My new "Denki Rokuro" aka my new Electric Wheel:
I finally purchased the electric wheel that I have wanted for a long time. It is the same as the one I learned on in Japan. It is a 25 year old Shimpo RK-2 potter's wheel. At that time, Shimpo wheels were still manufactured in Kyoto, Japan. The thing that I really like about these wheels, in addition to their simplicity and reliability, is the fact that they have a hand control, in addition to a foot pedal. This allows me to be able control the wheel speed while sitting in a variety of positions or even standing while throwing. Also, having an electric wheel will allow me to throw larger amounts of clay than I am able to with my treadle wheel. I must admit that there is also an intangible quality about these wheels that I am attracted to; maybe it is merely romanticising the past, or maybe it connects me with my teacher and his pottery lineage in some way. Who can say?
