The Best Banding Wheels
A banding wheel is a must-have tool in your Pottery Studio, whether you’re an amateur or an expert potter. If you want the best Banding Wheel for your clay work, consider one that covers all your creative needs.
The best banding wheels include our top choice, the Shimpo-Nidec Banding Wheel, followed by the US Art Supply Banding Wheel. The US Falling in Art Banding wheel is also a great alternative. And if you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank, then go for the 7-inch YaeMarine Banding Wheel.
The ideal Banding Wheel should make it easier for you to decorate your ceramics. So it’s important to get one that’s sturdy, durable, and at the same time, falls within your budget. Have a look at why I think these four options are worth your investment.
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Top Choice: Shimpo Banding Wheel
Shimpo has, for the longest time, produced heavy-duty and rust-free Banding Wheels that are a favorite for many potters. It emerges as our top choice because of its precise ball-bearing rotation that delivers a reliably smooth and even turning. The excellent bearing and the weight of the wheel ensures it doesn’t wobble at all.
Its precision makes it an excellent banding wheel, even for the most delicate applications.
The Shimpo Banding Wheel is made to last. The manufacturers used heavy-duty cast iron and coated the wheel with rust-resistant paint. So you don’t have to worry about the Banding Wheel serving you for a while.
Additionally, the smooth finishing makes it easy to clean off clay on the platform once you are done. The surface is lined with side-by-side rings, which allows you to easily center your ceramics and draw precise lines or any other form of decoration.
The Shimpo Banding Wheels come in Different Sizes, the Smallest Shimpo-Nide Banding Wheel is 7 inches wide and 2 ¾ inches high, and the 8-3/4″ x 2-1/4″, Shimpo-Nidec – Banding Wheel, making them ideal for working with glaze or clay. They both are well-grounded with a heavy base so that they don’t tip over as you’re working.
Although the price may seem a bit high, you can be sure that getting this 11.5-inch Shimpo – Nidec Banding Wheel for your pottery studio will be a worthy investment.
Runner Up: US Art Supply 12” Diameter Banding Wheel
Our second choice for the best Banding Wheel is equally as durable as the Shimpo banding wheel. The US Art Supply Banding wheel is also made from heavy-duty cast steel and is joined with a very strong ball bearing. This combination means the top can spin while holding about 50 lbs (22 kg).
Unlike some other banding wheels, you don’t have to drill holes into your workstation to keep this banding wheel in place. The base features a non-slippery rubber boot that ensures the wheel remains firmly in place. So you can use it as is and have the option of moving it to whichever spot you want in your studio.
The top surface has circles that make it easier to center your work. Additionally, the weighted rim ensures the Banding Wheel spins with some momentum.
One of the best things about this Banding Wheel is that it’s still light enough despite its heavy-duty construction. The Banding Wheel weighs 10 lbs (4.5 kg), which is light enough for you to move it around the pottery studio while working. This US Art Supply 12” Diameter Banding Wheel is also quite tall such that you can comfortably put your hand underneath the top to rotate the banding wheel as you decorate your pottery.
Alternative Choice: Falling in Art Banding Wheel
The Falling in Art Heavy Duty Banding Wheel is a nice size. The 12” turntable allows you to hold ceramics of up to 50 lbs.
This Banding Wheel is made of Iron, which ensures the stability of the tool. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about your Pottery tipping over when working on them. What’s more, the banding wheel’s surface is made of non-slip material, and not even a piece of paper can slip as the wheel is turning. The suitable height ensures that you can easily turn the wheel as you decorate your pottery pieces.
One of the best things about this Banding Wheel, like the others on this list, is that you can use it without electricity. Slowly rotate it manually so you can achieve fine detail artwork. Besides, you can quickly move it around your pottery studio, thanks to the rubber pads equipped on the chassis. These rubber pads allow you to hold the wheel firmly as you carry it around, making this Falling in Art Banding Wheel a good solid alternative wheel.
Budget Pick: YaeMarine 7″ Banding Wheel
Getting the right Banding Wheel while working on a tight budget could prove to be a challenge. However, it’s still possible to get one that will serve you well even if you didn’t spend too much on it. The YaeMarine 7″ banding wheel is one such option, which is why it is our pick for the most affordable banding wheel.
The 7-inch YaeMarine banding wheel is made from iron and has an easy wheel rotation. It also features a non-slippery rubber base that puts the banding wheel firmly in position on your work surface. Therefore, no need to drill the platform in place.
The heavy-duty construction and the stable base ensure that this Banding Wheel can hold pottery up to 50 lbs.
When decorating your pottery, you must ensure they are correctly centered so as to achieve the precision you need to decorate. The YaeMarine 7″ Banding Wheel features circles on the surface. With a diameter of up to 7 inches, you can work on pottery without too much hassle. This Banding Wheel weighs 3.85 lbs. Therefore, you can easily carry it around your pottery studio instead of moving the delicate pieces and risk ruining them. You can also clean up the Banding Wheel and use it for any other artistic work.
Conclusion
I have both the Shimpo and HighFree Banding Wheels. I find them both useful for decorating and glazing all shapes and sizes of pottery.
The Shimpo – Nidec Banding Wheel is the best option for any potter looking for a smooth-moving lasting tool. It’s made of heavy-duty metal and is coated with rust-free paint so you can use it for quite some time.
The US Art Supply Banding wheel is also an excellent option and comes in as our second choice.
Potters may also find the Falling in Art Banding wheel a superb option.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the 7-inch YaeMarine Banding wheel is the best choice.
If you’re looking to include detailed artwork and apply glazes easily to your pottery, your Studio cannot do without a durable Banding Wheel. Our options provide the best place to start looking for your studio’s latest addition. So feel free to go through this list again once you’re ready to make your purchase; you’re bound to find a banding wheel that suits both your budget and your creative needs.