Now that you have had this wheel for a while, are you still happy with it, any problems yet?

@GlasspaperPro

Жыл бұрын

Hi, Ernie! This is an excellent follow-up question. After extensive use, I can't report any major problems with this wheel. Sometimes the splash pan feels like it could have been made with stronger plastics, but that's about all the criticism I can think of. One thing that was surprising is how much different it is to throw on such a quiet wheel. With the RK-2 the cone-ring drive was loud. It would change pitch as it got faster. I was unknowingly using sound to judge how fast it was spinning. But with the RK Whisper you have to make that determination by eye. I've since repaired the older RK-2 and use them together. Both have smooth rotational movement and lots of torque, so it doesn't feel different throwing on either. Another big advantage of the RK Whisper is that its wheel head spins freely when it's not powered - like a banding wheel. This means a lot of glazing work can be done at the wheel. The RK-2 by contrast feels very heavy if you spin it by hand without the motor on, because the wheel head is structurally linked to the drive-ring mechanism inside. Whereas, the RK Whisper is basically just a giant brushless DC motor. Ultimately, if I were forced to choose only one of the two wheels I'd take the RK Whisper, but if I were stuck with the RK-2 it wouldn't be a major loss. It's nice having them both for the variety.

Thank you for the wonderful video! Japanese subtitles are also easy to understand. It is a good looking pottery workshop.

@GlasspaperPro

3 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate your opinion. Thank you, Kiraku. =) It is no problem to add the subtitles so I will keep them. One day I would like to have a studio in a commercial setting like yours. Must be patient!

Nice work Zaddy!

@GlasspaperPro

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Sam!

What makes the new one so quiet. Older ones are pretty loud hummers. Also you said it’s hard to center on the old one now, do you just need parts like main bearing?

Hi! Are the tray clips easy to pull off/put on? I have seen other wheels with this system (not Shimpo) which were a pain to remove making clean-up a hassle

Peace. Great video. Just purchased my first Shimpo old but never used RK 10 Shimpo 21. The gold plastic was still on the metal bat. One question for you. It is a little noisy. Is that normal for that model?

@GlasspaperPro

Жыл бұрын

Hello, I looked up the RK-10 specs. It uses a belt-driven wheel motor. This will definitely make some sound when you're throwing, although probably not anywhere like my old model RK-2. I think the Japanese potter called Umenose uses your same wheel. I've always thought that its sound was very pleasant and calming. The RK-2 on the other hand sounds like an old washing machine! 😄 I still use it on occasion, but have gotten used to the new wheel being so quiet. This lets me listen to music while working. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy your RK-10. What a find that was!

i'm debating on whether to get this wheel or the VL whisper.. could you help me with this choice? I use VL whispers at the studio where i've been practicing for the past few months. i have a cheap amazon wheel in the boxy form factor like the RK2. i'm kind of at a loss whether to get one or the other x_x

@GlasspaperPro

Жыл бұрын

Hello, great question! Both models RK-3D and VL Whisper use the same quiet electric motor. The VL has a detached foot pedal, wheras the RK-3D has a combo attached foot pedal/hand speed lever. I personally tend not to like using foot pedals, but that is really personal preference. So which wheel design is more comfortable in your experience; the one you use at school or that RK-2 style from Amazon? If price is not a factor then probably the VL Whisper is better because you're already used to it. Also, there are other aspects to consider. Do you need the extra work table surface? RK-3D has just a small tray for tools. The VL uses a tripod foot design that allows you to easily adjust its height. Some people even use leg extensions so they can stand at the wheel. The RK-3D is a little stout box without much room for adjustment. It sits pretty low so if you're tall that could be an issue. I personally love using it in my home studio. You would not be worse off for having an RK-3D versus a VL Whisper. They're both very good wheels.

I’m so sorry to say this but the nidec is not a shimpo. They are fake shimpo’s and it’s really disappointing. Fake Chinese knock off.

@copylondon

2 жыл бұрын

No that's not true at all. Nidec-Shimpo started as a company in 1952. The reason they have gone with their main brand name over Shimpo is because Nidec is a much better known name of their brand than Shimpo in Japan. This is made by the same company that's always made them.