Getting Started: Wheels

When lifting a Brent Pottery Wheel from the box, do so with two people and note where the cable is routed so it doesn't get caught and pulled from the housing.

The Gladstone Bailey Wheel can be handled by using the handles on either side of the unit, but again, do so with another person. Do not pull up by holding the splash pan.

Make sure your foot pedal is put in a safe place after use. For example, it's advisable to place the pedal under the wheel. It’s a common fault that the foot pedal will get kicked or tripped over. This can pull on the cable and lead to a fault.

Do not use extension cables, plug in only to properly connected sockets.

   

Getting Into A Good Habit

We have found that some people have left a wheel turned on and the forward/reverse engaged for long periods when not in use, only to find after some power outage that the wheel no longer will switch back on.

Like all electrical appliances, small electrical components get very hot and weaken if left on continuously (days and months) then suddenly go cold when switched off. There is a chance they will blow when switched back on.

To prolong the life of your wheel, when you have finished for the day, put the toggle or switches into a neutral position, depress the pedal and finally switch off from the wall.

Another good habit - when changing direction (anticlockwise/clockwise) forward/reverse, please allow the wheel to stop completely before moving the switch. 

The clue is in the name, it’s a splash pan. Therefore, it is not designed to have a lot of water contained in it. If you overfill the splash pan, then it might run down the shaft and into the bearings wearing the stem, which can cause damage to the bearings.

  

Make sure you are comfortable! You could be doing this for a while, so think long term and make sure the seating and body position is right for you. We do sell leg extenders to increase height of the wheel and an adjustable seat which might help too.

Wipe With A Damp Cloth 

Once you have finished using the wheel, clean it down with a damp cloth or sponge. Do not leave clay to dry as this will become an airborne hazard once knocked or moved.

If you have any further queries, please contact us on 01934 836040 (opt 3) or info@hot-clay.co.uk to speak with our Technical Coordinator.