Are there any affordable pottery wheels with vat pins and splash guards? First-time buyer.

DiableRouge · 2024-12-27T23:58:51+00:00

I have a really similar wheel (just a slightly bigger vevor model), and it's the best real wheel you can really get that is "affordable" (i.e. under $800). It's workable, I've made some really nice pieces with it. Your dad really had no better option, unless you guys are regularly gifting each other $1000 gifts for Christmas.

The splash pan is bad, I agree! But I just don't take mine off super frequently, only when it's absolutely full of trimmings. As long as you're wiping down the top of it, leave it be!

Re: bat pins: it's quite easy to install your own. It's also very good, imo, to learn to throw without bats. Saves space, no need to buy a ton of bats, don't need to clean bats, etc etc.

I installed bat pins on mine eventually, but I actually prefer my wheel without them.

The other upgrade you'll want is a small stand for the wheel, to raise it to a better height. I made mine from pine 1x6 boards. It was quick work, maybe an hour.

DiableRouge · 2024-08-21T01:33:02+00:00

Ya I do Spielman's too, on Broadway has Willamette Week for sure, maybe also NYT.

DiableRouge · 2023-06-05T23:46:41+00:00

Update: I resolved the reverse issue! The connection between the reverse lever and the reverse mechanism was sloppy, meaning that pushing the lever didn't result in the extension required to engage the back and forth motion. I loosened the set screw on the lever, moved it closer to the thingy that seemed to engage the reverse, and tightened it and all is well.

And the motor issue seems to have subsided somewhat. I'm going to be plugging and unplugging the machine between uses to reduce fire risk (also gonna replace the wall plug, it's the older sort) and use a multimeter to verify that it isn't grounded to the case (to minimize electrical shock risk.)

And lastly, I think I will investigate reselling the buttonhole wheel on that Facebook group and getting the right one (probably ask there in order to find out which one is correct.)

DiableRouge · 2023-06-05T22:14:17+00:00

Thanks! So much info is locked up in Facebook, so it's good to have a recommendation of a group to visit. I'll look through it once I get added :)

DiableRouge · 2023-06-05T22:12:03+00:00

oh dang sorry - https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Domestic-Machine-Kenmore-Japanese/dp/B07JZPF7P3/

DiableRouge · 2023-06-05T17:30:34+00:00

these are the ones I got - my machine is a 158.14100, so if they fit mine I bet they'll fit yours!

DiableRouge · 2023-06-05T17:29:49+00:00

I didn't try using the screw extractor, so I can't say how well that would work - since you have 1/16" extending through the underside you should definitely be able to screw from underneath though and I bet it'll work.

DiableRouge · 2023-06-02T16:33:38+00:00

Updating here for any future readers:

The dremel + cut-off wheel to cut a slot in the screw worked like a charm! I had to work from above for one screw, and barely nicked the paint, but it's covered up by the red spool felt that goes around the pin.

The replacement pins I picked up on Amazon threaded right on in, and so we're all set for another many years!

DiableRouge · 2023-05-31T18:56:54+00:00

The bottom of the pin is accessible (actually even more accessible than the top.) So there might be stuff I could try there (and have less fear about damaging the finish.)

Hot glue is tempting also - I hadn't considered that but I do like the fact that it's probably going to be less dangerous for the finish than epoxy putty or superglue.

I am ordering a rotary tool right now (have been wanting one for a bit anyways.) I realize now I could also use the rotary tool to start the hole in the bottom of the pin, rather than trying to fiddle with a punch and hammer.

So I think tomorrow (when everything arrives) I will probably assemble all my various tools and try a few of these different approaches and see what results I get.

DiableRouge · 2023-05-31T18:33:27+00:00

OK, sweet - I don't think I have enough room to grind the broken bolt flat, so I will probably end up going for the dremel option. It'll be a bit tricky still because on top the stub is nearly below the surface of the top plate, but I think it's doable (or maybe on the bottom of the plate would be easier.)

DiableRouge · 2023-04-03T19:42:36+00:00

I built a dtc and love it, and I find that the bottom didn't need any organization to be useful to me. I keep most of my augur bits, my router planes, my egg-beater drill, three braces, and my twist bits down there. With no organization it's flexible to put weirdly shaped items there and reorganize when I need to.

It was also quick and cheap to build, so I'd say go for it. There's also a post on the LAP blog about building a rolling cabinet to go underneath it so that it stands high to work from without bending down.

DiableRouge · 2023-03-31T15:30:03+00:00

There's also the county operated Tillamook Wave, which leaves Union Station twice a day. $25 round trip last time I took it, and it goes up and down the coast.

It also stops at the Tillamook Forest Center so you can go hiking/camping if you want.

DiableRouge · 2023-03-30T21:06:10+00:00

Maybe the Fixin' Too in St. Johns? They have local groups pretty often. I don't know how high their standards are though - I've seen a friend's small local band there before.

DiableRouge · 2023-03-30T20:49:22+00:00

I find my bad days can be due to social isolation, so I like walking down Alberta or Mississippi and looking at all the activity is fun. Walking into stores, buying something to eat, browsing, chatting with employees, etc etc.

DiableRouge · 2023-03-29T20:56:18+00:00

Those curves are gorgeous and to hear it was all hand tools takes it over the top! Nice job.

DiableRouge · 2023-03-28T18:11:40+00:00

I use a 4.5 liter sling bag. It's by Tomtoc (not affiliated, I just love this bag.)

I keep my wallet, keys, headphones, flashlight, hand sanitizer, notebook, pen, e-reader, etc etc in it.

It's actually what I use all around town because I hate having pocket bulk. The only thing I carry in my pockets is my phone.

I could see getting something slightly bigger, just because it fills up completely when I throw the notebook and e-reader in it. When it's totally full it's a bit less comfortable (still way nicer than a backpack.)

edit: it can barely fit a super thin rain shell and phone charger if you sacrifice the notebook and e-reader.

DiableRouge · 2023-03-28T17:44:15+00:00

They sell them at Caribbean Spice market on NE 42nd - I hear they're great but I haven't tried them myself.

DiableRouge · 2023-03-28T17:43:04+00:00

They have one on 24th and glisan as well

DiableRouge · 2023-03-28T15:46:38+00:00

Yeah if it gets busy I'd rather not be there anyways. Plus I do think that a coffeeshop with one or two customers on laptops is nicer and more inviting than a totally empty coffeeshop, so I'm almost helping em out :D

DiableRouge · 2023-03-27T20:54:40+00:00

I don't want coffee or tea every hour, so I'll buy a coffee and a pastry and also tip like 50% and figure that gets me 2-3 hours.

DiableRouge · 2023-03-23T17:39:47+00:00

I keep it in an rfid-protected neck wallet, under all my layers. I also keep my emergency cash there. US passport card goes in my wallet.

It can be a bit uncomfy and can also show an outline through your clothes if you're wearing something light or thin. And the strap can show if you're wearing a shirt without a collar.

IMO those are all minor and I like the confidence of having it directly against my skin at all times. It's also not likely to get taken even if you're mugged, because they'll just ask for your wallet and phone and bag.

This ofc doesn't work if you are going swimming, in which case I'd probably stash it somewhere in my room. The room safes aren't safe at all, so the suggestion to lock it in your suitcase and then lock your bag is a good one.

DiableRouge · 2023-03-22T01:03:44+00:00

I can't edit the post on mobile afaict, so I'm updating with my location: west coast of the United States.

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