Shimpo Whisper RK-3D Potter's Wheel

The Shimpo Whisper RK-3D marked a significant advancement in potter's wheels. 

As the first potter’s wheel to feature a brushless DC direct drive motor in the whole industry, it is an extremely versatile wheel for a variety of pottery needs, especially when you throw large pieces or throw off the hump.

This wheel is as fast and powerful as any wheel you will find out there, but it also somehow manages to be unbelievably quiet. The noise never reaches over 30 decibels, the sound levels of a quiet night in the suburbs.

Although the RK-3D may look like its predecessor, the Shimpo RK-10, it completely outperforms it’s older brother in every category.

Quiet ✅

Robust (built with steel) ✅

Direct drive (no belt) ✅

Extremely precise control ✅

Can hold 45KG clay with ease✅

Foot pedal and hand lever ✅

Wheel-head and two-piece splash pan included ✅

The brushless DC motor and direct drive (no belt) system contribute to completely reducing any sound or vibration. The motor is electronically controlled by a precision foot pedal and hand lever. 

The motor will never veer from your present speed unless prompted.

✅ 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. 

Don’t just take our word for it. There are many reviews out there which sing the praises of this excellent wheel.

You will find this model in many studios as well as artists' social media pages. With its sleek design and solid performance, the wheel is very popular with a potters at all stages of their journey.

Features:

• Efficient Power: Direct drive DC brushless motor for optimal efficiency.
• Impressive Capacity: Handles up to 45 kg of clay with ease.
• Versatile Wheel-Head: 304 mm light alloy casting wheel-head with bat pin holes.
• Intuitive Control: Attached foot pedal with speed lever for user-friendly operation.
• Silent Precision: Operates quietly without belts or vibrations.
• Dual Functionality: Wheel-head doubles as a banding wheel when the pedal is at rest.
• Instant Stop: Immediate wheel-head stoppage upon pedal release, eliminating extra rotation.
• Enhanced Torque: Higher torque achieved through a beltless design.
• Consistent Performance: Maintains set speed, even during slow rotations and with 45 kg of clay.
• Professional Input: Designed with input from pottery professionals for ergonomic excellence.
• Built to Last: Durable design crafted from high-quality materials, built for years of heavy use.

Perfect for:

This wheel is incredibly versatile and capable and can be used by potters of every level. If you want a pottery wheel that will not need replacing any time soon, this is a great choice. It will keep up with you as you level up your potting abilities.

If you know you are going to spend a lot of time practising the craft this will definitely suit you.

Specifications:

• Motor Power: 400 W (½ HP), single-phase 230 V
  → Good torque for its size, the manufacturer states that the wheel can centre up to 45 kg of clay without slowing down.
  (In real use, you'd never realistically go over 20KG)

   

  Type of piece	Approx height	Clay used (wet weight)	Notes
  Mug	9–10 cm	400–500 g	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	Needs a stable wheel and good torque
  Large vase	35–45 cm	6–10 kg	What most people mean by “large” — a tall form with some girth
  Extra-large planter / urn	50 cm +	12–20 kg	Commercial/industrial territory — heavy, two-piece throwing or coil-build

   

• Speed Control: Fixed foot pedal + optional lever
  → You can adjust speed smoothly while keeping both hands on the clay. The lever lets you lock in a steady speed for trimming or demo work.

• Wheelhead Speed: 0 – 250 rpm
  → Full range from a slow, steady trim to fast centring — covers all normal throwing tasks.

• Wheelhead Size: 30cm diameter (about 12 inches) cast aluminium
  → Ideal for bowls, mugs, jugs, and small dinner plates up to around 28 cm across.

• Wheelhead Direction: Can change between Clockwise / Counter-clockwise
  

• Body Dimensions: 52.5cm (wide) × 58.2cm (long) × 51.5cm (high)
  
  

• Weight: 45 kg
  → Solid and stable, yet light enough for one person to move if needed.

🧱 In real use

You can comfortably throw:

• Mugs, bowls, and plates

• Medium/large vases up to about 35 cm tall

• Repeated small pieces without overheating

 Shimpo RK-3D 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. 

You can find details on our warranty process here

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