Pottery has been an art form since ancient times. The craft of creating pottery using a pottery wheel has been around for centuries. However, pottery wheels can be expensive to purchase, especially for beginners or hobbyists. Making a pottery wheel at home is an excellent way to save money and enjoy the craft of pottery making. This article will guide you through the process of making a pottery wheel at home.

Materials Required:

– Plywood (2×2 feet)

– Lazy Susan Bearing

– PVC Pipes (2-inch diameter, 6 feet long)

– 3/4-inch Plywood

– 1/2-inch Plywood

– Electric Motor (1/3 horsepower)

– V-belt

– On/Off Switch

– 2×4 Wood Plank

– Wood Screws

– Drill

– Saw

– Sandpaper

– Wood Glue

Step 1: Build the Base

The first step in making a pottery wheel is to build the base. Cut a piece of plywood into a 2×2 feet square. Attach the lazy susan bearing to the center of the plywood using screws. The lazy susan bearing will allow the pottery wheel to spin smoothly. Now, cut two pieces of 2×4 wood plank into 2 feet long and attach them to the bottom of the plywood base using screws. These will serve as the legs of the pottery wheel.

Step 2: Build the Wheel Head

The next step is to build the wheel head. Cut a 3/4-inch plywood into a circle with a diameter of 14 inches. Cut another circle from the 1/2-inch plywood with a diameter of 12 inches. Glue the two circles together, with the 12-inch circle on top of the 14-inch circle. This will create a raised lip on the edge of the wheel head. Sand the edges of the wheel head to remove any roughness.

Step 3: Attach the PVC Pipes

Cut two pieces of PVC pipes into 2 feet long. Attach the PVC pipes to the sides of the wheel head using screws. The PVC pipes will serve as the frame for the wheel head. Make sure that the PVC pipes are perpendicular to the wheel head.

Step 4: Install the Motor

Attach the electric motor to the base of the pottery wheel using screws. The motor should be positioned in such a way that the shaft is parallel to the ground. Connect the motor to the PVC pipes using a V-belt. Install an on/off switch near the motor.

Step 5: Connect the Wheel Head to the Motor

Attach the wheel head to the motor shaft using screws. Make sure that the wheel head is centered and level. You may need to adjust the height of the PVC pipes to achieve this.

Step 6: Test the Pottery Wheel

Turn on the motor and test the pottery wheel. If the wheel is wobbly or unbalanced, adjust the height of the PVC pipes or the position of the wheel head. If the wheel is too fast or too slow, adjust the speed of the motor using the on/off switch.

Step 7: Finish the Pottery Wheel

Sand the entire pottery wheel to remove any roughness or splinters. Apply a coat of paint or varnish to protect the wood from moisture. Your pottery wheel is now complete and ready to use.

Making a pottery wheel at home is a fun and rewarding project. With a few basic tools and materials, you can create a functional pottery wheel that will serve you for years to come. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can build a pottery wheel that is both affordable and easy to use. So why not give it a try and discover the joy of pottery making today!