The Ultimate Guide to Shimpo Pottery Wheels

If you’re on the market for a top-of-the-line pottery wheel, Shimpo deserves some serious consideration. Born in Kyoto Japan in the 1950s, this pottery brand has since taken on the pottery world by storm. Walk into any studio establishment off the street, and we bet you’ll find a herd of potters throwing happily away on Shimpo Pottery Wheels. Top-rated, long-lasting, and studio-approved, Shimpo is a brand that lives up to the hype. 

Sold on Shimpo now that we’ve sung their pottery praises? Great—now it’s time to pick the Shimpo model that’s right for you amongst the many models the brand offers. But never fear, we’re here with the ceramics scoop on Shimpo’s three most popular model. Let’s get into it! 

Picking The Best of The Shimpo Pottery Wheels

Nidec Shimpo VL

Known as the quietest pottery wheel on the market, the Nidec Shimpo VL’s natural habitat is that of the professional pottery studio. I’ve encountered this model in each of the four studios I’ve tried, and it’s for good reason. Its sturdiness, ease of use, and extra bells and whistles make for the most seamless and smoothest throwing experience. 

In terms of durability, this wheel stands the test of time. Thanks to its metal foot and alloy wheel head, this machine is a powerhouse of strength and stability. To paint the poetry picture…this wheel touts the ability to throw up to ONE HUNDRED pounds of clay! Talk about going BIG!

Another major perk? This wheel prioritizes potter comfort. It features a reversible wheeled, removable legs that accommodate five different heights, and an attached table that provides space for clay balls, tools, and water buckets. Not to mention it is so QUIET! With no distracting hum, you can daydream, strategize, and bring your next pottery piece to life in peace. 

Recap 

• Who it’s for: Professional potters. As one of the most expensive wheels Shimpo offers, it’s an investment for potters that know their passion isn’t a passing fad. 
• Drive Type: This is a direct-drive, belt-less system. What does that mean? It’s more heavy duty than you’re average wheel—It’s powerful, responsive, reliable, and quiet.

Nidec Shimpo VL Lite

If the Shimpo VL studio standard feels a bit out of reach, consider the Nidec Shimpo VL Lite. For $700 less, this wheel is a studio steal. With this more affordable sticker price, you still get many features of the Shimpo VL—including an alloy wheelhead, metal foot pedal, table area for tools, and a reversible motor.

The main difference? It lacks the heavy duty quality of its more expensive predecessor. It weighs 70 lbs less, and throws a fourth of the weight that the Shimpo VL can handle. Another major difference is how this wheel “drives”—the Shimpo Lite is a belt-driven system. Belts are a little less powerful, and do wear out eventually, so you’re in for some recurring maintenance. Nevertheless, the Shimpo VL Lite is a great pick for home studio use. 

Recap 

• Who it’s for: The professional and hobby potters that are building a home studio for the first time. 
• Drive Type: Belt-driven, which is more affordable and lighter, but lacks power and needs replacement. 

Nidec Shimpo Aspire 

Though it lacks the legs and attached table area of the other Shimpo Pottery Wheels, don’t count out the Nidec Shimpo Aspire in your home studio search. This wheel is Shimpo’s tabletop wheel, making it an excellent portable and affordable for home studios.

For a lightweight, compact wheel, it’s got a good bit of horsepower in its engine—we’re talking a 20 lb centering capacity. And with a 7” metal alloy wheelhead, you can throw all the cups, mugs, and bowls you dream up. Add the compatible metal foot pedal, and you’ve got a wheel that rivals any local studio. 

Recap 

• Who It’s for: The professional and hobby potters that are building a home studio for the first time. Educators that want to take their wheel to and from the studio. 
• Drive Type: Belt-driven, which makes its less durable, but more portable. 

Wrapping Up: Comparing Shimpo Pottery Wheels 

Owning a Shimpo Pottery Wheel sits at the top of many a potter’s bucket list. And while you can’t go wrong with any of the options in their line, each model is quite different in how it shows up for the ceramicist. 

If you’re a professional potter accustomed to higher studio standards, the Shimpo VL is a no brainer. While it’s an investment, it will likely be the only wheel you ever need in your career. And in our opinion, that’s an investment worth making! 

If you’re a professional or hobby potter looking for a studio-quality wheel on the more affordable side, look no further than the Nidec Shimpo VL Lite. While it has a lower throwing capacity and is a belt-driven system, it is a quality wheel that will stand the test of time. 

If you need a portable wheel, or want the Shimpo name on a budget, the Shimpo Aspire is a great compromise. This tabletop wheel can throw up to 20 lbs, and packs a big punch for a small machine. 

No matter what you choose, Shimpo Pottery Wheels will serve you well on your studio journey. Most wheels don’t hold a candle to the Shimpo—they are tried, true, and likely the perfect wheel for you!