How much horsepower motor is needed for a pottery wheel? I want to get one for my home use, just starting out, want to throw bowls, mugs, plates, small vases. Will 1/2 horsepower motor suffice, or do I need 1 horsepower motor? Thank you.
Ok. that's tough. The best answer I can really give you is "it depends". It depends on a bunch of factors: How much clay do you want to center at once? Is the motor connected to the wheel by a belt, or direct to a kickwheel flywheel. How much torque do you need? You mentioned you're going to be throwing pots, bowls , plates etc. How large? Some potters never throw anything larger than 8 inches in diameter. Some throw platters two inches thick nad 36 inches around. Same with bowls.
If you already have the motor, i would say go ahead and try it. If it works, fine. If not, you might want to look for a larger one. You can usually find 1/2 hp motors on old washing machines and such put out to the curb, so it needn't cost you much except time to go get it. You might find that with a 1/2 hp motor, it spins too fast...and after adjusting the speed mechanically with a smaller/larger pulley or wheel on the motor shaft, you have more/less torque than you need. There's no one set rule for this. Find out what fits YOU, and go from there.
If you are considering buying a wheel, I would say go for the strongest (most powerful) one you can afford. You might not need all the power now, but in the future you will grow into it.
I have a 1-1/2 hp motor on my wheel, and for most things it's fine. When I go to do larger work, or center huge amounts of clay, it isn't enough torque. And that is disappointing.
Good luck! Wayne Seidl
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