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school wheel choices and bailey wheels

updated thu 1 aug 02

 

Andrew Francis on mon 29 jul 02


Hi All,

I am looking for 6 wheels for a non profit art camp and Elderhostel
facility. We have some money to spend, but want good solid, school
wheels. We have some old Shimpo's that tend to be sticky and hard to
maintain, clean etc. Shimpo is out. Brent tends to be expensive and
appear to be locked into a now antiquated style/system/pattern/whatever.

What do you all think about other wheels?

What do you think about Bailey wheels?

Has anyone had some real working experience with Bailey?

Thanks,

As always,
Happy potting -

Andrew Francis
Snow Farm, The New England Craft School

Saic1984@AOL.COM on tue 30 jul 02


Andrew,

Where is the New England Craft School?

Andr=E9

Janet Price on tue 30 jul 02


Andrew Francis wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I am looking for 6 wheels for a non profit art camp and Elderhostel
> facility. We have some money to spend, but want good solid, school
> wheels. We have some old Shimpo's that tend to be sticky and hard to

Andrew,

A lot of older people--me, for example--can't work on the little
electric wheels because the hunched-over posture is too hard on their
backs. If you are aiming at Elderhostel students, please consider
getting at least one kickwheel, treadle wheel, or put one of the
electric wheels on a table so it can be used standing up.

--
Janet Price

Lorraine Pierce on tue 30 jul 02


Hi Francis...I have had my Bailey for only a year, but my students prefer it
over the Shimpo and Skutt that I have; I am also researching for another
wheel. There was an add for an Ohio college in a CM or PMI magazine a while
ago that pictured a studio full of Bailey wheels. That would be a working
place to contact. Bailey is in your neck of the woods rather than Axner in
Florida, for instance. I have been in two ceramic centers recently on the
Gulf Coast of the state that had purchased the new Creative Industries
wheel; they appeared sturdy; and the studio manager commented the good price
governed the purchase. I preferred the "feel" of the Bailey foot pedal, but
that is very personal of course. I will drive across to Axner's soon to test
drive the new Axner wheel. I like the 'features'...a jigger attachment,
interests me, but is not necessary for a summer camp situation. (Will the
wheels be stored in a heated building in the winter? I do not know the
longevity of freezing and thawing of belts, pulleys and electronic parts...a
consideration.)

Please advice me about the New England Craft School at Snow Farm, and the
Elderhostel connection. A transplanted New Englander....Lori Pierce in
New Port Richey, Fl.

Lorraine Pierce on wed 31 jul 02


Hello again Francis...I came home from Axner's today with their new
wheel...and I just LOVE it. It fits ME; the pedal feels as smooth as a
Soldner. It is the best 'feeling' wheel I have ever tried; without the
splash pan I can cuddle right up to the wheel head, and it is built like a
brick you know what. Howard Axner was charming and warm and friendly as
usual, and his crew is extremely well informed and helpful. I was
very interested in the Thomas Stewart also, (really liked the wheel head
design and alternatives), but couldn't find one to try. Now to get to
work! Lori Pierce in new Port Richey, Fl.