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kickwheels

updated fri 6 jun 08

 

Kenneth Poe on fri 31 jul 98

I would appreciate if anyone has first-hand knowledge, or actual experience
to share about the Thomas Stewart Kickwheel, or Lockebie Kickwheels. I've
narrowed my search to these two---but am open to suggestions on other models.
Thank you
Regards
Kenneth

David Woodin Set Clayart Digest on sat 1 aug 98

The Lockerbie is an excellent wheel and the only maintenance needed is to
replace the drive wheel on the motor after several years of use. The large
table allows for holding the clay you are about to throw, tools and water.
David

Marcia Selsor on sat 1 aug 98

I have a Stuart Thomas wheel which I motorized after several years. I also
have a Lockerbie which I motorized at school. Both are good wheels. I prefer
the Stuart Thomas wheel because it is lighter. The Lockerbies weigh a ton!
Depends on what you want in a wheel.
Marcia

Kenneth Poe wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I would appreciate if anyone has first-hand knowledge, or actual experience
> to share about the Thomas Stewart Kickwheel, or Lockebie Kickwheels. I've
> narrowed my search to these two---but am open to suggestions on other models.
> Thank you
> Regards
> Kenneth

Randall Moody on sat 1 aug 98


-----Original Message-----
From: Kenneth Poe
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Date: Friday, July 31, 1998 3:25 PM
Subject: Kickwheels


----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I would appreciate if anyone has first-hand knowledge, or actual experience
to share about the Thomas Stewart Kickwheel, or Lockebie Kickwheels. I've
narrowed my search to these two---but am open to suggestions on other
models.


I presently own a Thomas Stuart kick wheel. I love it! One of the best parts
of having it is that it is easy to break down and move. I have centered 50
lbs of clay on it as an excersize and the wheel had no problem. (I can't
say that I didn't.) I personally prefer the kickwheel to electric, even
though in all other respects I am a lover of technology. I also enjoy the
height of the seat as I am 6'4", and the fact that when I had a problem
putting it together I talked to Thomas Stuart himself. The only annoyance I
have is that the splash pan only protects the thrower. Which means I have to
mop and wash walls more often.
The university has a Lockerbie and they are solidly built. Both are very
good wheels. I am not sure that the Lockerbie is something you can take
apart though.

lpskeen on sat 1 aug 98

Kenneth Poe wrote:share about the Thomas Stewart Kickwheel, or Lockebie
Kickwheels. I've narrowed my search to these two

Kenneth,
We have about a dozen (maybe more, I can't remember) Lockerbies at
UNCG. They've been there since the last millenium, I think. They are
heavy duty, metal with concrete flywheel and really take a beating from
students every semester. I love my electric wheel, but if I had to buy
a kickwheel it'd be a lockerbie.
--
Lisa Skeen ICQ# 15554910
Living Tree Pottery & Soaps
http://www.uncg.edu/~lpskeen
"We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful
words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of
the good people." -- Dr. M. L. King, Jr. 4/16/63

Clyde Tullis on sun 2 aug 98

I used a Lockerbie for years, although I don't now. I have thrown on a T.S..
The Lockerbie is a heavy, solid wheel, and my preference.
If you have an occasion to move it though you will hate it.

Kenneth Poe wrote:

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I would appreciate if anyone has first-hand knowledge, or actual experience
> to share about the Thomas Stewart Kickwheel, or Lockebie Kickwheels. I've
> narrowed my search to these two---but am open to suggestions on other models.
> Thank you
> Regards
> Kenneth

Paul Monaghan on sun 2 aug 98

Friends,

Can some of the potters who have used both compare the advantages and
disadvantages of Kick wheeels and mechanically driven speed controlled
wheels.

Paul Monaghan
WEB2U Productions
The SECRETS are at
http://www.web2u.com/secret

Marcia Selsor on mon 3 aug 98

I prefer a motor driven flywheel rather than a speed control wheel.
I like kick wheels and have the habit of moving the wheel back and forth with
my feet when I am working on a pot or cutting it off.
I gave up kicking because of my knee. Today I need surgery because it is
totally worn out. I have just motorized the last of the kick wheels at our
university because I used to kick standing while the students
sat at the wheels. I think advantages of different wheels are totally
dependent on one's work habits.
Marcia in Montana

Paul Monaghan wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Friends,
>
> Can some of the potters who have used both compare the advantages and
> disadvantages of Kick wheeels and mechanically driven speed controlled
> wheels.
>
> Paul Monaghan
> WEB2U Productions
> The SECRETS are at
> http://www.web2u.com/secret

amy parker on tue 4 aug 98

At 11:27 AM 8/2/98 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Friends,
>
>Can some of the potters who have used both compare the advantages and
>disadvantages of Kick wheeels and mechanically driven speed controlled
>wheels.
>
>Paul Monaghan

I learned to throw on a kickwheel. When I took up throwing after a LONG
absence, I was unable to center for the longest time - finally figured out
that on the kickwheel, the wheel slowed down from the pressure, and I had to
take my hands off of the clay and kick again - at which time I wet my hands
again. There was a pattern of kick-pull-kick-pull that seemed to come
at the perfect time for wetting my hands again.

Having gotten used to the fact I had to take my hands off of the clay
from time to time to wet them down, I now find that the electric wheel lets
me concentrate solely on the throwing, without having the wheel slow down
at just the wrong moment. I now prefer the electric.

But - the kick wheel works all the time, whereas the power does not, and
my legs were much trimmer when I used the kickwheel!

Kickwheels are also terribly heavy, due to the flywheel, and electric ones
can be moved about much more readily.
amy parker Lithonia, GA
amyp@sd-software.com

Randall Moody on wed 5 aug 98


-----Original Message-----
From: Marcia Selsor
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Date: Monday, August 03, 1998 6:50 AM
Subject: Re: Kickwheels


>Paul Monaghan wrote:
>>
>> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>> Friends,
>>
>> Can some of the potters who have used both compare the advantages and
>> disadvantages of Kick wheeels and mechanically driven speed controlled
>> wheels.


I prefer the kickwheel. When things start to go wrong the average tendency
on an electric wheel is to speed up which compounds the problem. On a
kickwheel the tendency is to slow down. I also love the silence and the
rhythm of a kickwheel. On a kick you don't have to worry about if you throw
right or left handed, or both.

Mark Heimann on thu 6 aug 98

Greetings
I have used the Randall wheel system for most of my clay life. It is a
motor-assisted kickwheel (big heavy concrete flywheel, rubber drive wheel
engages flywheel with pressure on a foot-lever). Best of all worlds, it
also uses the bucket-head plaster bat system (no pins, no clay wads that
come unstuck). It is slightly limited for giant pieces (centering big
masses of clay stresses the little drive wheel unmercifully), although I
have built big pots with Korean coil/throw method. Tractor seat completes
its funky aesthetic, and its big round deep splashpan is a bonus for
throwing soggy and catching trimmings.
Highly recommended, five stars, etc...
Mark Heimann, Oregon

----------
> From: Randall Moody
> To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
> Subject: Re: Kickwheels
> Date: Wednesday, August 05, 1998 9:39 AM
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Marcia Selsor
> To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
> Date: Monday, August 03, 1998 6:50 AM
> Subject: Re: Kickwheels
>
>
> >Paul Monaghan wrote:
> >>
> >> ----------------------------Original
message----------------------------
> >> Friends,
> >>
> >> Can some of the potters who have used both compare the advantages and
> >> disadvantages of Kick wheeels and mechanically driven speed controlled
> >> wheels.
>
>
> I prefer the kickwheel. When things start to go wrong the average
tendency
> on an electric wheel is to speed up which compounds the problem. On a
> kickwheel the tendency is to slow down. I also love the silence and the
> rhythm of a kickwheel. On a kick you don't have to worry about if you
throw
> right or left handed, or both.

Richard Ramirez on thu 6 aug 98

Hello out there those that use kickwheels,
I have a question concerning parts for kickwheels. I need a top shaft bearing
for my kick wheel. Does anyone know of a place out here in Calif. especially
out here in Sacramento or Berkeley. TIA .Richard Ramirez"The Clay Stalker"

Sierra Polsinelli on thu 6 aug 98

In keeping with the kickwheel thread:

I am interested in buying a Thomas Stuart Kickwheel. One of the
important features of the TS is that I can more easily move it. Has
anyone used this wheel??? Like it??? Compare it to Lockerbie,
Brent???

I have also seen an add for a new laguna LE 100 for $360 - is this a
good price for a slightly used wheel???


Any and all help will be appreciated.


Sierra.
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com

Mike Gordon on fri 7 aug 98

Hi,
Take the old bearing out and take it to any bearing shop, check the
yellow pages, and they should be able to replace it. Be sure it is a
sealed bearing and tell them what it will be used for. Might think of
replacing the bottom one too. Mike

Robert Edney on fri 7 aug 98

Hi Richard,
Assuming that your top bearing is in any kind of standard configuration, you
should be able to get it from a bearing supply company (check the Yellow Pages
under "bearings"). Another source is Grainger, the huge catalog supply people.
They stock a variety of common bearings (I bought mine for my treadle wheel from
them). They have a location in Emeryville (quick trip from Berkeley)
(510/653-7200).

Richard Ramirez wrote:

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Hello out there those that use kickwheels,
> I have a question concerning parts for kickwheels. I need a top shaft bearing
> for my kick wheel. Does anyone know of a place out here in Calif. especially
> out here in Sacramento or Berkeley. TIA .Richard Ramirez"The Clay Stalker"



--
Robert Edney
robedney@pacbell.net

http://home.pacbell.net/robedney/index.html

Kenneth D. Westfall on fri 7 aug 98

I'm sure that WW Grainger or Bearings, INC will have something to fix your
problems. Grainger has a web page http://www.grainger.com/ that you can
order off of or locate a local store. Bearings, inc. I'm not sure there
in your location but you can search the Thomas register for there location
and it on line also a http://www.thomasregister.com/


Kenneth D. Westfall
Pine Hill Pottery
R.D. #2 Box 6AA
Harrisville, WV 26362
pinehill@ruralnet.org

Paul Monaghan on fri 7 aug 98

Richard,

Check the grainger catalog and also Bearings Unlimited, etc in the
business to business yellow pages.

Paul Monaghan
WEB2U Productions
the SECRETS are at
http://www.web2u.com/secret

Richard Ramirez wrote:

> ----------------------------Original
> message----------------------------
> Hello out there those that use kickwheels,
> I have a question concerning parts for kickwheels. I need a top shaft
> bearing
> for my kick wheel. Does anyone know of a place out here in Calif.
> especially
> out here in Sacramento or Berkeley. TIA .Richard Ramirez"The Clay
> Stalker"

Leslie Norton on sat 8 aug 98

I have thrown on all kinds of wheels over the years and have come to the
following conclusions.

I have a Thomas Stuart and like it very much (even though it has a very
slight 'bump' when it goes around), but I wouldn't want to move it very
often. The flywheel is heavy and setting it up does take time. I have used
Lockerbies and Randells and find them to be really stable and well made, but
you need more then one person if you want to move them around. Brents are
OK, but overpriced and the Laguna that I tried looked like a Lockerbie, but
didn't seem to be as well built.

If you can find an old Pacifica Kick Wheel (I built one from a kit back in
the early 70's and it was great), with the fiberglass fly wheel that you
fill with sand, it might a good choice for a "kind of" portable kick wheel.
It's a shame they don't make these anymore.

My Opinion of best picks:
Thomas Stuart - Best Value
Lockerbie - Best Wheel (reliable, smooth, but very heavy)
Randell - Very well built wheel, but the way it is built you only have one
way to put your feet, and sometimes it's awkward (it's the wheel I
originally learned on, they have been around forever).

Brent electric - most portable/very reliable (I have CXC for production,
which is very powerful and very heavy, but a B wouldn't be to bad to move
around)

Paul Solder electric - smoothest wheel I ever used, but very pricey
(reliable?? I think so)

Popular electric wheels I would not buy:
Shimpo - conedrive - limited control??? If you learned on one you will
probably love it, but if you learned on anything else you probably won't.
Pacifica - not reliable - I have known many, many potters who have had
problems with these wheels.
Creative Industries - I had one of the very first ones they ever made and it
was a work horse, but it was noisy and vibrated. The new ones are smoother,
but are no where near as reliable.

-Les



-----Original Message-----
From: Sierra Polsinelli [mailto:spolsi@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 06, 1998 6:39 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Subject: Re: Kickwheels


----------------------------Original message----------------------------
In keeping with the kickwheel thread:

I am interested in buying a Thomas Stuart Kickwheel. One of the
important features of the TS is that I can more easily move it. Has
anyone used this wheel??? Like it??? Compare it to Lockerbie,
Brent???

I have also seen an add for a new laguna LE 100 for $360 - is this a
good price for a slightly used wheel???


Any and all help will be appreciated.


Sierra.
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com

m. chandler on sun 9 aug 98

HI, I have a Lockerbie kickwheel and I saw that you were looking for a =
place to
buy the bearing on the shaft under the wheel head. I have looked at mine =
and
it's a Dodge brand. You should check out distributors such as motion =
Industries
or Applied Industrial Technologies in your area. They are distributors for
bearings such as these.
I work for a bearing manufacturer so I am familiar with what you are asking =
for.
If you have trouble locating a place, let me know=21
Good luck,
mimi
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Ramirez =3CR12396=40aol.com=3E
To: CLAYART=40LSV.UKY.EDU =3CCLAYART=40LSV.UKY.EDU=3E
Date: Thursday, August 06, 1998 8:27 AM
Subject: Re: Kickwheels


----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Hello out there those that use kickwheels,
I have a question concerning parts for kickwheels. I need a top shaft
bearing
for my kick wheel. Does anyone know of a place out here in Calif. =
especially
out here in Sacramento or Berkeley. TIA .Richard Ramirez=22The Clay =
Stalker=22

BERNARD J WILLIAMS on fri 14 aug 98

-------------------
Does anybody have an address, e-mail address =26/0r telephone number for the
Randell or Randall Kickwheel company?

Bernie Williams
Chigger City Pottery
P.O. Boxx 99
Cobb Island, MD 20625

Mark Heimann on sat 15 aug 98

Hi Bernie --
Randall Pottery
Box 774
Alfred, NY 14802
(716) 461-0136
No e-mail address that I am aware of.
Owner/operator is Tom Randall, Ted's son.
Great equipment, good choice!
Mark Heimann, Oregon
p.s. Chigger City? eek!


----------
From: BERNARD J WILLIAMS
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Subject: Kickwheels
Date: Friday, August 14, 1998 9:21 AM

----------------------------Original message----------------------------
-------------------
Does anybody have an address, e-mail address &/0r telephone number for the
Randell or Randall Kickwheel company?

Bernie Williams
Chigger City Pottery
P.O. Boxx 99
Cobb Island, MD 20625
----------

Barbara Gardner on tue 20 feb 01


I am interested in purchasing a kickwheel, new or used. I see Thomas =
Stuart kickwheels on the net for about $475. I wonder if anyone has any =
experience with these wheels. Are they good quality? Thanks for any =
input.

Barbara

Dennis Mummert on tue 20 feb 01


Barbara... certainly Thomas Stuart wheels are good quality. I speak not
from experience, but I have seen a few and they look good (to this
engineer's eye). Laguna makes an excellent kickwheel too. I have one of
those. I haven't yet found one that has sufficient table space in front of
it, though. That is just me, though. I think if I moved the scale off the
tray, I'd have enough.

Buy a cheap pair of rubber soled shoes and use those for kicking.
Kickwheels wear out shoes pretty fast.

-----Original Message-----
From: Ceramic Arts Discussion List [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On
Behalf Of Barbara Gardner
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2001 10:12 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Kickwheels


I am interested in purchasing a kickwheel, new or used. I see Thomas Stuart
kickwheels on the net for about $475. I wonder if anyone has any experience
with these wheels. Are they good quality? Thanks for any input.

Barbara

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SusanRaku@AOL.COM on tue 20 feb 01


I have had a Thomas Stuart kickwheel with a motor for twenty years and love
it.

Susan

MaryBeth Bishop on thu 22 feb 01


Barbara,

There are no bad kickwheels. I started on a Thomas Stuart in my first
classes. Worked just fine. I do think they have some differences as far as
physical comfort and portability. I am tall and find them all quite
satisfactory, but some adjust more for different heights than others. Some
are harder to move. The Thomas Stuart is about as flexible as they get. I
do have motors on my wheels. I use the motor to get up to speed to center.
Kick after that. It adds to the price of course but I consider it worth the
money. The real difference between working on a kickwheel and working on an
electric wheel is that the kickwheel has varying speed...slows down while you
are pulling or whatever. Of course that becomes part of your process.

Now I am enamored by a Korean Wheel I saw. Remember back when someone was
seeking a wheel that was a portable kick wheel? I went to a demo. by a
Korean potter who was/is visiting the area. Terrific demo. But on the
subject of wheel, he had one he had built which would have really suited her
needs. It was made of two identical circles of pine. A heavy metal plate
was on the ground with a rod going up through the lower "kick" wheel and
supporting the upper throwing head. There was some kind of gizmo between
this plate and the lower wheel that had ball bearings in it or something so
it turned smoothly. Then there were 4 pieces or wood, 2x2 it looked like
that fitted into holes in the lower and upper wheel and supported and
connected them. Then of course there were all kinds of different skills for
kicking and construction. Anyway it breaks down into two circles of wood, 4
sticks, 1 metal plate and a metal rod. But I am rambling and way off the
subject so will stop, at least for now.

Mary Beth Bishop
In NC these days where we have snow and ice. Go figure.

Penni Stoddart on thu 22 feb 01


MaryBeth,
I am that person looking for the portable kick wheel. Do you have any
pictures you can send?? Or can you describe the wheel more specifically?? It
sounds perfect for what I want.
Thanks,
~~~~
Penni Stoddart of Penelope's Pots
President, Artisans London (Ontario, Canada)
LPG web site Manager
www.members.home.net/londonpotters

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some don't have film.

MaryBeth Bishop on fri 23 feb 01


Penni,
I was thinking of you the whole time I was watching the demo. I did ask a
friend who had her camera with her to take some pictures with the idea of
sharing them when I get them. That should be in the next couple weeks. The
other thing I noticed was that he didn't center and throw in the way that we
have all been taught. When I have time, I'll try to describe those
techniques as well. I'm sorry to be so slow. Just have a huge amount of
stuff happening in life right now. Anyway, I have not forgotten. Will tell
you when I get something.

Best, mb

Dave Pike on thu 5 jun 08


Hello
If anyone wants to order a kick wheel from Japan I can help out. If
several were ordered I would guess shipping would be about the same as
for one. Just a guess. As I vaguely recall they are about 80,000 yen.
I have a home made one I use for trimming. I can post pictures if anyone
is interested.
Dave
http://davidmorrisonpike.com/