Whirlers
Whirlers are small hand-operated tools that assist in shaping, decorating and glazing through the rotation of the clay. Potters use banding wheels – a type of whirler – as turntables to support sculpting, carving, and decorating ceramic pieces with precision and ease. They provide users with a smooth rotating surface, allowing easy access to the sculpture or pottery. Whether you're looking to paint, add texture or even learn hand-building techniques, a banding wheel or whirler can help you on your design or construction journey. Available in several sizes and materials, you're sure to find a banding wheel that suits your needs in our collection.
Choose From a Variety of Banding Wheels and Whirlers
Whirlers and banding wheels are available in a range of sizes and materials, each offering different benefits during the creation process. Potters in both professional and home studios rely on these tools for smooth, precise rotation to assist with decoration, fettling and more.
Different materials and metals in banding wheels offer specific benefits, depending on your needs. If you're looking for casual shaping or light hand-building, a whirler is the perfect option - whereas delicate decorating work or work that needs a consistent spin would require a banding wheel. Many banding wheels also include ball bearings to allow for more controlled spinning.
Heavy-Duty Steel Whirlers
Heavy-duty steel options provide durability and strength and are heavy enough to provide a stable turning surface. A steel whirler offers smooth rotations, perfect for applying intricate designs to pottery, but can also handle the weight of larger clay work projects too.
Aluminium Whirlers
Aluminium whirlers are durable, but offer a more lightweight option compared to other products in the range. Aluminium options are perfect for studios due to less need for maintenance, and their corrosion-resistant material makes for great use in wet and moist environments.
However, they are also smaller and lighter - and especially so with hobby versions - making them perfect for hobbyists who can take their ceramics and tools with them on the go.
Cast-Iron Banding Wheels
Cast-iron banding wheels are the heavy-duty workhorses of the pottery world. With improved stability and heavier weight, this tool can last a lifetime and often appears in professional studios, though it fits just as naturally in a home setup. They feature ball bearings for smoother spinning, giving them effortless turning that is ideal for intricate painting and glazing. The surface of these wheels is flat and wide, and features grooves for easy centering of your work. Experienced Potters recognise Shimpo banding wheels for their exceptional cast-iron production.
Lining Wheels
Lining wheels are a more niche tool, built to assist with decorative precision. If you're aiming for smooth and precise rotation to help with creating consistent horizontal lines, they can be the secret weapon in your arsenal. While they are not ideal for shaping or sculpting, they are great for beginners looking to practice symmetry or brush control before they jump into larger equipment. Often, models include adjustable settings for convenience, letting you position your work at the right height before starting.
Why Choose Potclays?
At Potclays, we're a leading supplier and distributor of whirlers, banding wheels and lining wheels for pottery. Whether you're looking for an introductory option or something to kit out your studio, we have wheels available for every requirement. Browse our full collection to explore premium options from brands like Shimpo. We’re proud to be their exclusive authorised importer in the UK.
For more information or to discuss any bespoke requirements you may have, please do not hesitate to contact us.
