A Soldner pottery wheel is a hand-built, American-made electric wheel that traces back to the potter Paul Soldner and is now made by BlueBird Clay in Colorado. Our verdict: it is a strong choice for a serious home studio if you want a heavy frame, a 14 in head and a pedal that owners praise for smooth control, and you are willing to pay studio-wheel money plus truck freight. It is a poor fit if you need full published specs, a long written warranty or a wheel that runs from a GFCI-protected garage outlet without help from an electrician.
This review is research-based. We have not thrown on a Soldner. We compared BlueBird's wheel and product pages with dealer listings from Sheffield Pottery and Clay Planet and owner threads on the Ceramic Arts Network forum, and we say where those sources disagree.
Soldner wheel specs: the current lineup
BlueBird sells the wheels as two product pages, Studio Sized and Professional Sized, with the models listed inside each. The figures below are what BlueBird publishes in October 2026.
| Model | Series | Motor (BlueBird) | Pedal and control | Splash pan | GFI note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S100 | Studio | 1/4 hp DC | Soldner DC 5A pedal | Not listed | None given |
| S150 | Studio | 1/2 hp brushless | Brushless pedal | Not listed | Not compatible with GFI outlets |
| P200 | Professional | 1/2 hp DC | Soldner DC 5A pedal | Cast aluminum pan and trim tray | None given |
| P250 | Professional | 1/2 hp brushless | IP66 sealed VFD control, ergonomic pedal | Not listed | Not compatible with GFI outlets |
| P400 | Professional | 3/4 hp DC | Soldner DC 10A pedal | Cast aluminum pan and trim tray | None given |
| P450 | Professional | 3/4 hp | Not listed | Not listed (Sheffield says included) | Not compatible with GFI outlets |
Shared details from BlueBird: a 14 in solid cast aluminum wheelhead with two bat pins on 10 in centers, a 1/2 in black HDPE top (wood tops are an option), adjustable legs, and a listed size of 38 in wide by 28 in deep by 21.5 in high, adjustable up to 26 in. The Studio page describes a cast aluminum frame and the Professional page a tubular steel frame.
BlueBird does not publish centering capacity (apart from one line on the P450), speed range, reversing, wheel weight, warranty, volts, the wheel's amp draw or the plug type. The 5A and 10A figures above are pedal ratings, not the circuit the wheel needs.
Dealer figures and conflicts: Sheffield Pottery's Soldner page carries a spec table for the older lineup (S-50, S-100, P-100, P-200, P-400) listing 0 to 250 rpm, a 14 in head, capacities of 50, 100, 100, 200 and 400 lb, and a 2-year warranty; its S150 listing says the wheel "centers 150 pounds of clay" and has a forward and reverse switch. BlueBird confirms none of those figures except that the P450 is for "over 150lb pieces." Height also differs: BlueBird says 21.5 in, adjustable to 26 in, while Sheffield's S150 and P450 listings and a 2021 forum post say 22 to 28 in. Ask BlueBird to confirm capacity, height, reversing and warranty in writing before you order.
Who makes Soldner pottery wheels?
Paul Soldner (1921 to 2011) was the California potter best known for developing American raku in the 1960s, which our raku pottery guide covers. He was unhappy with the equipment of his day and designed his own wheel and clay mixer. The Soldner Center for the Arts says he held seven US patents for Soldner clay mixers and electric potter's wheels, and that he ran Soldner Pottery Equipment with his wife, Ginny.
The wheels are now built by BlueBird Clay, the Fort Collins, Colorado maker of pug mills and clay mixers. BlueBird says it "continues the Soldner legacy" and that the wheels are hand-built in Colorado, and Paul Soldner's official site links its equipment page straight to BlueBird. The Wheel Talk podcast reported in June 2024 that Jordan Kloppe had recently bought BlueBird. BlueBird does not say when it took over the Soldner wheel line.
Soldner Studio wheels: S100 and S150
The S series is the smaller frame, aimed at studios where space is short. The S100 keeps the classic setup: a 1/4 hp brushed DC motor and the Soldner DC pedal. The S150 doubles the motor to 1/2 hp and moves to a brushless motor and pedal, which BlueBird and Clay Planet describe as quieter with steadier rpm. BlueBird offers a Soldner-style pedal as an upgrade on brushless models.
A 1/4 hp motor sounds small next to a 1/2 HP Speedball Clay Boss. Owners on the Ceramic Arts Network forum say Soldner wheels have strong torque for their horsepower, though one long-time potter wrote that 1/4 hp is the smallest motor he would buy. If you throw mugs, bowls and vases in the 1 to 10 lb range, either S model has the head and frame for it; for heavier work, look at the S150 or the P series.
- Motor: S100 1/4 hp DC; S150 1/2 hp brushless (BlueBird)
- Wheelhead: 14 in cast aluminum, two bat pins on 10 in centers
- Centering capacity: not published by the maker (Sheffield lists 150 lb for the S150)
- Speed: not published by the maker (Clay Planet lists 250 rpm for the S100)
- Frame and top: cast aluminum frame, 1/2 in HDPE top, adjustable legs
- Splash pan: not listed by BlueBird; Clay Planet offers a Brent pan as an add-on
- Electrical: volts, amps and plug not published by the maker; S150 not compatible with GFI outlets
- Warranty: not published by the maker
Pros
- Classic Soldner pedal on the S100
- Brushless option in the S150
- Water-resistant HDPE top
- Smaller footprint than the P series
Cons
- No capacity, rpm or warranty from the maker
- No splash pan listed
- Dealer prices for the S100 and S150 are inconsistent
Who should skip it: beginners on a budget, since a Speedball or Shimpo wheel with a published 10-year or 5-year warranty costs far less.
Soldner Professional wheels: P200 to P450
The P series uses a tubular steel frame and is pitched at large, heavy and tall pots. There are two DC models (P200 at 1/2 hp and P400 at 3/4 hp) that come with a cast aluminum splash pan and trim tray, and two brushless models (P250 at 1/2 hp and P450 at 3/4 hp) with what BlueBird calls IP66 sealed VFD speed control on the P250. BlueBird claims the P250 has "more torque than any other wheel produced" and pitches the P450 at potters who make pieces over 150 lb; both are maker claims we cannot check.
Clay Planet lists add-ons for the P series: wood tops, a Soldner foot pedal, a standing-height option and a choice of sage green or black frames. For a home potter, the P200 or P250 already exceeds what most people throw; the P400 and P450 make sense for production potters or anyone who throws big jars and platters often.
- Motor: P200 1/2 hp DC; P250 1/2 hp brushless; P400 3/4 hp DC; P450 3/4 hp (BlueBird)
- Wheelhead: 14 in cast aluminum, two bat pins on 10 in centers
- Centering capacity: not published by the maker, except "over 150lb pieces" for the P450
- Speed: not published by the maker (Sheffield lists 0 to 250 rpm for the older P models)
- Splash pan: cast aluminum pan and trim tray with the P200 and P400
- Height: 21.5 in, adjustable to 26 in (BlueBird); 22 to 28 in (Sheffield)
- Electrical: volts, amps and plug not published by the maker; P250 and P450 not compatible with GFI outlets
- Warranty: not published by the maker
Pros
- 1/2 to 3/4 hp with brushed or brushless options
- Cast aluminum pan on DC models
- Steel frame for heavy work
- Parts sold by the maker
Cons
- Priced above most home wheels
- Truck freight extra
- Key specs and warranty unpublished
Who should skip it: hobby potters who throw small and medium work, and anyone who wants a wheel that is easy to move.
DC or brushless: which Soldner to choose
The lineup splits by motor type more than by size. The DC models (S100, P200, P400) use the brushed motor and DC pedal that made the Soldner name; BlueBird calls that pedal "the gold standard," and forum owners describe the foot control as very smooth. Brushed motors use carbon brushes that wear over time, which our pottery wheel maintenance guide explains.
The brushless models (S150, P250, P450) add more power per series and, per the dealers, quieter running and steadier rpm under load. The trade-off is electrical: all three carry BlueBird's "Not compatible with GFI outlets" note, which matters in garages and basements. If you love the classic pedal feel, BlueBird offers a Soldner-style pedal as an option on brushless wheels.
What Soldner wheels do well
Torque for the rating. Owners repeatedly say Soldner wheels pull harder than their horsepower suggests, which matters when you center a big lump at low speed. Our guide to how to center clay explains why low-speed torque helps.
Pedal feel. Forum owners call the pedal "very smooth" and one calls the wheel "the Rolls Royce of wheels." This is the reason many potters seek a Soldner out.
Build and parts. The wheels are "built like tanks," in one owner's words, and BlueBird sells replacement tops and bearing sets for both series on its own store. A 2022 forum post says many parts are standard industrial components, which helps long-term repairs.
Standard bat pins. Pins on 10 in centers match common drilled bats; North Star, for example, drills to that spacing for Brent, Pacifica and Soldner. See our pottery bats guide.
Weak points
Thin published specs. BlueBird gives motors and pedals but not capacity, rpm, reversing, weight or warranty, so you rely on dealers whose tables describe older models.
Splash pans. Owners on the forum call the older Soldner pan small, covering about two thirds of the head, and say the wheels are messy. Sheffield sells a Brent two-piece pan listed as fitting S series wheels, and Clay Planet offers a Brent pan as an S100 add-on. Our splash pan guide covers the options.
Size and weight. Owners describe a large footprint and a wheel that is "a bear to move." The maximum height is short for standing work; one forum regular suggests blocks under the legs, and Clay Planet sells a standing-height option.
Returns. BlueBird's policy covers manufacturer defects reported within 30 days, with a 25% restocking fee and freight paid by the buyer. Inspect the crate before you sign for it, because signing accepts its condition.
Power and electrical safety
BlueBird does not publish volts, amp draw or plug type for any Soldner wheel. The only electrical notes are the 5A and 10A pedal ratings and the GFI warning on the S150, P250 and P450. Many garage, basement and outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected, often because local code requires it near water.
Ask BlueBird for the voltage, amp draw and plug before delivery, and have a licensed electrician check or install the circuit, especially for a brushless model in a garage or basement. Never remove or bypass GFCI protection yourself, and do not open the controller or pedal. Unplug the wheel before cleaning, keep water away from the motor, and clean clay slop with a damp sponge, because dried clay dust contains silica; wear a NIOSH-approved respirator when you handle dry materials.
Ordering, price and freight
BlueBird's product pages show no usable price and say freight is quoted and billed after purchase. Dealers listed Studio wheels at about $2,500 to $3,500 and Professional wheels at about $2,850 to $4,000 in October 2026, before options; check the live price. Clay Planet's S100 listing was priced above its brushless S150, which looks like a listing error, so get a written quote.
Clay Planet says each wheel is made to order and ships from the factory by truck freight at about $200 to $400, with residential delivery costing about $100 more than a business with a dock. Sheffield lists "Direct Ship, 1 to 3 Weeks" and warns of supplier delays. Plan for a two-person unload and a level spot in your home pottery studio.
Buying a used Soldner
Soldner wheels hold their value because the frames last, so older S-50, S-100, P-100, P-200 and P-400 wheels turn up from schools and studios. Run the pedal through its full travel, listen for bearing noise, and check the top for delamination if it is wood (an owner warns wood fronts need cleaning). Note the model on the label so BlueBird can match parts. Our pottery wheel for sale guide has the full used checklist.
Who should buy a Soldner wheel
- Buy an S100 or P200 if you want the classic Soldner pedal and a heavy, repairable wheel for life.
- Buy an S150 or P250 if you want brushless power and can confirm your outlet setup with BlueBird and an electrician.
- Buy a P400 or P450 if you throw large, heavy work often.
- Skip Soldner if you want a published capacity and a 10-year warranty, a light wheel, or the least expensive route into hobby throwing.
Soldner alternatives
| Wheel | Motor | Head | Capacity | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brent Model C | 3/4 HP PM DC | 14 in | 225 lb | 10 years | Check price |
| Brent Model CXC | 1 HP PM DC | 14 in | 300 lb | 10 years | Check price |
| Speedball Big Boss | 1.0 peak HP | 14 in | 175 lb | 10 years | Check price |
| Shimpo VL-Whisper | 1/2 HP (400 W) direct drive | 14 in | 100 lb | 5 years | Check price |
Brent wheels are the closest match on build and capacity and come with a published 10-year warranty. The Speedball Big Boss gives similar power for less money, and the Shimpo VL-Whisper is the quiet pick. Bailey wheels are another US studio option with freight included. For a ranked list, see our best pottery wheels guide.
Sources: BlueBird Clay Soldner pottery wheels page, Studio Sized and Professional Sized product pages, product catalog, about page and refund policy; Sheffield Pottery Soldner collection spec table, S150 (BLS150) and P450 (BLP450) listings and Brent splash pan listing; Clay Planet Bluebird Professional and S100 listings; Ceramic Arts Network forum threads "Soldner wheels, does anyone have experience" and "Shimpo VL Whisper vs Soldner"; Wheel Talk podcast episode 257; Soldner Center for the Arts and Innovation; Aspen Times "Breaking the clay mold"; maker spec data for Brent, Speedball and Shimpo alternatives from our product table. Specs checked October 2026.