Shimpo RK-55 Potter's Wheel

Enjoy the reliability and quality of a Shimpo Potter's wheel, without breaking the bank.

If you are looking for a capable potter’s wheel, they won’t find much better value than this. The Shimpo RK-55 Pottery Wheel is a popular choice for Potter’s who are on a tighter budget but do not want to compromise on quality. Many 'budget' pottery wheels that can be found online are cheaply made and perform at a sub-standard level until they inevitably break. Not the Shimpo RK-55.

✅ NO RISK. If for any reason you change your mind, you can simply return the wheel to us and we will give you a full refund. No strings attached. 

Avoid the minefield of cheap knock-offs and invest in the Shimpo RK-55.

Shimpo is one of the most popular and trusted brands of potter's wheel. The RK-55 allows you to get your hands on one of their esteemed and well-made products without breaking the bank.

The Shimpo RK-55 pottery wheel is also highly convenient for use in the home because it’s:

-Virtually silent

-Easy to clean

-Takes up little space

-Easily Portable

 Features:

-Two-piece Splash pan makes cleaning extremely quick and easy.

-Reversible wheel motor allows right or left handed throwing.

-Smooth and steady speed control via the electronic controller

-Broad range of speeds

-Built-in breaker prevents overload and damage to motor

-Portable

-ABTS: Automatic belt tensioning system

-Extremely quiet wheel thanks to unique brush design in motor

Perfect for:

-Potters at the beginning of their journey, who do not want to spend thousands on a wheel but want to avoid cheap, poorly made alternatives.

-People who want to enjoy the relaxation of throwing in their own home in a place where they will not be disturbed, whether that be in their conservatory, garage or shed.

Specifications

• 
  

  Motor Power: 100 W (⅛ HP) DC motor with brushes
  → Quiet, reliable entry-level drive. Ideal for beginners, home studios or lighter use. 
  Centring Capacity: 10 kg (25 lb) (manufacturer rating)
  
  Wheel-head Speed: 0 – 250 rpm
  → Covers trimming, centring and throwing moderate pieces. 

  
  Wheel-head Size: 30cm (12 in) light alloy casting
  → Fits standard bats and most home-studio sized work. 

  
  Wheelhead Direction: Clockwise / Counter-clockwise
  
  Dimensions: 56 cm (W) × 72 cm (D) × 54 cm (H)
  
  Weight: 23 kg (net) | Shipping Weight: 38 kg
  
  

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  Type of piece	Approx height	Clay used (wet weight)	Notes
  Mug	9–10 cm	0.4–0.5 kg	Typical beginner practice weight
  Bowl	15–18 cm	1–2 kg	Everyday throwing size
  Dinner plate	25–28 cm	2–3 kg	Wide diameter, moderate depth
  Medium vase	25–30 cm	3–5 kg	Comfortable and stable for this wheel
  Large vase	35–45 cm	6–8 kg	Realistic upper limit for this model (given its centring capacity)
  Extra-large planter / urn	50 cm+	12 kg+	Beyond comfortable range for this wheel

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  🧱 In real use

  You can comfortably throw:

  • Mugs, bowls, plates

  • Medium vases up to about 30-35 cm tall

  • Light studio work or home practice without over-stress

  This machine is ideal for beginners, home studios or small shared spaces wanting quality and reliability without heavy duty specs.

  
  

  Shimpo RK-55 User manual

Delivery:

Delivery is free, takes 3-7 working days and will be delivered kerbside.

All Shimpo Potter's Wheels come with a 2-year full warranty, plus our 1 year Pottery People Extended Warranty.

If for any reason you change your mind, you can simply return the wheel to us (within 90 days) and we will give you a full refund. No strings attached. - Return policy

For more delivery info on Shimpo Wheels orders, see our What To Expect From Your Shimpo Delivery page