Jonathan Kaplan on sat 26 mar 05
One thing to be careful of is all the bells and whistles on these
"workstation" wheels don't really make a better wheel.
I did a review in Pottery Making Illustrated of all the wheels
available about 3 years ago and it is probably still available online
on in your back issue pile in the corner of your studio!
Annie is right about the new Shimpo Whisper. Its a real Cadillac. I
have a Brent CX and it still purrs along as my plater turning wheel. It
think it has had 4 motors and 5 electronic boxes. I purchased it in
1973. We have 10 Brent C models in our classroom and there has never
been any issues except setting the trim speed periodically on a few of
them.
Jonathan
Jonathan Kaplan
Ceramic Design Group
PO Box 775112
Steamboat Springs CO 80477
(970) 879-9139
(please use this address for all USPS deliveries)
Plant Location:
1280 13th Street Suite K
Steamboat Springs CO 80487
(please use this address for all UPS, courier, and common carrier
deliveries only!!)
info@ceramicdesigngroup.net
www.ceramicdesigngroup.net
Jennifer Boyer on sat 26 mar 05
I got my Whisper VL at last year's NCECA, a demo wheel. Two problems,
which they may have fixed:
I had trouble keeping the 2 splash pan halves snapped together. Seems
like compared to my Pacifica 400 the Whisper pan won't snap together if
it's the littlest bit cruddy. I'm not anal enough to cope with that, so
I strung together several pipe clamps and tightened them around the
pan. I don't take it apart much now....
Also the pedal was VERY stiff when I first got my wheel. I called the
tech twice to get it to loosen up....
That said, I LOVE the wheel. The pedal action is great and it's SO
quiet.....LOVE, LOVE it..
I use the wheel with the legt extensions all the way extended to make
the wheel tall, and I like the locking system of the Whisper better
than the one on the Pacifica.
Jennifer
On Mar 26, 2005, at 5:02 PM, Annie Chrietzberg wrote:
> We just, this last week received a whisper for the studio. It is a
> Cadillac. We have Brent model C's in the classroom and downstairs in
> the production area, because Jonathan bought them 10 years ago. If we
> were stocking the studio now, we would buy all whispers. I think
> either the Brents or the Shimpo whisper will last your life time -
> haven't experienced the Pacifica. My vote would be for the whisper for
> A. storage - it can be stored up on it's side with the leg extensions
> off - perfect if you have to make room for other stuff in the garage
> until you get your own dedicated studio. B. the technology is newer,
> it's quiet & stops when you stop it. C. It's got bigger real estate
> behind the wheel than the brent does - can put a bigger bucket & more
> tools there (don't know about the pacifica) D. it's got a Birkenstock
> shaped pedal - it's obvious Shimpo studied the market!. E. it's blue &
> white - that harvest gold is so 70's.....
> On Mar 26, 2005, at 8:47 AM, Victoria wrote:
>
>> Greetings,
>>
>> I've searched the archives and it's been a while since there has been
>> discussion of the newish Shimpo VL Whisper. I was wondering what
>> folks'
>> experience has been now that they have been using the wheel for some
>> time.
>> I've been considering, as my first wheel purchase, a Brent C, Pacific
>> 400
>> and the Shimpo VL Whisper. The prices at a discount supplier in
>> Florida are
>> all within about $100 of each other. I'm looking ideally for a wheel
>> which
>> is reliable, free of problems, with a long life, well-designed and
>> that
>> promotes an engaging potting experience. While I don't have a studio
>> of my
>> own, one day I would like to and hope that the wheel I buy now will
>> still be
>> with me then. If anyone has been using a Whisper for some time now,
>> I'd
>> like to hear your current thoughts about the wheel. I'm also
>> interested in
>> people who may have used with the Shimpo, Brent and Pacific wheels and
>> wish
>> to share their experiences and impressions.
>>
>> Thanks in advance,
>>
>> Victoria Cherney
>> Montpelier (North Central), Vermont
>> vacherney@yahoo.com
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________________
>> _
>> _______
>> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>>
>> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>>
>> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>> melpots@pclink.com.
>>
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _______
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
************************
Jennifer Boyer
Thistle Hill Pottery
Montpelier, VT
http://thistlehillpottery.com
Victoria on sat 26 mar 05
Greetings,
I've searched the archives and it's been a while since there has been
discussion of the newish Shimpo VL Whisper. I was wondering what folks'
experience has been now that they have been using the wheel for some time.
I've been considering, as my first wheel purchase, a Brent C, Pacific 400
and the Shimpo VL Whisper. The prices at a discount supplier in Florida are
all within about $100 of each other. I'm looking ideally for a wheel which
is reliable, free of problems, with a long life, well-designed and that
promotes an engaging potting experience. While I don't have a studio of my
own, one day I would like to and hope that the wheel I buy now will still be
with me then. If anyone has been using a Whisper for some time now, I'd
like to hear your current thoughts about the wheel. I'm also interested in
people who may have used with the Shimpo, Brent and Pacific wheels and wish
to share their experiences and impressions.
Thanks in advance,
Victoria Cherney
Montpelier (North Central), Vermont
vacherney@yahoo.com
John Rodgers on sat 26 mar 05
Victoria,
I have had two wheels, both Brent CXC's. The first was excellent, the
second a bit problematic with noise and the pedal give me a few problems
until I fixed it. Even so, of the two, I like the newer one best because
the foot pedal is now connected with a removable cord for easier storage
and transport, whereas the first one was not constructed that way.
Also, regards the foot pedals, I have used a number of diferent brands
of wheels, and the Brent CXC has the smoothest pedal of any I have ever
used and it's range of smooth control is supurb. This is a biggie for me.
If I were to buy another wheel I think I would get one of Axners new
wheels. I have not used them, but the reports I have heard on them all
give high marks in performance, plus -- and this is a HUGE factor for me
nowadays- the new Axner wheel is set up to accept a whole series of
accesories available through Axner. There is a kit that mounts on the
end of the wheel frame that allows the use of other accessories. I don't
know of any other wheels where the manufacturer has gone to so much
trouble to make a wheel so versatile. I would call and talk to Axner
asobut this new wheel series.
Regards,
John Rodgers
Chelsea, AL
Victoria wrote:
>Greetings,
>
>I've searched the archives and it's been a while since there has been
>discussion of the newish Shimpo VL Whisper. I was wondering what folks'
>experience has been now that they have been using the wheel for some time.
>I've been considering, as my first wheel purchase, a Brent C, Pacific 400
>and the Shimpo VL Whisper. The prices at a discount supplier in Florida are
>all within about $100 of each other. I'm looking ideally for a wheel which
>is reliable, free of problems, with a long life, well-designed and that
>promotes an engaging potting experience. While I don't have a studio of my
>own, one day I would like to and hope that the wheel I buy now will still be
>with me then. If anyone has been using a Whisper for some time now, I'd
>like to hear your current thoughts about the wheel. I'm also interested in
>people who may have used with the Shimpo, Brent and Pacific wheels and wish
>to share their experiences and impressions.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Victoria Cherney
>Montpelier (North Central), Vermont
>vacherney@yahoo.com
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
>
>
Annie Chrietzberg on sat 26 mar 05
We just, this last week received a whisper for the studio. It is a
Cadillac. We have Brent model C's in the classroom and downstairs in
the production area, because Jonathan bought them 10 years ago. If we
were stocking the studio now, we would buy all whispers. I think
either the Brents or the Shimpo whisper will last your life time -
haven't experienced the Pacifica. My vote would be for the whisper for
A. storage - it can be stored up on it's side with the leg extensions
off - perfect if you have to make room for other stuff in the garage
until you get your own dedicated studio. B. the technology is newer,
it's quiet & stops when you stop it. C. It's got bigger real estate
behind the wheel than the brent does - can put a bigger bucket & more
tools there (don't know about the pacifica) D. it's got a Birkenstock
shaped pedal - it's obvious Shimpo studied the market!. E. it's blue &
white - that harvest gold is so 70's.....
On Mar 26, 2005, at 8:47 AM, Victoria wrote:
> Greetings,
>
> I've searched the archives and it's been a while since there has been
> discussion of the newish Shimpo VL Whisper. I was wondering what folks'
> experience has been now that they have been using the wheel for some
> time.
> I've been considering, as my first wheel purchase, a Brent C, Pacific
> 400
> and the Shimpo VL Whisper. The prices at a discount supplier in
> Florida are
> all within about $100 of each other. I'm looking ideally for a wheel
> which
> is reliable, free of problems, with a long life, well-designed and that
> promotes an engaging potting experience. While I don't have a studio
> of my
> own, one day I would like to and hope that the wheel I buy now will
> still be
> with me then. If anyone has been using a Whisper for some time now,
> I'd
> like to hear your current thoughts about the wheel. I'm also
> interested in
> people who may have used with the Shimpo, Brent and Pacific wheels and
> wish
> to share their experiences and impressions.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Victoria Cherney
> Montpelier (North Central), Vermont
> vacherney@yahoo.com
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _______
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
Mike Martino on sun 27 mar 05
I can't say about the Pacifica, but I just bought a Whisper and it is
sweeeeeet. Strong smooth torque, No groaning and buzzing, you can hear
yourself breathe. Nice smooth pedal control too, easier on the knee since I
removed the hand lever control (I bought the Whisper model that still uses
the traditional Shimpo body, instead of the tripod body, they sell both
over here, and the tripod body is $300 more expensive)
Mike
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
mike martino
in taku, japan
muchimi@potteryofjapan.com
www.potteryofjapan.com
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Jennifer Boyer on sun 27 mar 05
Interesting! I'll call and ask about clips. As to the silence, it was
weird at first but then it simplified my interaction with my wheel
during throwing. It's all about the feel now and I find myself throwing
with the wheel going slower than I used to..
No problems with dust. Yet. Thanks for the heads up. I still have my
Pacifica if I have to send it out for service...
Jennifer
On Mar 27, 2005, at 4:42 PM, Mike Martino wrote:
> The Whisper I bought came with 2 plastic clips that snap on both side
> of the
> rims where the pan joins. I wonder if this is a recent addition in
> response
> to other folks with the same experience.
> I heard they also had some problems with dust getting in and messing
> up the
> mechanisms, and that they redesigned to eliminate this problem.
> Here in Japan, most of the potters I talk to prefer their older cone
> drive
> because it can be serviced by the potter, whereas the direct drive
> needs
> factory service. Also, nearly everyone says the silence is unnerving
> and
> that they prefer the whine of the older models. Can't tell how fast the
> Whisper is spinning.
> I guess it boils down to what one is used to.
>
> Mike
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> mike martino
> in taku, japan
>
> muchimi@potteryofjapan.com
> www.potteryofjapan.com
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On Behalf Of Jennifer
> Boyer
> Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2005 11:54 AM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: Re: Shimpo Whisper vs Pacifica vs Brent....
>
>
> I got my Whisper VL at last year's NCECA, a demo wheel. Two problems,
> which they may have fixed:
> I had trouble keeping the 2 splash pan halves snapped together. Seems
> like compared to my Pacifica 400 the Whisper pan won't snap together if
> it's the littlest bit cruddy. I'm not anal enough to cope with that, so
> I strung together several pipe clamps and tightened them around the
> pan. I don't take it apart much now....
>
> Also the pedal was VERY stiff when I first got my wheel. I called the
> tech twice to get it to loosen up....
>
> That said, I LOVE the wheel. The pedal action is great and it's SO
> quiet.....LOVE, LOVE it..
> I use the wheel with the legt extensions all the way extended to make
> the wheel tall, and I like the locking system of the Whisper better
> than the one on the Pacifica.
> Jennifer
> On Mar 26, 2005, at 5:02 PM, Annie Chrietzberg wrote:
>
>> We just, this last week received a whisper for the studio. It is a
>> Cadillac. We have Brent model C's in the classroom and downstairs in
>> the production area, because Jonathan bought them 10 years ago. If we
>> were stocking the studio now, we would buy all whispers. I think
>> either the Brents or the Shimpo whisper will last your life time -
>> haven't experienced the Pacifica. My vote would be for the whisper
>> for
>> A. storage - it can be stored up on it's side with the leg extensions
>> off - perfect if you have to make room for other stuff in the garage
>> until you get your own dedicated studio. B. the technology is newer,
>> it's quiet & stops when you stop it. C. It's got bigger real estate
>> behind the wheel than the brent does - can put a bigger bucket & more
>> tools there (don't know about the pacifica) D. it's got a Birkenstock
>> shaped pedal - it's obvious Shimpo studied the market!. E. it's blue &
>> white - that harvest gold is so 70's.....
>> On Mar 26, 2005, at 8:47 AM, Victoria wrote:
>>
>>> Greetings,
>>>
>>> I've searched the archives and it's been a while since there has been
>>> discussion of the newish Shimpo VL Whisper. I was wondering what
>>> folks'
>>> experience has been now that they have been using the wheel for some
>>> time.
>>> I've been considering, as my first wheel purchase, a Brent C, Pacific
>>> 400
>>> and the Shimpo VL Whisper. The prices at a discount supplier in
>>> Florida are
>>> all within about $100 of each other. I'm looking ideally for a wheel
>>> which
>>> is reliable, free of problems, with a long life, well-designed and
>>> that
>>> promotes an engaging potting experience. While I don't have a studio
>>> of my
>>> own, one day I would like to and hope that the wheel I buy now will
>>> still be
>>> with me then. If anyone has been using a Whisper for some time now,
>>> I'd
>>> like to hear your current thoughts about the wheel. I'm also
>>> interested in
>>> people who may have used with the Shimpo, Brent and Pacific wheels
>>> and
>>> wish
>>> to share their experiences and impressions.
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance,
>>>
>>> Victoria Cherney
>>> Montpelier (North Central), Vermont
>>> vacherney@yahoo.com
>>>
>>> _____________________________________________________________________
>>> _
>>> _
>>> _______
>>> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>>>
>>> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>>> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>>>
>>> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>>> melpots@pclink.com.
>>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________________
>> _
>> _______
>> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>>
>> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>>
>> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>> melpots@pclink.com.
>>
>>
> ************************
> Jennifer Boyer
> Thistle Hill Pottery
> Montpelier, VT
>
> http://thistlehillpottery.com
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _____
> __
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _______
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
************************
Jennifer Boyer
Thistle Hill Pottery
Montpelier, VT
http://thistlehillpottery.com
Mike Martino on mon 28 mar 05
The Whisper I bought came with 2 plastic clips that snap on both side of the
rims where the pan joins. I wonder if this is a recent addition in response
to other folks with the same experience.
I heard they also had some problems with dust getting in and messing up the
mechanisms, and that they redesigned to eliminate this problem.
Here in Japan, most of the potters I talk to prefer their older cone drive
because it can be serviced by the potter, whereas the direct drive needs
factory service. Also, nearly everyone says the silence is unnerving and
that they prefer the whine of the older models. Can't tell how fast the
Whisper is spinning.
I guess it boils down to what one is used to.
Mike
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
mike martino
in taku, japan
muchimi@potteryofjapan.com
www.potteryofjapan.com
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On Behalf Of Jennifer Boyer
Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2005 11:54 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Re: Shimpo Whisper vs Pacifica vs Brent....
I got my Whisper VL at last year's NCECA, a demo wheel. Two problems,
which they may have fixed:
I had trouble keeping the 2 splash pan halves snapped together. Seems
like compared to my Pacifica 400 the Whisper pan won't snap together if
it's the littlest bit cruddy. I'm not anal enough to cope with that, so
I strung together several pipe clamps and tightened them around the
pan. I don't take it apart much now....
Also the pedal was VERY stiff when I first got my wheel. I called the
tech twice to get it to loosen up....
That said, I LOVE the wheel. The pedal action is great and it's SO
quiet.....LOVE, LOVE it..
I use the wheel with the legt extensions all the way extended to make
the wheel tall, and I like the locking system of the Whisper better
than the one on the Pacifica.
Jennifer
On Mar 26, 2005, at 5:02 PM, Annie Chrietzberg wrote:
> We just, this last week received a whisper for the studio. It is a
> Cadillac. We have Brent model C's in the classroom and downstairs in
> the production area, because Jonathan bought them 10 years ago. If we
> were stocking the studio now, we would buy all whispers. I think
> either the Brents or the Shimpo whisper will last your life time -
> haven't experienced the Pacifica. My vote would be for the whisper for
> A. storage - it can be stored up on it's side with the leg extensions
> off - perfect if you have to make room for other stuff in the garage
> until you get your own dedicated studio. B. the technology is newer,
> it's quiet & stops when you stop it. C. It's got bigger real estate
> behind the wheel than the brent does - can put a bigger bucket & more
> tools there (don't know about the pacifica) D. it's got a Birkenstock
> shaped pedal - it's obvious Shimpo studied the market!. E. it's blue &
> white - that harvest gold is so 70's.....
> On Mar 26, 2005, at 8:47 AM, Victoria wrote:
>
>> Greetings,
>>
>> I've searched the archives and it's been a while since there has been
>> discussion of the newish Shimpo VL Whisper. I was wondering what
>> folks'
>> experience has been now that they have been using the wheel for some
>> time.
>> I've been considering, as my first wheel purchase, a Brent C, Pacific
>> 400
>> and the Shimpo VL Whisper. The prices at a discount supplier in
>> Florida are
>> all within about $100 of each other. I'm looking ideally for a wheel
>> which
>> is reliable, free of problems, with a long life, well-designed and
>> that
>> promotes an engaging potting experience. While I don't have a studio
>> of my
>> own, one day I would like to and hope that the wheel I buy now will
>> still be
>> with me then. If anyone has been using a Whisper for some time now,
>> I'd
>> like to hear your current thoughts about the wheel. I'm also
>> interested in
>> people who may have used with the Shimpo, Brent and Pacific wheels and
>> wish
>> to share their experiences and impressions.
>>
>> Thanks in advance,
>>
>> Victoria Cherney
>> Montpelier (North Central), Vermont
>> vacherney@yahoo.com
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________________
>> _
>> _______
>> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>>
>> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>>
>> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>> melpots@pclink.com.
>>
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _______
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
************************
Jennifer Boyer
Thistle Hill Pottery
Montpelier, VT
http://thistlehillpottery.com
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
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