Speedball pottery wheels, bats and underglazes

What does Speedball make?

Speedball pottery wheels are among the most common studio wheels for home use. Our catalogue lists two of them, which are very different machines, plus bats and underglazes from the same brand.

Which Speedball product lines are in our catalogue?

• Artista: 1/3 HP, 11 in wheel head, 0–220 rpm, 25 lb centering capacity, variable speed hand control and a two-part splash pan. Listed at 30 × 22 in, it is described as lightweight and compact.
• Clay Boss: 0.5 HP, 14 in head, 0–240 rpm with a foot pedal, up to 100 lb centering capacity, reversing plug, load-sensing speed control and a listed 10 year warranty.
• Bats: 12 in Medex bats (2-pack) and 12 in universal injection-molded plastic bats (2-pack) that the listing says fit all bat pin spacing.
• Underglazes: Royal Blue and Gray pints, cone 06–6 (can fire to cone 10), lead-free and dinnerware safe when used and fired as directed.

How does Speedball compare with other brands?

Speedball is most often weighed against Shimpo (VL-Whisper, 14 in, brushless DC), Brent (Model B, 12 in, 150 lb continuous) and budget tabletop wheels from VEVOR. The Artista sits between tabletop wheels and full studio wheels; the Clay Boss competes with the Brent B and Shimpo for heavier throwing. Compare listed centering capacity first.

Where does Speedball appear on Clay at Home?

• Speedball vs Shimpo, Brent vs Speedball and VEVOR vs Speedball
• Best pottery wheel for home and best for beginners
• Best wheel bats and best underglazes
• Hubs: pottery wheels and small space