How To Make a $50 Pottery Wheel (HowToLou.com)

[@burnworth]

I don't know if this is a good way to make a pottery wheel or not, but this is exactly how a instructional video should be made. This is one of the best "How to " videos I have ever seen,prefect editing, clear and concise information and most importantly, all information pertained only to that project being worked on. Keep up the good work ,Lou.

[@donm6578]

Maybe a variable speed fan motor would work better. As you pull the clay and it becomes thinner, one will want to slow the wheel speed. Pretty good idea and very detailed instruction, just needs some kinks worked out.

[@JulesHunterHillBigSkyBeauty]

This Is. EXCELLENT

[@hughmorris2008]

AND NO STUPID MUSIC ♫♪ IN THE BACKGROUND!!!! Kudos

[@KnaussLarks]

I was skeptical on your comment and I concede you nailed it. That is a great DIY tutorial. You can watch as a beginner and gain some questions or much more advanced and still have deeper questions while being totally satisfied. A+

[@brittanydiane214]

john smith I came to give the same feedback... 4 years late but still. Lol

[@Naplesfrank154]

HowToLou I would change one thing on this potters wheel. I would raise the motor a bit higher, then I would cut the plywood that is going to be the surface for the clay about 1" wider than the top of the bucket. By doing that, the wood would extend over the sides of the bucket and not allow any water or clay to drop into the bucket. Actually, you can also put a lid on the bucket with a cutout in the middle of the it making it just large enough so that the wooden top can be screwed into the motor. The plastic lid would definitely ensure that no water would make it down to the motor area. I think that you did a great job on this Lou, my hats 🎩 off to you. 😎

[@HowToLou]

+Frank Daniels - thanks for the ideas. Actually, the top plate is inside the bucket by design. Any water that sits on top of this "spinning umbrella" gets thrown off and hits the inside walls of the bucket and drips down to the bottom and never touches the motor or electronics. You do have to drill a hole in the side of the bucket to let it drain, which I forgot to show. If you put the plate above and outside the bucket, it will spray water everywhere.

[@Crazybird920]

many potters work without a drip pan, they normally just work more efficiently with less water. one half inch is normally not enough of a barrier to be throwing in your living room, so you'd probably be in the garage or outside anyway. a problem with letting the water drip down to the bottom is that even if you let it drain, there will be significant buildup of clay deposits on the bottom, which is a significant silicosis hazard if you plan to use the wheel a lot. idk maybe you could rinse it too. anyway thanks for the really nice video

[@dolphinrider5905]

@@Crazybird920 this was my thought too. The excess clay needs somewhere to go. Not just for the motors sake but for recycling as well.

[@MamBoots]

This is what I was thinking. The video is FANTASTIC and super helpful however I would definitely want to include a catch tray for both water and excess clay , especially where i want to be working with tara cotta. Otherwise though, I have this video saved!

[@angelviloria4966]

CLEANING CONCERNS - build as shown. Cut bottom of bucket off. Insert entire thing into a 2nd bucket (for structural strength and to catch water). You will have to make holes in the side of the second bucket for string and power cord (large enough to pass plug through). To clean, simply take second bucket off and you have full access to interior underside. Of course, as before, you still have to remove the top wheel to clean under it. Great video. I plan on building one for my kids.

[@evilweenie5743]

You can add a dimer switch to control the speed of your wheel as well. Cool do it yourself tutorial man.

[@dougfoster445]

Do not use a dimmer on a fan motor.

[@jimmyjimmison2376]

a fan speed control switch will accomplish what you want, but it's a good idea to make sure the switch is compatible with the fan before putting it all together (sometimes the brand of each matters). A dimmer switch meant for a light will not work on a fan.

[@dimitrim5687]

Made mine last night. Thank u so much for the video. My kids are already loving it. They are also using the wheel for drawing and other arts. Took me about 5 hrs to make. The only thing i did different was to use the power wire from an old hair drier. Because of the water i wanted built-in GFCI. Again. Thank u!

[@GeometricJewels]

I am a wheel throwing potter since 1977. My favorite wheel is my Shimpo RK and cost close to $1300. I also have a Brent CXC $1500. I am going to build your $50 ceiling fan pottery wheel and give it to my grand daughter. I am sure I could turn a beautiful pot on this creative solution to the expensive professional wheels. I will say that a variable speed control is a must for any pottery wheel. The wheel head also needs a lot of torque from the motor because of the pressure required to center the clay. It's probably perfect for a young newbie. Use a Formica sink cut out for a wheel head to keep the water from rotting the plywood. Excellent tutorial. Two thumbs up.

[@michaeldausmann6066]

torque is the key issue with this design, I made it, and it just don't have it. can only throw small items I think, centering large ball of clay just stops the wheel.

[@JobMcKee]

not a design issue - just requires a more powerful motor. A lot of ceiling fans are actually quite weak, like the one I used.

[@spencerwagner903]

@@ClownWhisper will you just shut up. You are throwing a fit on everyone’s post except of course those that have made it and confirmed it works and is safe. You claim to be a potter but that doesn’t mean crap, every other potter on here has stated that this is a good project and works fine. Don’t like, don’t make it. Now shut up

[@DAVADMDAVAD]

As a skilled potter, allow me to caution anyone attempting this. Throwing clay is a very messy watery business. And you have very little protection for the electrical components. you did a great job creating this, but if I may suggest, creating it with the plastic top to the 5 gallon bucket in place, then another large bat or circle over that, then you can have the 'circle' over that. Then water and slip or very wet clay will spin off onto the large circle underneath.

[@MrMichaelDodd]

Mastery. A simple little video, but every person making an DIY instructional video should watch this. Great detail. Did it so wide range of people with different tools and talents could find this very helpful. Thank you.

[@shonrooks5041]

Thanks for explaining this so clearly for dummies like me. Can’t wait to make this for my wife.

[@jeansart7991]

I think the quality and clarity of this video is superb, it sounds like you've really put some thought into this tutorial. I'm currently taking a clay class and I've just begun throwing so I'm not an expert on the topic and I'd love to have my own wheel to learn to throw better, however variable speed and a strong motor with a foot pedal would definitely be needed to make this homemade wheel better, along with plaster inside the bucket for weight and to reduce the wobble. The most important improvement though, would have to be lifting the wheel slightly above the buckets rim and placing a larger metal disk for the wheel that can be removed more easily to clean a rimmed clay catch all plate that could rest on the rim of the bucket. Also the catch all plate needs to be at least three inches wider in diameter from the metal spinning disk. If you made these improvements, I think cleaning would be easier. Oh and a ground wire to keep us all safe. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thank you for trying to find cost effective solutions for making these contraptions. I went to a clay shop and a professional wheel costs upwards of $1000+ dollars. So I'd spend up to $200 for materials if you can perfect your tutorial with these improvements. More people like yourself, who care about reducing expenses, would make this world a much better place.

[@heatherarmstrong123]

Made it, no problems, went perfectly. Thanks Lou

[@daleenross2977]

Does it work though?

[@joeygutierrez8930]

plz post a video if you still have it

[@DanaMariedotorg]

@@daleenross2977 maybe it would work for throwing things one pound or abouts.

[@elodiemassa]

hello! just finished building mine.. totally loving it! i used flower pots instead of bucket and a lazy suzann for the tray, i also got a pedal to regulate the speed... totaly having a blast turning right now!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! BRILLIANT!!

[@HowToLou]

+Elodie Massa - you bet. If you get a chance, please send a video to [e-mail], and I will post it in my gallery. Thank you

[@jessicacutler7265]

THIS IS AMAZING!!!! I will definitely be making this, the cheapest potter's wheel I found was 350 and that was used, so this is much more cost effective. Thank you for this.

[@jeanicehays1019]

Good Lord, how did you ever figure this out. It, and you, are amazing and a very good instructor. I am a 65 y/o woman, and I know I could do this.

[@HowToLou]

+Jeanice Hays - Thanks. I just love to build things :)

[@libbybaker6890]

Excellent tutorial. I love how you show the basic tools and then the ones that may not be available, but work better, so anyone can try their hand at it without having a lot of the more expensive power tools.Fortunately, I do have them, and will enjoy trying this soon.

[@EddieVBlueIsland]

Should also have installed a ground wire because you are working with water & electricity - three prong cord - one extra wire may save your life. Nice construction.

[@sunrat1]

This is the clearest and most concise video I've seen on this topic. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@bbarton8341]

Thanks Lou. Following your video, I took a ceiling fan from a dumpster; and came up with a 3 speed, bi-directional, rotary table, for bottle cutting. Thanks again!

[@HowToLou]

Great adaption!!

[@Zonniezonnie_Minecraft]

I like the way you made the video easy for those who don’t have the fancy tools to make it possible and made genius ways to get the centre or screw holes perfect

[@pikeevans8559]

This does work...I tried it. It was great that this motor had 3 speeds, and it also had a reverse. But here are the problems I encountered. First of all, the slowest speed was still plenty fast at times. The main problem was that... my motor at least... had no torque to it. If you applied pressure to the wheel as you need to do when you center your clay...the wheel stopped spinning. It didn't have enough power to keep spinning. It only took a few times, and I burned up the motor. Maybe if all you are planning on throwing is little things, this might work for you...but my experience wasn't that great.

[@TheMatsushitaMan]

Your fan was a cheap one from China. LOL or you had a low power high speed fan.

[@pikeevans8559]

It was a Harbor Breeze. With 3 speeds and a reverse direction. Didn't appear to be a cheap one, but it was an old used one. It had no torque, and the slowest speed was too fast to do anything very big. It did work though...I just didn't have any luck with mine. Glad yours worked better.

[@connecticutaggie]

+Pike Evans See my comment above on what determines the speed of the motor. The low ceiling fan setting starves the motor and for a ceiling fan that has constant drag, that works; but won't for a pottery wheel where you introduce drag as you work with the clay.

[@HowToLou]

+Pike Evans - Mark is correct that the dimmer is starving the motor to slow it down, but that is actually ok, if you use it correctly. Set the fan at it highest setting. With no hands on the wheel, it spins too fast. Adjust the dimmer pedal to slow it down. As you put pressure on the clay, also adjust the dimmer pedal to give full power, so you have maximum torque to work the clay. You are not using the poedal to "set the speed". You are transferring the power from your foot to your hands and back.

[@jyothishkumar9888]

its true..if you give pressure it will stop

[@basharsalman8663]

I am a potter (ceramist) i'll try to make this pottery wheel at home, it is an accomplished masterful thing you did..

[@gaetanproductions]

great video ! clear and precise. Thought I would be a bit nervous about water dripping down to the motor...

[@mitchellhoffmaster]

Great video, design and instructions. Thanks for your time, effort, and information, Lou!

[@lindaroberts2283]

Thank you so much for taking the time to show this 🙏 I’m only 8 years late in finding this 😆 Your instructions are great !

[@Me-Just_me]

one thing I would recommend is not throwing directly on the head.... put pins in and use a plastic bat as the head has holes in it from the screws that hold it to the motor and you could get liquid seeping down through. also it keeps the wood head from warping due to water

[@15-64]

Thanks for the great video! Nice to meet on the Internet a creative person with Golden hands and a smart head!

[@laythss]

Two thumbs up for the project. I am in the process of making it right now. Not expecting much like a real potter wheel, but i think it might be a great wheel for a startup child. Concerns i have is the electrical being under the the wheel, i understand that the wheel will be like an umbrella but every once in a while if you press hard enough you will stop the spin and water might drip. Since i encountered the same problem as one of the other people with a wire coming off. I took on the project of taking apart the motor, removing all the wires and substituting them with longer wires... (this involves some soldering, alot of patience to take apart the thing) now i will have the electrical part outside of the bucket away from the water. I will also add an old plastic chopping board to the bottom of the wooden board to eliminate the possibility of water seeping through onto the motor, rubber gaskets possibly where i screw the top board. I think this is a fun project, and thank you so much for the great video.

[@HowToLou]

Layth Sudairy - Very nice modifications. Once you get it done, please upload a video, showing your wheel and improvements to [e-mail], and I will post it on my web site for others to see. Thanks, Lou

[@flyinspirals]

Layth Sudairy I'd be concerned about that, too, but wonder if one couldn't just make a more effective umbrella, something like half of a plasic container (like those awful plastic barrels of cheeze puffs you see) sealed like an upside down bowl to the bottom of the upper disc? Your idea sounds great but a little out of my depth -- I could just about do the project as shown : )

[@aaronurban3885]

Bro, if you thought of this on your own, you're brilliant!!!!!

[@Yoachan]

A good idea would be to stick a plastic crawfish platter between the bucket and motor, so you wont' have to worry so much about everything below the motor getting wet. It could also be removed for cleaning.

[@shawnie2027]

Sweet I have always wanted a potters wheel! You have shown how to do this so well! Thank you! Now I’m off to collect the parts I don’t have on hand! Keep up the great tutorials!!!

[@jcarter4924]

I love the idea! Just want to add that cheap solutions are not always ideal. If you want a professional unit.... We'll then go buy one. Keep it coming Lou.

[@liefdegator1]

Nicely done! Have to tip my hat at how well the video is made. very clear, lots of tips, no unnecessary chit chat. moves along. Only at the end, (the Potterywheel itself) i would of had the wheel be broader then the bucket. Now the bucket will collect clay droppings and water

[@HowToLou]

+liefdegator1 - that was by design, not accident. A wheel above the bucket would splatter water and clay everywhere. This design catches it. Cut a hole in the side to empty occasionally.

[@rogerboby]

Thanks, it worked well for me!! with less than 20$!

[@kguidry7520]

This is a brilliant idea, a well-executed prototype and great instruction. May seem somewhat dangerous given the water that comes off a wheel head. You've 'properly' isolated the electrical issues in the peanut butter jar except for the penetrations for powercord and switch string. Btw, good choice on the string as a non-conductor control point between power and human. A pull chain is inappropriate when the device contains water and electricity. String is good. Plastic line is better. A drain hole in the bucket (remember the bucket bottom will have clay end up in the bucket off the wheel and even the clay buildup from dripping water can plug a single hole) or a number of drain holes at different levels is a third level of protection as water should never accumulate to touch the peanut butter jar. So that's your safety barrier. It ain't UL Listed but it's an excellent pragmatic solution for people who crave the feel of spinning clay but can't afford the ridiculous prices on even used electric wheels. They can adapt their handling to manage three different speeds. Variable speed ala light dimmer can be wired in on the outside of the bucket and wired straight into the jar with the switch on high speed. Not a great solution but, again, cheap and replaceable. Now if you can figure out how to build a pottery kiln in a refrigerator, the pottery world is at your feet.

[@jillschoeman8768]

Well.....I made my incredible pottery wheel. Thank you so much for this info. I am a 77year old woman, and could follow your instructions. The cost here in South Africa, Bucket R52.00, Second hand ceiling fan R225.00, Plank R170.00 = R447.00 R15.00 = $1

[@lorifarrell5705]

this has to be one of the best diy ideas on you tube and so well explained-great video, thank You!

[@chuckcassel5417]

A couple of suggestions,use a three prong cord and hook up the ground,get a rheostat (a dimmer switch might work) to control the rpm for better control.nice idea and good video.

[@HowToLou]

+Chuck Cassel - Good suggestions. Several people have suggested a sewing machine pedal.

[@michaeldausmann6066]

HI Lou. Great video! your instructions were clear and concise and gave me the confidence to build this for myself, waay the most complicated thing I have built for myself, also gave me an excuse to buy new tools ;). I added a variable speed fan controller also. Results were a little disappointing, torque was low so I guess I didn't get a large enough motor. It might be strong enough to throw cups or smaller items with patience I guess.

[@HowToLou]

+Michael Dausmann - thanks for that comment. Yes, this is no commercial wheel, but way better than a toy wheel, for near the same price.

[@homesweetgliese]

I tell ya what, I'll give you $50 and take that one there off your hands.

[@reimagine207]

homesweetgliese 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂👍🏼

[@daisyzantjer508]

I'm with you on that one. I'll be happy to pay $50 for them to build it and ship it to me.

[@carlacampbellart8028]

I support that idea too!!

[@derrickjohnson3656]

Hahahahaha right thats alot of fucking work...

[@cynthiareyes2044]

homesweetgliese 😂😂😂😂

[@SamuelNeely]

great video! the way you explained everything was so clear and understanding. Think I will try to build one. I am not a Potter but would like to start.

[@WolfLordNeo]

I will be using some of the concepts from this in the development of my schools satellite altitude determination system's testing rig. This has given me lots of ideas for the testing rig.

[@HowToLou]

Cool! That sounds like a neat project. Good luck with it.

[@CecilDSouza]

Perefect step by step instructions for a DIY project. You are some analyst who should be doing computer technology. Incredible instructions. You can even be writing manuals for engg. Companies.

[@HowToLou]

+Cecil D'Souza - Good call! I am a software engineer 😃

[@calmmeoriginalofficialchan9110]

Thanks for the hint. I've got my eye on a pedestal fan and some old chairs to make a table. As I'll be using an existing plug in don't need to bother with wiring or burning houses down accidentally.

[@MrTimesetter]

You could use this for small projects for kids. Maybe add a rheostat like another poster said. Maybe look for a higher torque motor for bigger projects. But for the project and end result in itself, I give it two thumbs up. Nice work HowToLou!

[@rene240sx]

Nice easy design, im building one this week. Make shure your not barefoot operating this device. Please add a ground wire to the motor, then use a 3 wire grounded plug insted of a 2 wire setup, it could save your life, then make sure you are plugged into a GFCI, or add one, construction sites use them most often. Remeber the wet clay come in contact with the four rotating 10-32 mount screws, which are threaded into the motor, if the motor fails internally with no ground, then the user gets it.

[@calebbullard976]

Couldn't have said it better myself. Always three prong, always GFCI protected. If your house is older than the 80's make sure its grounded properly by calling an Electrican.

[@SaxualProblems]

I agree with those statements, but you could also drop the entire setup down into the bucket another 1 inch and put a second wood wheel on the top. Connect the top wood wheel to the lower on the outside using wood screws and you have a built in insulator as well since the metal screws on top are several inches from the metal screws attaching to the main motor. The water won't get to the screws at the motor because it will constantly spin to the outside.

[@CaribbeanJoeQM]

Great video! A solid basis. I will see about adding a variable foot pedal and using a metal stool for the base. I'm also looking for a cotton candy machine bowl to put the wheel inside of. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@uniqueworld5863]

thank you so much brother. now its very easy for me. i think washing machine motor will be good enough for me.... again thank you so much for your time....

[@Me-Just_me]

I recommend a treadmill motor (can be found on craigslist for free in many areas and is what I used) these are variable speed motors and work better and are smaller than a washing machine motor. add a rheostat and a wha wha pedal for a guitar wire these in series and you have amazing fine tuned speed control comparable to most production wheels

[@crazybeautiful255]

i wonder if there would be a way to add a sewing machine pedal to it so you could control the speed of the wheel?

[@HowToLou]

+crazybeautiful25 - yes, others have asked that same question, and I do think it would work

[@doreenecogswell6996]

Wow great presentation! Love it. Now to get my son to make it. Brilliant

[@michaelwright4718]

Very impressive video , clear instructions

[@beeghoshal]

Hi, about 5 years back I made one pottery wheel using a ac fan motor. The fan motors are capacitor run induction motor. They have very low wattage and low starting torque. Moreover with speed control the torque becomes feeble at low speed. As a result as you try to centre the clay or try to work on the clay, it slows down and stops.

[@antonygarcia9219]

I really liked this video, so detailed, precise, practical, recycled and useful. Thanks so much for sharing and for take your time in editing and explaining the hole video in an excellent way. 👍🏽

[@randomzeldafan]

Id recommend tying a knot on the inside part of the power cord to keep it from coming out if its pulled on.

[@3daypriest]

Silicone the lid to provide a degree of water resistance. Tie a single knot in the power cord after threading it through the jar to prevent it from being pulled out. Given that the plastic jar is a good idea for the electrics, a larger one between the motor and the top plate would protect the motor. But this is a great idea.

[@sandymann4217]

Showed this to my hubby and he said,"how much money do you need to buy one, here it is...." LOL

[@annielaura7299]

Sandy Mann Hahah! Exactly.

[@bgneiting0074]

Lol

[@biancacardinale1994]

Lol

[@bhdivotfiller]

Ha ha... a good potters wheel cost a thousand bucks.

[@sabrinaflipse7732]

Lol 😂

[@one234569and10]

Now all you need is a variable speed foot petal. The other thing I thought of, would be to add a couple pins so you can use a removable bat instead of throwing directly to the wood.

[@HowToLou]

+one234569and10 Both great ideas!

[@gmyers2112]

as you increase your potting skills, you will want to have a more direct control over the speed of the wheel. May I suggest a rheostat or potentiometer on a hinged foot pedal?

[@HowToLou]

Great idea. You may want to use a variac (variable transformer) instead of a potentiometer. They cost most ($50), but don't reduce the total power, as you reduce the speed.

[@captainspalding6383]

Best video on this project I found...I was thinking, you could leave the light wire and attach a light to the bucket... And a dimmer as someone else mentioned... Again, great video... Thanks

[@stephaniecole4651]

this is incredible Lou. Can't wait to check out more of our videos

[@danikagonzalez918]

You just made me one very happy lady THIS IS PERFECT for a penny pincher like myself who thought she would never have a wheel 😍😍

[@JayMoreau]

So if a wire or 2 pulls free from inside the motor, hypothetically, is the motor garbage?

[@HowToLou]

+Jay Moreau - Yeah, sorry, you would be hypothetically screwed. Time to aquire a new fan from craigslist or the bonus room when your wife is out.

[@causasui8185]

What a magnificent presentation! If you're not a school teacher in real life, you should be!

[@krausrepair1171]

nice job! you might want to tie a knot in the power cord to keep it from being pulled out, they sell extension chains for those pull switches that would look better. I will be making one of these for sure, again, nice job and good luck on future projects!

[@mirahoffmann1503]

help me! i´m confused! in the end you have to connect the wires to put them into the jar. but wich of the with wich? did´t you throw away one in the beginning? please help me, i´m trying to rebuild this!

[@HowToLou]

+Der Cupcake - go to HowToLou.com and click on the picture of the pottery wheel in the top section. I have wiring help there.

[@mirahoffmann1503]

HowToLou thank you so much for answering!!😜

[@lisarussell6153]

Tried it. I wasn't able to get my clay centered, but that may just be me. True issues I had was that the motor wasn't strong enough to keep going when I was trying to center my clay. The Second is that the excess clay/water has to go somewhere and that's right into the bucket, with no real way to get it back out. Maybe with the bottom removed it would be better - messier, but able to be cleaned up. Third problem I had was that since the whole thing doesn't weight much I had to wrap my feet around the bucket to keep from knocking it over. I'm still keeping it and planning to use it more like a banding wheel. Thanks for the video - it was worth a try.

[@fusion-music]

Very inventive. There will always be tweaks to such a project (and that's why we pay big money for it all thought out) - but this is a good idea. 1st thing that came to mind is that you will find it hard to throw a decent pot without control on speed.

[@willythomas584]

Great idea! That lets me have a pottery wheel sooner than I thought I could. Thanks for saving me money!

[@Slogood69]

Could a reostat be used in line to control the speed placed on the outside of the bucket with the power cord coming from that

[@HowToLou]

+Dvalin Midgard - Yes, but its much better to have speed controlled with your foot. I have not tried, but several people have suggested sewing machine pedals. I think they may work well.

[@connecticutaggie]

+Dvalin Midgard The "no load" speed of an AC Induction motor is primarily determined by the AC line frequency (Ex: 60 Hz) divided by 1/2 the number of poles the motor has (16 for most ceiling fan motors). Thus 60 cy/sec / 8 cy/rev * 60 sec/min = 450rpm. A rheostat would reduce the speed by starving it for power in the same way that dragging your hands on it would. Unfortunately, the only way to consistently reduce the motor speed would by varying the line frequency (that is how an AC Motor controller works).

[@HowToLou]

+Dvalin Midgard - Mark is correct that the dimmer is starving the motor to slow it down, but that is actually ok, if you use it correctly. Set the fan at it highest setting. With no hands on the wheel, it spins too fast. Adjust the dimmer pedal to slow it down. As you put pressure on the clay, also adjust the dimmer pedal to give full power, so you have maximum torque to work the clay. You are not using the poedal to "set the speed". You are transferring the power from your foot to your hands and back.

[@Heathbarbcrunch2]

what about all the gunk that dos under the wheel into the bucket?

[@HowToLou]

+Heathbarbcrunch2 - I suggest cutting a 4x4 inch hole in the side of the bucket, about 3 inches from the bottom, so you can clean it out.

[@Zonniezonnie_Minecraft]

BUT what about the liquid from the clay getting in with the motor below?

[@Cosme422]

How do you keep water from dripping under the board and into the motor?

[@HowToLou]

The top disc is a spinning umbrella. The water shoots off, hits the sides of the bucket and drips down. After several uses, mine is bone dry.

[@deltaray3]

Just brainstorming, you could find some round plastic tub, cut out the bottom and use it as a shield by gluing it to the wheel board.

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

I’m thinking you can wire a sewing machine foot pedal to this so you can vary the speed and shut off the power by removing your foot.

[@3554ELM]

You are excellent at explaining. Great project too!

[@fpvigo]

Excellent idea and very well explained. Thanks

[@ejsvoyage6941]

Awesome video. Easy to follow. You covered every detail perfectly. THANKS SO MUCH!

[@nancyhfranco4334]

OK that looks like fun, I need a potters well for myself and have no money, so I will probably make at least one or two of these, I do have a question, what do you recommend for the ceiling fans RPM's, just want to make sure we are talking the same speeds for best wheel, Thank you so much for showing us this, really opens up a whole world of pottery for those of us that live on budget. I am a full time psychology student and would like to offer some relaxation pottery and art expression in the form of pottery to my patients, these little beauties of yours really help get that idea up and running.

[@HowToLou]

+Dr Nancy H Franco - Get a ceiling fan with a large wingspan. They all have similar RPMs. Motor power is the most important factor, and blade size directly reflects that. Look on craigslist or at garage sales to get one cheap. Also, get an on/off foot switch, typically used to control wood router tables. They cost under $20. Leave the fan set to the highest speed, but only step on the switch when your hands are on the clay, or it can go too fast. Lastly, cut a hole in the side of the bucket, about 3 inches from the bottom, to drain water. Your project sounds wonderful. Good Luck!

[@fortunetrucker]

This is great.....now will any fan do or do I need an older one. Some dont have the metal plate on top

[@HowToLou]

Most have a metal plate or something similar to keep the center from spinning. I would say the most important thing is to get a very large strong fan motor. You can typically pick these up at garage sales for cheap.

[@thinlizzy535]

Fantastic idea! Great job making this too, by the way. Glad I came across it. I want a wheel but not sure if I want one bad enough to pay a fortune for a new one. What if I decide I’m no good at pottery! Thanks for the great idea. I’m going to try this!

[@timnewman5842]

Very good video. Would like to see you build a wood gasifier and am really interested in learn how to make an inexpensive biodiesel plant.

[@HowToLou]

LOL! I will get right on those 😃. We are just starting a garden, so maybe the biodiesel one first.

[@timnewman5842]

That would be great. You have a good way of describing the steps.

[@timnewman5842]

The gasifier is interesting. Apparently these can be used to provide gas from burning wood to fuel lanterns and a stove. I am not sure how that would be plumbed. Let me know what you think

[@uniqueworld5863]

The work is good... but i think it will create an issue for slowing the speed. and another big issue is, if we put a weight like 5 kg, so then does it work well or not. Because fan motor heat up fast.

[@HowToLou]

+Kamal Ahmed - You can add a sewing machine pedal or even a foot controlled on-off switch to control the speed. I think 5kg may be too heavy for this wheel. I would keep it around 2kg (5lb). If you want to build a stronger wheel, you might look for a washing machine motor.

[@billypoe3703]

It was a great video; you showed tool & technique alternatives for the build. 👍

[@SCHNEIDER2862]

You sir are very ingenious! Great job!

[@РоманТихомиров-ч7й]

Thank you very much! Very useful information! Everything is clear and simple! Good luck!

[@thevandalist869]

Wow. A very well made and clear video. Thank you!

[@chelindarivas174]

I wonder if you could somehow splice together an old sewing machine pedal and a ceiling fan motor to be able to control the speed better?

[@HowToLou]

+CheLinda Rivas - Yes! That would work.

[@scottlucas6127]

Brilliant, I Love it. a variable speed fan control switch, could make a big difference.

[@katheyhickeyvanotten1162]

Not a bad ideal at all, like it. Wondering if have several speeds?

[@HowToLou]

+Kathey Hickey Van Otten - A sewing machine pedal can help change the speed.

[@allaboutretta2725]

i think the wheel needs to be higher and larger than the bucket because when you work clay on a wheel, you get water and clay scraps that will fall into the bucket...would be hard to get out. did you ever take it to a potter to see if it holds up? I'd love to know before i attempt to make one.

[@HowToLou]

+All About Retta - I specifically designed it with the wheel inside the bucket to rduce splash out. I later posted in the comments that it would be a good idea to cut a a hole in the side of the bucket, maybe 4 inches square, and 4 inches up from the bottom of the bucket, as a clean out. Yes, I did take it to professional potters, and they found it to be a little too fast, but you could add a sewing machine pedal toslow it down. It is also possible to stall it, if you apply pressure too quickly. This is by no means as good as a professional wheel, but way better than a toy wheel from Matel, and is cheap to build, especially if you can get an old fan from a garage sale or CraigsList.

[@allaboutretta2725]

i think its amazing! my husband wants to make one for me...i'll tell him about the sewing machine pedal. thanks!

[@josieendsley1097]

@@HowToLou HI 😊 I am very excited to make one of these potters wheels.. I would be interested in making one with a sewing machine pedal. Would you mind explaining how I would do that? Or even sharing a link you support. Thank you 😊

[@d.jensen5153]

This was pretty great. I really like your delivery. Too many videos features a presenter who talks slowly and repeats himself endlessly. Not you! I subscribed...so where might I find a video of a potter using this wheel?

[@HowToLou]

I admit, I am not a potter. I played with the wheel and made a few small pots, with my non-existent skills, and then I moved on to other projects. I mainly like to build stuff. Hopefully, a real potter will build and use one and post a video.

[@2DebbieDoo]

I TOTALLY agree!! Although I realize not everyone is going to be the sharpest tool in the shed, I figure if you're brave enough to try projects DIY, certainly one could also keep up with a [perfect] demonstration like he gave. Take good care :0)~

[@sonyac41]

That was amazing. I wish you lived closer to me, I would get you to make me one. Unfortunately, I don't have the tools to make it, but what a brilliant idea!

[@davidsolt9669]

Sonya Nicol how would you get him to sacrifice another fan

[@gouravdeshmukh0]

I am not finding this kind of sealing fan. What it is called or any alternative for it?

[@ExemplaryLigas]

good idea, one improvement that i would do is put a AC dimmer for speed regulation regards from mexico

[@uniqueworld5863]

Thank you so much brother. I also wanna know that if I start work on and i try to set my clay on the center ( you know it increases the preasure ) so, does it stop spinning or not? because fan motor and washing machine motor stops easly when you put a force on anti clockwise.

[@HowToLou]

+Kamal Ahmed - This wheel You is much stronger than a toy wheel, but not as strong as a real one. You can put some pressure on it, but if you put too much, too fast, it will stop, You just have to go a little slower with what you make. Washing machine motors are actually much stronger. Its harder to move wet clothes, than air, so they need a bigger motor. Here is a video where I take apart a washing machine. You can see the motor, there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3aqaqmOadejo9E

[@pauldow1648]

wonder if variable / dimmer switch would offer wheel speed control ?

[@КириллГребнев-р7р]

Thanks for the nice done tutorial! But I see a potential problem with water wich close to the electronics. Some water will come down to the wessel where the motor is situated. Isn't it dengerous?

[@gouravdeshmukh0]

I don't have the sealing fan same like this. Can u suggest on it?

[@brianasheffield45]

what about the water to keep the clay wet and the cords will the wood be messed up by the clay and water unless its treated

[@HowToLou]

+Briana Sheffield - You can use a wet rag to keep the clay wet. The cords and motor are protected from the water, because they are under a snipping umbrella. Yes, I used treated wood.

[@brianasheffield45]

+HowToLou ok thanks i might end up doing this.

[@coresss19]

+HowToLou I still think the water would be a problem, it will go down into the bucket and you have to always turn it upside down to get out the water, or to unscrew all the screws in order to drain the collected water and not touch the cords, even if they are protected, the water can still get to them.

[@kJack8420]

Sweet...not much of a potter but a excellent builder....thanks for that...

[@TKKFAMILY]

Great idea! You just saved me lots of money! Thanks

[@tabbs1955]

Great idea and execution. Thanks a ton for sharing.

[@Lizardatsparks]

I just loved this video, but my question is when you go and throw your clay and center it with pressure won't that slow the wheel down. I can stop my fan blade with my hand should I use one in making a wheel with a stronger motor?