I want to go back to making pottery, I use to have a wheel but lost it when I moved to iowa. I want to have an old style one, the one where you kick or that old step you push back and forth. I don't mind making it, in truth I would love to make it. I been looking for designs on ebay but I'm alittle unsure that the design would work. For all I know its a picture from an old book and a piece of paper drawn in crayon. Any tips of where to look?
Keno:
Here are a few web links you may or may not have already found. If not, maybe they will help start you on your way. There are also several good books on the subject that you should be able to find (or possibly request from inter-library loan?) that can give you what you need to build a basic wheel (and kiln, and banding wheel, etc.)
As you mentioned, a kick wheel is probably the easiest to build unless you feel very comfortable with electric motors, wiring, and variable speed control setups.
First the book many people consider "the reference" for this sort of thing (It's a stupid price new, not bad used, or check the library):
"Building Pottery Equipment" by Harvey, Kolb, and Kolb: http://www.amazon.com/Building-Pottery-Equipment-Roger-Harvey/dp/0823005402/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277439319&sr=8-1
Next, the Web links:
http://www.pottery-magic.com/pottery/tools/kick-wheel.htm
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/1970-11-01/Build-Your-Own-Potters-Kick-Wheel.aspx
http://www.bigceramicstore.com/information/WheelDesignSuggestions.htm
http://www.ehow.com/way_5467457_homemade-potters-wheel.html
Good luck!
Thanks.
I've been wanting to get back into pottery, too. I have a kiln but no wheel! I want to make one. I've done a little web research but the book looks great! Thanks for the links.