Shimpo Whisper RK-3D Direct Drive Potter's Throwing Wheel

About

***Please note that from January 2026 we are transitioning to a factory pinned wheelhead on all Shimpo wheels previously with an unpinned wheelhead. Pins can be unscrewed and removed if needed***

The Shimpo RK3D Whisper represents the next generation of potter's wheels.

The RK-3D represents the next generation of potter’s wheels. Responsive, high torque at all speeds, powerful and quiet. Not just quiet, but QUIET! This wheel is by far the quietest on the market; you can actually throw and hear yourself think at the same time…

The exterior of the RK-3D resembles the RK-10, but that’s where the similarities end! This new wheel features a brushless DC motor and direct drive (no belt) system. The motor is electronically controlled and operated by a fixed foot pedal and hand lever. It’s reversible, and the steel body is durable under all conditions. A 304 mm wheel-head and two-piece splash pan are included as standard features.

The Shimpo Whisper potter's wheels feature the following:

• Drive System; direct drive DC brushless motor
• Smooth, quiet (30 decibels), powerful, no maintenance. No belts = no vibration.
• Electronic Controller - Actively maintains your desired speed under all load conditions
• Reversibility: Accommodates right and left-hand users
• Built-in Breaker: Motor protected from overload
• Wheel-head acts as a banding wheel when the pedal is at stop
• Pedal stops the wheel head immediately; no belt means no extra rotation when stopped
• Higher torque; no belts
• Very low operating costs
• Two-Piece Splashpan
• Two year warranty for peace of mind

The Shimpo Whisper RK3D potter's wheel features

• Attached foot pedal with speed lever
• Large 12" Aluminimum alloy wheelhead with factory fitted pins (to fit the HEX bat system)
• Powerful drive capable of centring up to 45kg (100lbs) of clay

Motor

The Shimpo RK3D Potter's Wheel features a powerful 1/2HP (400W) motor (AC230V 50Hz single phase)

Drive System: Direct Drive DC Brushless Motor
Speed Control: Remote Foot Pedal
Wheelhead Speed: 0-250RPM
Wheelhead Direction: Clockwise/counter
Wheelhead: 300mm/12 light alloy casting

CAUTION This product may be harmful to a person who has a pacemaker. Read more>

Approximate Dimensions (mm)

Weight 52kg
Ship weight 62kg

RK-Whisper Potter's Wheel Data Sheet

RK-Whisper Potter's Wheel Manual

Click here for Shimpo Troubleshooting Videos

Why should I buy my Shimpo wheel from Potclays?

Potclays are the ONLY OFFICIAL, AUTHORISED UK & EIRE DISTRIBUTOR for Shimpo wheels and pugmills and we can confidently offer you peace of mind that should something go wrong, we will do our utmost to resolve the problem and have the full support of Shimpo Japan in doing so.

As we are the only official, authorised distributors for the UK and Eire, our Shimpo products are supplied direct from Shimpo's manufacturing facility on an authorised basis and are manufactured specifically for the UK market, therefore they have the correct electrical ratings, plugs, etc. and thus comply fully with UK regulations.

We offer a full and comprehensive technical/after sales/warranty support: Our technical advisor is only a phone call away. You're never far from help when you buy from Potclays.

We have regular shipments from Shimpo Japan, so in the unlikely event that something should go wrong with your wheel during its lifetime period, if necessary we can obtain spare parts quickly. All you need do is supply the model number and UK serial number and we can do the rest.

Shimpo Repair and Servicing

Please note that we are only able to service or repair Shimpo wheels supplied by Potclays and our distributors which carry the red “Imported by Potclays” sticker.

Collections

• Potters Wheels
• Direct Drive Pottery Wheels
• Shimpo Pottery Wheels

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