Expect a new wheel to cost between several hundred to over a thousand dollars. If you are just considering whether clay is for you, I would strongly suggest you take a class to discover if your interest level is high enough to justify purchasing your own potter’s wheel. The reason for this is that your wheel will last a very long time. With proper maintenance, an electric wheel can last a decade or more and a kickwheel can last a lifetime. Consider not only your present needs but also your long-term goals in pottery. You need a wheel that will continue to meet your needs as you grow and develop as a potter. Not only does portability come into play if you foresee moving your studio in the future, but also if you want to be able to take your wheel with you, for example, to give a demonstration at an arts festival. Some wheels have bat pins that are easily removed, allowing the potter to trim ware directly on the wheelhead. Most flat wheelheads do come with bat pins, but pin configurations differ. Pins can vary in size, distance from the center of the wheelhead, and number. If you have bats that you want to continue to use, you’ll need to have a wheelhead that matches. Flat wheelheads also come in varying diameters. If you are throwing very large pots, platters, or other pottery with a wide base, you need a wheelhead big enough to accommodate your work. Another accessory that is widely available is splash pans. These are very useful indeed if you want to reduce the mess of throwing. For some potters, however, splash pans can interfere with their throwing. Again, consider your own personal style and preferences.
Lighter and smaller in sizeThrowing is faster, which is especially important in production workMany models are able to be transported
Cons
Reliance on electricityCan be noisyInexperienced potters tend to increase rotational speed, which adversely affects the throw
Very low maintenance and will usually last a lifetimeMany come with motors to assist with getting the flywheel to speedEasily allows for both counter-clockwise and clockwise rotation of the wheelhead for both right-handed and left-handed throwingFor some potters, kickwheels gives a better “feel” for the throwing process
Cons
Extremely difficult to move and transportInjuries can occur if the flywheel is used as a stepLong-term use may result in knee problems and aggravate arthritis
