | 1/2 HP (400 W) | 14 in | 100 lb | 5 years | Check price |
| Skutt Legend | 1/3 HP | 14 in (dealer) | Not on Skutt's page | 10 years | Check price |
| VEVOR 14 in 450 W | 450 W | 14 in | Not published | Not stated | Check price |
1. Speedball Clay Boss: best new pottery wheel for the money
If you would rather skip the used market, the Clay Boss is the strongest new wheel near its price. Speedball rates it at 100 lb on a 14 in head with a 0.5 HP motor and 0 to 240 rpm, and it ships with a foot pedal, a two-part splash pan and two bats. The 10-year warranty matters more on a new wheel than any used bargain can match, because it covers the motor and controller, the two costliest parts.
Because it is sold through Speedball, Blick, ceramics dealers and Amazon, it is easy to find in stock, and its 68 lb weight makes delivery simpler than a 120 lb studio wheel. Bat pins use the common 10 in spacing.
- Motor: 0.5 HP
- Wheelhead: 14 in
- Centering capacity: 100 lb
- Speed: 0 to 240 rpm
- Weight: 68 lb
- Warranty: 10 years
- Price band: typically $1,150 to $1,400 at US dealers in October 2026; check the live price
Pros
- Full warranty
- Widely stocked
- Pedal, pan and bats included
Cons
- Costs more than many used studio wheels
- Reverse by plug swap
Who should skip it: buyers who can collect locally and inspect a used Brent or Shimpo in person, which can stretch the same budget further.
2. Brent Model B: best Brent pottery wheel to buy new or used
Brent wheels are the ones most often seen in college studios, and they are the brand potters on the Ceramic Arts Network forum most often describe as lasting for decades with only bearing or belt replacements. That reputation, plus AMACO's continued parts support, is why a used Brent is the most sought-after listing on the used market.
The current Model B has a 1/2 HP, 5 amp permanent magnet DC motor, a 14 in cast aluminum head with two bat pins, 0 to 240 rpm, reversible electronic control with a neutral safety position and a cast aluminum pedal. AMACO rates it at 150 lb continuous and includes a splash pan and a 14 in bat with a new wheel.
Source conflict: AMACO lists the Model B at 150 lb continuous; a Bailey Pottery listing gives 50 lb. We use the maker's figure.
- Motor: 1/2 HP permanent magnet DC, 5 amp, 110V
- Wheelhead: 14 in cast aluminum
- Centering capacity: 150 lb continuous (AMACO)
- Speed: 0 to 240 rpm
- Warranty: 10 years (new)
- Price band: typically $2,000 to $2,700 new at US dealers in October 2026; check the live price
Pros
- Long track record
- Parts still sold
- Neutral safety switch
Cons
- Pricey new
- Older units vary by controller generation
Who should skip it: buyers who need a light wheel. Our Brent pottery wheels guide compares the B, C and CXC.
3. Shimpo VL-Whisper: quietest wheel, new or lightly used
Shimpo wheels also have a long used-market life; one forum poster reported over 40 years on the same Shimpo. The current VL-Whisper uses a direct-drive brushless motor rather than a belt, which makes it the quiet choice for apartments. Shimpo lists 1/2 HP (400 W) at 115V, a 14 in head, 100 lb centering, 0 to 250 rpm, clockwise and counterclockwise rotation and a remote pedal.
Removable legs let it work at table height or standing. With no belt, it has fewer wear parts to check when buying used, but confirm the pedal and controller respond smoothly.
- Motor: 1/2 HP (400 W) direct-drive brushless
- Wheelhead: 14 in
- Centering capacity: 100 lb
- Speed: 0 to 250 rpm
- Weight: 120 lb
- Warranty: 5 years (new)
- Price band: typically $1,800 to $2,150 new at US dealers in October 2026; check the live price
Pros
- Very quiet
- No belts
- Strong dealer network
Cons
- Heavy to collect
- Shorter warranty than Brent or Speedball
Who should skip it: buyers with a garage studio where noise does not matter. See our Shimpo pottery wheels guide for older models you may see listed.
4. Skutt Legend: common school-surplus wheel
Skutt describes the Legend as the model of choice for educational institutions, so it is a wheel you may find when schools refresh their rooms. Skutt lists a 1/3 HP continuous duty motor, 115V at 4.2 amps, a reversing switch, an attached pedal, bat pins and a one-piece removable splash pan, with a 117 lb ship weight and a 10-year parts and labor warranty when new.
Skutt does not publish wheelhead size, speed or capacity. Dealers The Ceramic Shop and New Mexico Clay list a 14 in head, and New Mexico Clay says throwing capacity exceeds 150 lb and that 1/2 HP and 1 HP motors are available.
- Motor: 1/3 HP continuous duty, 115V, 4.2 amps
- Wheelhead: 14 in per dealers
- Centering capacity: not published by the maker
- Splash pan: one-piece, removable
- Warranty: 10 years parts and labor (new)
- Price band: typically $1,900 to $2,500 new at US dealers in October 2026; check the live price
Pros
- Easy cleanup
- Built for heavy school use
- Reversing switch
Cons
- Maker leaves out capacity and speed
- School wheels may have hard wear
Who should skip it: buyers who will not inspect in person. A school wheel's pedal and controller see heavy use. Our Skutt wheels guide covers the full range.
5. VEVOR 14 in 450 W: cheapest new pottery wheel machine
Some buyers search for a used wheel only because new ones seem out of reach. VEVOR's 14 in wheel costs less than many used brand-name wheels and arrives new with a 450 W brushless motor, a 14 in head, 60 to 300 rpm, reverse, a waterproof pedal, a lift-top base adjustable by up to 6 in and a detachable basin.
It is a pottery spinning wheel for learning, not a lifetime machine. VEVOR publishes no centering capacity and no clear standard warranty, and resale value for budget wheels is low.
- Motor: 450 W brushless
- Wheelhead: 14 in
- Centering capacity: not published by the maker
- Speed: 60 to 300 rpm
- Weight: 36.3 lb
- Price band: typically $150 to $250 in October 2026; check the live price
Pros
- New with delivery
- Pedal and reverse
- Light to move
Cons
- Unknown capacity and long-term durability
- Little resale value
Who should skip it: anyone who can find a well-kept used brand-name wheel nearby.
Skutt Prodigy and Skutt Classic: the other Skutt wheels for sale
The Legend is not the only Skutt you will see. Skutt's current range, sold under the Thomas Stuart name, also includes the Prodigy and the Classic, and both appear new at dealers and used from schools.
Skutt Prodigy
Skutt calls the Prodigy its introductory wheel. Skutt lists a 1/3 HP continuous duty motor at 115V and 4.2 amps, an attached pedal, a one-piece removable splash pan and a 94 lb ship weight, with a 10-year parts and labor warranty when new. The Ceramic Shop and New Mexico Clay list a 12 in head, and The Ceramic Shop says it centers over 75 lb. Skutt's spec table shows no reversing switch, so it does not suit left-handed potters. Typically $1,500 to $1,950 new at US dealers in October 2026; check the live price.
Skutt Classic
The Classic is Skutt's production wheel, with a cast aluminum splash pan built into the body, a reversing switch, an attached pedal and a 127 lb ship weight. Skutt says it has the most torque of its wheels but does not publish a capacity; The Ceramic Shop lists more than 100 lb and Clay-King lists 300 lb and over, so confirm with the seller. Typically $2,100 to $2,700 new at US dealers in October 2026. On a used Classic, check the built-in pan for cracks and dried slip around the shaft, since it cannot be lifted out to clean. Our Skutt wheels guide compares all three models.
Used pottery wheel checklist
Take this list with you, and ask the seller to have the wheel plugged in so you can watch it run. Bring a level and a flashlight.
- Confirm the model. Find the maker's plate and write down the model and serial number. Look up the current model's specs so you know what you are comparing.
- Check the wheelhead for play. With the wheel off, rock the head side to side and up and down. Any clunk or movement points to worn bearings or a loose shaft.
- Spin it by hand and listen. It should turn freely without grinding. Noise can mean bad bearings, which forum potters warn can be costly to replace.
- Run it through the full speed range. Press the pedal slowly from zero to full. Speed should rise smoothly with no surging, jerks or dead spots, and it should run quietly at low speed.
- Test reverse. If the wheel has a reversing switch or plug, run it both ways.
- Look at the belt (belt-drive wheels). Check for cracks or glazing if it is visible without opening the housing.
- Check cords and plugs. Do not buy a wheel with frayed or taped cords, or a damaged plug, unless you plan to have it repaired by a qualified technician.
- Check what is included. Pedal, splash pan, bats and legs can be expensive to replace. Missing pedals are common.
- Watch for heavy wear. Rust on the frame, dried slip packed around the shaft and a cracked splash pan suggest hard use.
- Plan the move. Studio wheels weigh about 70 to 150 lb, and kick wheels far more. Bring help and a dolly.
Never open a wheel's controller or rewire it yourself. If a used wheel needs electrical work, have a qualified technician or the maker's service network do it, and have a licensed electrician check your outlet if breakers trip.
Red flags in a used listing
- No photos of the pedal or controller, or a listing that says "just needs a pedal". Replacement pedals and controllers are among the costliest parts.
- "Works fine, have not used it in years" with no chance to see it run. Ask the seller to plug it in before you travel.
- An unknown brand with no maker plate. You may not be able to find parts or a manual.
- Heavy rust or water damage around the motor housing or controller.
- A seller who will not let you test reverse or the full speed range.
Getting a used wheel home safely
Studio wheels are awkward as well as heavy. Remove the splash pan, wheelhead (if the manual shows how) and pedal before lifting, and carry the body by the frame, not the head or shaft. Strap it upright in the vehicle so it cannot tip onto the wheelhead. At home, let it sit for a day if it came in from the cold, then level it, wipe it down and read the maker's manual for any belt, bearing or lubrication checks before the first session. Our pottery wheel maintenance guide covers routine care.
Pottery wheel and kiln for sale together
You will sometimes see a pottery wheel and kiln set listed together when a home studio closes. A bundle can be good value, but judge each part on its own. Kilns need their own checks for elements, bricks, controller and wiring, and most full-size kilns need a dedicated 240V circuit installed by a licensed electrician. Read our kiln for sale guide before agreeing to a bundle, and compare new kilns in our best kilns for home pottery guide.
Electric pottery wheel for sale new: what buying new gets you
A new electric pottery wheel costs more than most used ones, and the difference buys three things. The first is the warranty: 10 years from Speedball (Boss range), Brent and Skutt, and 5 years from Shimpo, covering the motor and controller, the parts that cost most to replace. A private used sale carries none, and a refurb often carries much less; Speedball lists 1 year on used and refurbished Clay Boss wheels.
The second is dealer support. An authorized dealer can confirm specs before you order, handle warranty claims and supply parts such as pedals, belts and splash pans later. The third is a complete kit: new wheels arrive with the pedal and pan the maker lists (the Clay Boss adds two bats), where used wheels are often missing pieces. If you cannot inspect a used wheel in person, those three points usually make new the safer buy. For a first wheel, our best pottery wheel for beginners guide narrows the choice.
Accessories to buy with a wheel: bats, splash pan and stool
Budget for a few extras whether you buy new or used, and check each used listing for what is included.
- Bats: two or three bats let you set aside fresh pots without lifting them off the wheelhead. Match the bat pin spacing to your wheel; the Clay Boss uses the common 10 in spacing. See our pottery bats guide.
- Splash pan: not every wheel includes one. Shimpo sells the VL-Whisper's 2-piece 19 in pan as a separate part, and dealers such as Krueger Pottery stock replacement Brent pans, which helps if a used wheel arrives without its pan.
- Stool: a stable stool at the right height matters for your back. Krueger lists a Brent potter's stool, and The Ceramic Shop offers Speedball's padded stool and an 18 in hardboard stool with the Clay Boss.
- Cleanup gear: buckets, sponges and a washable floor mat. Clay dust contains silica, so wipe and mop wet rather than sweeping.
Shipping and freight delivery for new wheels
Lighter wheels can go by ground parcel service, and some dealers include shipping: The Ceramic Shop lists free shipping on the Clay Boss (75 lb shipping weight) within the contiguous US. Heavier wheels and kick wheels travel by freight truck. Clay-King says freight deliveries are curbside, that the driver is not obliged to bring the item indoors, and that lift-gate service is included on most of its wheel shipments; The Ceramic Shop's freight guide also says drop-offs are curbside only.
- Ask before ordering whether shipping is included and whether a lift-gate is part of the delivery.
- Arrange helpers and a dolly to move the wheel from the curb to your studio.
- Inspect the carton before signing, and write any damage on the driver's paperwork.
- Photograph damage and report it fast: Clay-King asks for reports within three days, and The Ceramic Shop asks for concealed freight damage within 24 hours.
New or used: how to decide
Buy new if
You want a warranty, delivery to your door, or a quiet direct-drive wheel, or there are few listings near you. New is also the safer route if you cannot inspect a wheel in person or have no way to move a heavy machine yourself. Our best pottery wheels guide compares current models.
Buy used if
You can collect locally, inspect in person and want a studio-grade wheel for less, and you are comfortable going without a maker warranty. Stick to brands with parts support, such as Brent, Shimpo, Skutt (Thomas Stuart) and Speedball.
How much does a good pottery wheel cost?
A good new pottery wheel for home use typically costs $1,150 to $1,400 at US dealers in October 2026 for a full-size wheel such as the Speedball Clay Boss, with a 100 lb rating, pedal, reverse and a 10-year warranty. Studio wheels from Shimpo, Skutt and Brent run from about $1,500 to $2,900, and branded tabletop wheels start around $600. A used brand-name wheel in good order can cost noticeably less, which is why the used market is worth checking if you can inspect in person. For what an average wheel and a used wheel typically cost, see the full breakdown in our pottery wheel cost guide.
Set your price
Our pottery wheel cost guide lists current new price bands, which is the best starting point for judging any used asking price.
Sources: Speedball Clay Boss product page (new and refurbished warranty terms); AMACO Brent Model B page; Bailey Pottery Brent listing; Shimpo VL-Whisper spec page and Shimpo pottery wheel accessories page; Skutt pages (Legend, Prodigy, Classic); The Ceramic Shop and New Mexico Clay Skutt listings; Clay-King Classic listing and shipping information page; The Ceramic Shop Clay Boss listing (shipping and add-ons) and freight receiving guide; Krueger Pottery Brent wheel accessories; VEVOR 14 in product page; Ceramic Arts Network community forum thread "Used pottery wheels, the good and the bad". Specs checked October 2026.