Shimpo VL Whisper Pottery Wheel With Splash Pan
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Shop with complete confidence knowing that every order is fully insured from our warehouse to your doorstep. We protect your investment against damage, loss, or theft during transit—at no additional cost to you. Experience worry-free shopping and the assurance that your valuable purchases will arrive safely or be promptly replaced.
Free Insurance - Peace of Mind with Every Purchase
Shop with complete confidence knowing that every order is fully insured from our warehouse to your doorstep. We protect your investment against damage, loss, or theft during transit—at no additional cost to you. Experience worry-free shopping and the assurance that your valuable purchases will arrive safely or be promptly replaced.
Includes Sheffield's Exclusive Extra Heavy-Duty Packing
These wheels often get beat-up in shipping: So here at Sheffield Pottery we specially cut 1" thick honey-comb cardboard and wrap the box with that and then finish it with a layer of luan wood to ensure that your Shimpo wheel arrives perfectly every time!
The Shimpo VL Whisper (Nidec-Shimpo VL-Whisper) is a quiet, direct-drive electric pottery wheel with a 1/2 HP (400 W) brushless motor, 100 lbs of centering capacity, a 14" wheel head and a 0-250 rpm speed range. It runs on a standard 115V household outlet, has removable legs for tabletop or storage use, includes a two-piece splash pan, and carries a 5-year Shimpo warranty. It suits home studios, classrooms and production potters who want a strong wheel without motor or belt noise.
Why buy your Shimpo VL Whisper from Sheffield Pottery
- Free shipping to most locations in the lower 48.
- Extra heavy-duty packing. Wheels often get knocked around in transit, so we wrap every Shimpo box in 1" thick honeycomb cardboard and finish it with a layer of luan wood so your wheel arrives in perfect shape.
- School special. School orders in the 48 contiguous states for 5 or more Shimpo VL-Whisper or RK-Whisper wheels get a free adjustable stool with each wheel and free shipping. Contact us or email schools@sheffield-pottery.com for school pricing.
Shimpo VL Whisper specifications
| Motor | 1/2 HP, 400 W, AC 115V, 60 Hz, single phase |
|---|---|
| Drive system | Direct drive, DC brushless motor (no belts) |
| Current draw | 0.7 A no load, 9.0 A with load |
| Centering capacity | 100 lbs |
| Wheel head | 14" light alloy casting, drilled for bat pins |
| Speed | 0-250 rpm |
| Direction | Clockwise and counterclockwise (reversible) |
| Speed control | Remote foot pedal |
| Dimensions | 23 1/8" x 27 1/2" x 22 3/4" |
| Weight | 120 lbs (147 lbs shipping) |
| Shipping box | 16" x 30" x 27", ships by truck |
| Splash pan | Two-piece, included |
| Overload protection | Built-in breaker |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Features
- Brushless DC direct-drive motor. A beltless, magnet-driven, electronically controlled motor that is smooth, powerful and maintenance free.
- Very quiet. No belts and no vibration, so the wheel is close to silent while you throw.
- Holds your set speed. The electronic controller keeps the speed you set under load, even at slow speeds with 100 lbs of clay.
- Stops instantly. With no belt, the wheel head stops as soon as the pedal returns to stop, with no extra rotation.
- Doubles as a banding wheel. The wheel head turns freely by hand at 0 rpm.
- Reversible. Works for left-handed and right-handed potters.
- Removable, adjustable legs. Take the legs off to store the wheel or use it on a tabletop.
The VL Whisper combines the direct-drive technology of Shimpo's RK-Whisper with the popular layout of Shimpo's Velocity wheels. It was the second model in Shimpo's Whisper series.
Shimpo VL Whisper vs RK-Whisper vs VL-Lite
| Spec | VL-Whisper | RK-Whisper | VL-Lite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive | Direct drive, brushless | Direct drive, brushless | Belt driven |
| Motor | 1/2 HP, 400 W | 1/2 HP, 400 W | 100 W |
| Centering capacity | 100 lbs | 100 lbs | 25 lbs |
| Wheel head | 14" | 12" | 12" |
| Speed control | Remote foot pedal | Fixed foot pedal with hand lever | Remote foot pedal |
| Weight | 120 lbs | 116 lbs | 51 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
Choose the VL-Whisper for the larger 14" wheel head, the remote pedal and removable legs. The Shimpo RK-Whisper has the same motor in a compact body with a fixed pedal and hand lever. The Shimpo VL-Lite is a lighter, belt-driven wheel for smaller work (up to 25 lbs of clay) at a lower price.
Frequently asked questions
How quiet is the Shimpo VL Whisper?
It is one of the quietest wheels you can buy. The direct-drive brushless motor has no belts and produces no vibration, so there is no belt or motor whine while you throw.
What is the difference between the Shimpo VL Whisper and the VL-Lite?
The VL Whisper is the stronger wheel. It has a 400 W direct-drive motor that centers up to 100 lbs on a 14" wheel head. The VL-Lite has a 100 W belt-driven motor that centers up to 25 lbs on a 12" wheel head.
What is the difference between the VL Whisper and the RK-Whisper?
Both use the same 1/2 HP direct-drive motor and center 100 lbs. The VL Whisper has a 14" wheel head, a remote foot pedal and removable legs. The RK-Whisper has a 12" wheel head and a fixed foot pedal with a hand lever.
Can I throw standing up?
Yes. The optional leg extension set raises the wheel to a standing height of 35-37".
Does it work with bats?
Yes. The 14" wheel head is drilled for bat pins.
Can I throw platters wider than the splash pan?
Yes. The leg extension set raises the wheel head above the splash pan to make room for wider pieces.
What power does it need?
A standard 115V, 60 Hz household outlet. The wheel draws up to 9.0 A under load.
What warranty does it have?
Shimpo covers the VL Whisper with a 5-year warranty.
Safety notes
Pacemaker warning: this product may be harmful to a person who has a pacemaker. Serious injury or death could occur. Consult a physician before using.
Acidic clays: highly acidic clays can damage the surface of the aluminum wheel head and cause premature oxidation and pitting. Use a bat between the wheel head and the clay whenever possible.
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