Kick Wheel

Hi, would you recommend a kick wheel for a beginner or am I better off with an electric wheel

If you ever plan to "go big", get the electric.

Byron Myrick wrote:If you ever plan to "go big", get the electric.

Depends on the type of kickwheel. I prefer the treadle style (more leverage than kicking the flywheel) and throw 15-25lbs frequently. Only thing I can't do it very tall containers (since I'm standing), 12" is about my limit, but that's not really an issue creating shallow bonsai pots most the time.

"Depends on the type of kickwheel. I prefer the treadle style (more leverage than kicking the flywheel) and throw 15-25lbs frequently. Only thing I can't do it very tall containers (since I'm standing), 12" is about my limit, but that's not really an issue creating shallow bonsai pots most the time."


kitoi is correct, it is really not a issue, but some things to think about that might be a issue are space, weight, and portability. Kick, treadle wheels, take up a lot of space, well more than a electric wheel, and if you ever need to move it, well it is not a one person job. I haven't checked the prices of treadle wheels lately, but I would expect them to be as much as a good electric, possibly more. I don't know your skill level Phil, but I think the learning curve may be a little longer on the manual. I don't know what is available in the UK Phil, but if you are interested in a kick-treadle type, look at a Klopfenstein, I have one and it is a great wheel, but I also have a electric. Just some thoughts.

Hello Phil

There are a lot of videos about all kinds of wheels on youtube.

Here is the Leach-wheel....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZd6JfOXLAM&feature=related

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Neyn3zKqSoc&NR=1

I personally would have loved to build a wheel on my own......but time is only limited

Kind regards
Martin

thanks for all your advise I'll let yo know what I get

Hi Phil

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I have had both and if I was truthful then the electric wheel wins me over for versitility, that's unless your in an area with no electricity

I have a Roderveld Max 30 it was a toss up between that and a Shimpo Whisper. Both around the same price and both as good as each other.

Let us know how you get on

Regards

Andy