Are you looking to add some bite-sized creativity in your day to day? Well, look no further than a mini pottery wheel. We’ve been on the hunt for the best mini wheel, and we’ve found a promising contender: the Vevor Mini Pottery Wheel. After diving into research on the best compact wheels out there, we decided to put the Vevor to the test to see if it really lives up to the hype.
From the unboxing and initial setup to putting it through its paces with actual clay work, we’ve explored every aspect of this tiny clay titan. We’re excited to share our insights, complete with a handful of handy tips for those of you looking to start your own mini pottery projects at home. So, how did the Vevor measure up? Keep reading to find out!
Vevor Mini Pottery Wheel Features
Despite its compact size, the Vevor Mini Pottery Wheel packs quite a punch with a suite of features. Here’s a detailed look at what’s included, along with our candid thoughts on each component.
- Two Turntables: The Vevor offers both a 2.6-inch and a 3.9-inch turntable. I mostly stick to the larger one, as it suits the roughly 0.25 lbs of clay I use for most projects. But it is great to have the flexibility to switch sizes depending on the project’s needs!
- Splash pan: This feature really sealed the deal for me—it’s surprisingly rare to find on smaller wheels. We do like that it catches all the splish-splash of pottery in action, though, I’ll admit, snapping it off without creating a mini mudslide is a bit tricky.
- Beginner’s Tool Kit: You get the usual suspects—ribs, loop tool, needle tools, and a sponge. And it’s a quality kit, too! But honestly? A mini wheel needs mini tools. Especially a tiny sponge on a stick would be a game changer for those hard-to-reach spots.
- Sculpting Tools: These tools are meant to act like tiny fingers for adding fine details. I find myself primarily using the ones with spherical ends, as they seem to be the most useful for the scale of work possible on this wheel.
Vevor Mini Pottery Wheel Quirks
Okay, full disclosure: there are DEFINITELY some learning curves with mini pottery. Namely, not having a foot pedal! It’s all in the knob for the Vevor—this wheel’s speed control is at your fingertips. It picks up a decent pace and holds steady, true to its “no shake” promise. But, because you manage everything with a twist of your fingers, which means the knob can get clogged with dried clay from your messy hands. It’s a small nuisance but keep a cloth handy to wipe down occasionally.
Another learning curve is that a very gentle touch is required. Push too hard, and the wheel might stop all together. Keep your touch light, and your clay ball small—we recommend not having more than 0.5 lbs of clay on this baby. It’s all about finesse with the Vevor, which might take a little getting used to.
But once you adjust to these idiosyncrasies, the possibilities are delightful. Whether you’re crafting miniature cups or petite vases, this wheel lets you create adorable, detailed pieces perfect for dollhouses or adding a touch of charm to your workspace. Stick with it, and soon you’ll be spinning out tiny treasures with ease!
Pro Mini Pottery Tips
Watch Your Base: It’s easy to wire off too much from the bottom of your pots when working on a small scale. To prevent this, keep your base thicker than you think you might need. A generous base size is crucial to avoid accidental break-throughs when shaping or trimming.
Elevation Is Key: Initially, I started out sitting and quickly realized I couldn’t see inside my pots at all. Switching to standing, or using a higher chair, was a complete game changer. It improved both visibility and control, allowing for more precise movements and better overall results.
Perfect Your Clay Ball: Begin with a smooth, even ball of clay positioned right in the center of the wheel. This setup minimizes the need to apply excessive pressure for centering. A well-centered ball lets you focus more on shaping your piece rather than fighting to keep it aligned.
Other Resources
Small Ceramics Tutorials: Start with their quick guides on the basics—like centering and opening up forms.
Gawe Ceramics Tutorials: In this video, Gawe Ceramics shows off some neat tricks to throw a mini ceramic bowl. We particularly like this needle tool they use to open their pieces, and how they shape their piece with the wooden knife. Check it out!
Calder van Andel tutorials: Feeling ambitious? Calder van Andel walks you through making a mini mug, handle and all!
The Final Verdict on The Vevor Mini Pottery Wheel
Absolutely, go for it! At just $40, this mini pottery wheel offers a mix of fun and the right kind of frustration—the kind that leads to adorable tiny pottery pieces. It’s an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the workings of a pottery wheel right in the comfort of your own home. Once you master its quirks, there’s no limit to the creative pieces you can spin up. So, are you ready to start your mini pottery adventure? Grab this wheel and let the good times roll!
Leave a Reply