Shimpo RK-55 vs The Home Studio Wheel

If you're reading this article, you are probably considering purchasing a pottery wheel. There are a lot of options out there, that vary a lot in price.

The Shimpo RK-55 and The Home Studio Wheel occupy a similar space in terms of price and capability. We think that they are both great options, but each comes with slight pros and cons against the other. To decide between the two wheels, it will mainly come down to your preferences and priorities.

A quick comparison at a glance

Other Key Differences:

-Spare parts are more widely available for the RK-55

-The Shimpo RK-55 arrives on a pallet, while The Home Studio Wheel arrives as a large parcel.

-The Home Studio Wheel is shipped for 1-3 day delivery, while the RK-55 takes around 5-8 days (check product pages for updated timescales)

-Both are quiet wheels, but the RK-55 probably slightly edges it in terms of quietness.

-The Home Studio Wheel typically comes with a batt system included

 

In Short

The RK-55 is a stripped-back model from the Shimpo brand we all know and love. It's simplified to the essential features of a pottery wheel, but comes with the trust and reputation that Shimpo is known for.

The Home Studio Wheel is a newer alternative. It' similar to the RK-55 in terms of capacity, but comes with a few extra, genuinely meaningful improvements to comfort and practicality, such as adjustable legs and a wider wheelhead. 

 

Shimpo RK-55

The Shimpo RK-55 is Shimpo's most affordable full-size wheel and is aimed primarily at beginners and home potters. Rather than trying to include every premium feature, it focuses on the essentials: a reliable direct-drive motor, solid build quality and the reputation of one of the most respected pottery equipment manufacturers in the world.

If you're looking for a dependable wheel from a well-established brand and prefer brand trust and simplicity, the RK-55 is a strong option.

 

Home Studio Wheel

The Home Studio Wheel was designed specifically for home potters who want more comfort and practicality without paying significantly more.

When developing The Home Studio Wheel, we asked home potters what is most important to them in a wheel and made sure that our wheel included them:

-Adjustable legs

-Well-sized wheelhead

-Ability to use batts

-Long Warranty

 

Shimpo has earned an excellent reputation over many years. While the Home Studio Wheel is newer, we believe it stands up exceptionally well in comparison. That's why we're happy to let you try it for 2 weeks and return it free of charge if it's not the right wheel for you.

 

If you need any help at all with making a decision, we are here to help. Email us on info@thepotterypeople.co.uk or Whatsapp us on 020 3576 3147 for a chat.

 We only stock wheels that we believe are genuinely good options, so both of these wheels will make for excellent choices and set you in good stead on your pottery journey.