Verdict: the Shimpo Aspire pottery wheel is a sensible choice when space is very tight or when a hand lever suits the user better than a foot pedal. At 25 lb with a 7 in head and 20 lb centering, it handles small bowls, cups and practice pieces on a kitchen table. It is not discontinued: Shimpo still lists it, though stock is patchy. Its small head and fixed direction make it a narrower tool than a floor wheel.
It typically sold for $570 to $810 at US dealers in October 2026, depending on the dealer and on hand lever or foot pedal control. Here are the specs, what it does well, its limits, and how it compares with the Speedball Artista.
Research-based review: we have not used this wheel. We compared Shimpo's Aspire page with listings from Krueger Pottery Supply, Clay-King, Seattle Pottery Supply, Blick and Nasco. Specs checked October 2026.
Shimpo Aspire specs
| Spec | Shimpo figure | Dealer figures | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | 100 W DC | 1/3 HP, 100 W (Clay-King, Nasco) | HP label conflicts; see note |
| Wheelhead | 7 in alloy with bat pins | 7 in; bat pins 6 in apart (Seattle) | Two 9 3/4 in bats included |
| Centering | 20 lb | 20 lb | All sources agree |
| Speed | 0 to 230 rpm | 0 to 230 rpm | One direction |
| Direction | Counterclockwise standard; clockwise must be ordered | Same | Cannot switch later |
| Control | Hand lever; foot pedal conversion kit | Lever or pedal version at Krueger and Clay-King | Shimpo calls the lever version accessible |
| Size and weight | 25 lb (31 lb shipping) | 20 x 14 1/2 x 9 in (Blick, Clay-King) | Shimpo says it fits a carry-on suitcase |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years (Krueger, Clay-King, Nasco); 2 years (Seattle) | Sources disagree |
Source conflicts: Shimpo gives only "100W DC" for the motor, while Clay-King and Nasco call it 1/3 HP; 100 W is about 0.13 HP. Shimpo, Krueger, Clay-King and Nasco list a 5-year warranty, but Seattle Pottery Supply's listing says 2 years. Confirm the warranty with your dealer before buying.
Is the Shimpo Aspire discontinued?
No. In October 2026 the Aspire is still one of the four wheels on Shimpo's US website, with a current spec page and accessories. Availability is uneven, though: Clay-King showed it in stock, while Krueger Pottery Supply and Seattle Pottery Supply showed it out of stock (Seattle takes back orders by phone).
That patchy stock is probably why some buyers think it has been dropped. In the UK it is sold as the Aspire RK-5T, and RK-5TF for the foot pedal version, so older listings may use those names.
What the Aspire does well
Very small and light
At 25 lb and about 20 x 14 1/2 x 9 in, the Aspire is easy to lift onto a table and put away afterward. Shimpo says it fits in a carry-on suitcase. For an apartment, a classroom cart or a potter who teaches in different places, that matters more than capacity.
Hand lever control
The standard Aspire sets speed with a hand lever instead of a pedal, and Shimpo describes the lever version as handicap accessible. That suits potters who cannot use a foot pedal comfortably and anyone throwing at a table where a pedal is awkward. Our planned guide to pottery wheels for seniors will look at this further.
Complete in the box
Shimpo includes a one-piece twist-off splash pan and two bats, so you can start throwing without extra purchases beyond clay and tools.
Weak points
A 7 in head. That is small. The included 9 3/4 in bats extend the working surface, but wide bowls and plates are hard on this wheel.
20 lb centering and a 100 W motor. The Aspire is built for small pieces. Plan on a pound or two of clay at a time, not large forms.
One direction only. You choose counterclockwise or clockwise when ordering, and it cannot reverse. That suits most right-handed throwers, but left-handed potters need to order the clockwise version, and nobody can switch direction for trimming.
Pedal costs extra. The pedal version costs more than the lever version, and Shimpo's conversion kit runs a little over $200 at suggested retail.
Shimpo warns that highly acidic clays can pit the aluminum wheelhead; use a bat. Wipe up clay and slip wet rather than letting it dry on the table, because dried clay dust contains silica.
Does the Shimpo Aspire have a foot pedal?
The standard Aspire uses a hand lever, not a foot pedal. Shimpo offers a Foot Pedal Conversion Kit (part FPK-ASPIRE) for the lever model, and dealers such as Krueger and Clay-King also sell a foot pedal version of the wheel. If you know you want a pedal, buying the pedal version up front is simpler than converting later.
What you can make on a 7 in head
A 7 in wheelhead with 20 lb centering is built for small work: cups, small bowls, tea bowls, small planters, bud vases and practice cylinders. Shimpo includes two 9 3/4 in bats, which give you a wider surface to throw on and let you lift pieces off without handling them while wet.
Most of these pieces use a pound or two of clay, well inside the rating. Wide plates and large serving bowls are where the Aspire runs out of room, both in head size and in motor power. If those are your goal, a floor wheel such as the VL-Lite is a better start.
Setting up an Aspire at home
- Use a sturdy, level table that will not rock under pressure, and cover it with a wipeable cloth or board.
- Sit so your forearms can rest on your thighs or the table edge while your hands are on the clay; our tabletop wheels guide covers table height in detail.
- Fit the one-piece splash pan with its twist-off action, then attach a bat to the bat pins.
- Plug into a grounded outlet and run the lever through its range before adding clay.
- Keep water and a sponge close, and wipe the table and pan wet when you finish.
Buying tips for the Aspire
Pick the direction carefully. Counterclockwise is standard and suits most right-handed throwers. Left-handed potters who throw clockwise must order the clockwise version, because the wheel cannot be reversed afterward.
Decide on lever or pedal before ordering. The lever version is cheaper and Shimpo describes it as accessible. A pedal frees both hands, which most studio potters prefer, and buying the pedal version is simpler than adding the conversion kit later.
Check stock and warranty. Stock varied by dealer in October 2026, and one dealer listed a shorter warranty than Shimpo. Confirm both in writing before you pay.
New or used? A used Aspire can save money while new stock is patchy, but check the spin direction, the lever or pedal, and that the splash pan and bats are included; our pottery wheel for sale guide explains when buying a used wheel is worth it and what to inspect.
Aspire accessories: splash pan and bats
The Aspire comes ready to use: Shimpo includes a one-piece twist-off splash pan and two 9 3/4 in bats. Shimpo also sells each part on its own, which is handy because plastic pans crack and bats warp or go missing over time. Prices below are rough bands from Shimpo's suggested retail in October 2026.
| Accessory | Shimpo part number | What it does | Rough list price |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-piece splash pan | AC-001-1AS | Replacement for the twist-off pan that catches water and slip | About $30 to $35 |
| Aspire bat | WA-BAT-ASPIRE | 9 3/4 in replacement bat that fits the Aspire's pins | Under $10 each |
| Foot pedal conversion kit | FPK-ASPIRE | Converts the lever model to foot control | A little over $200 |
Check bat pin spacing before buying bats from another brand. Seattle Pottery Supply lists the Aspire's pins as 6 in apart, while many full-size wheels, such as Speedball's, use a 10 in "universal" spacing, so a standard bat may not sit on the Aspire's pins. Shimpo's own 9 3/4 in bats are the safe choice. Extra bats are worth having: they let you leave a fresh piece to firm up while you throw the next one. Our pottery bats guide explains the types.
Clean the pan by lifting it off and rinsing it at a sink with a bucket to catch the slip, rather than pouring clay water down the drain. Wipe the wheelhead and table wet after each session.
Aspire vs Speedball Artista
| Feature | Shimpo Aspire | Speedball Artista |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 100 W DC | 1/3 HP |
| Wheelhead | 7 in | 11 in |
| Centering | 20 lb | 25 lb |
| Speed | 0 to 230 rpm | 0 to 220 rpm |
| Direction | One way, chosen when ordered | One way; separate left-handed model |
| Control | Hand lever; pedal version or kit | Hand control; pedal sold separately |
| Warranty | 5 years (Shimpo) | 5 years |
| Price band (Oct 2026) | $570 to $810 | $600 to $750 |
For a beginner, the Artista has the edge on paper: an 11 in head and 25 lb centering at a similar price, plus a two-part splash pan and two bats. The Aspire wins on weight and size, and its lever is described by Shimpo as accessible. Choose the Aspire if portability or lever control matters most; choose the Artista if you want more working surface. See our Speedball Artista review for its details.
How the Aspire fits in Shimpo's lineup
Shimpo's US range has four wheels, and the Aspire is the only one designed to sit on a table. The next step up, the VL-Lite, doubles the weight to 51 lb but adds a 12 in head, 25 lb centering, reversing and a remote pedal. The two Whisper wheels move to direct drive, 100 lb centering and around 116 to 120 lb.
So the Aspire is not a cut-down version of a bigger Shimpo; it is a different tool for a different space. If you can fit a floor wheel and expect to grow into larger work, the VL-Lite usually makes more sense for the money. If the wheel has to live in a cupboard between sessions, travel with you, or be run by hand, the Aspire is the Shimpo built for that job. Our Shimpo pottery wheels guide compares all four side by side.
Who should buy the Aspire
Buy it if you have very little space, need to move the wheel often, teach or demonstrate in different places, or want hand-lever control. It is also a reasonable first wheel for someone who only wants to make small pieces.
Pros
- 25 lb and very portable
- Hand lever control, with a pedal option
- Splash pan and two bats included
- Sold through Shimpo's US dealer network
Cons
- 7 in head
- 20 lb centering
- No reversing
- Patchy US stock
Who should skip it: anyone with room for a floor wheel, potters who want to throw plates or large bowls, and left-handed throwers who are not sure which direction they want.
Alternatives to the Aspire
- Speedball Artista: larger head and 25 lb centering at a similar price. Check the Artista on Amazon
- Shimpo VL-Lite: 51 lb floor wheel with a 12 in head, reversing and a pedal, for about $1,000 to $1,220.
- Best tabletop pottery wheels: our full comparison of table-height wheels.
- Best mini pottery wheels: smaller and cheaper wheels for very small work.
Comparing brands rather than models? Our best pottery wheels guide covers which pottery wheel brands stand out and why.
Sources: Shimpo Ceramics Aspire spec and accessory page and pottery wheels page (shimpoceramics.com); Speedball Clay Boss page (bat pin spacing); dealer listings from Krueger Pottery Supply, Clay-King, Seattle Pottery Supply, Blick and Nasco Education; Potterycrafts Aspire RK-5TF listing; Speedball Artista page (speedballart.com). Specs checked October 2026.