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Used Brent Pottery Wheel Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
Used Brent Pottery Wheel Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy /used-brent-pottery-wheel-buying-guide/
Buying a used Brent pottery wheel can be an excellent way to get professional-quality ceramic equipment without paying the full price of a new wheel.
However, not every used pottery wheel is in the same condition.
Before buying a used Brent, you should inspect the motor, wheel head, foot pedal, belt, controller and overall condition.
Why Buy a Used Brent Pottery Wheel?
Brent wheels are designed for demanding studio use, and the current lineup includes models such as the B, C and CXC.
A used wheel can make sense for:
- Home potters
- Ceramic students
- Professional artists
- Pottery studios
- Schools
- Community art centers
The biggest advantage is usually price.
Check the Wheel Head
Start with the wheel head.
Turn the wheel on and watch it carefully.
The wheel head should rotate smoothly without obvious wobbling.
Also check:
- Wheel-head surface
- Bat pins
- Scratches
- Rust
- Dents
- Unusual movement
Current Brent C and CXC models use 14-inch cast-aluminum wheel heads.
Test the Foot Pedal
The foot pedal is extremely important.
Gradually increase the speed and then slow the wheel down.
The wheel should respond predictably.
If the wheel continues turning when the pedal is released or does not reach the expected speed, the pedal or controller may need attention.
Brent provides specific adjustment procedures for foot-pedal problems, including situations where the wheel continues to rotate when the pedal is in the off position.
Listen to the Motor
Turn the wheel through its speed range.
Listen for:
- Grinding
- Squeaking
- Knocking
- Thumping
- Growling
- Unusual vibration
Unusual noises can indicate that the wheel requires service.
Inspect the Belt
The drive belt is another important component.
If the motor is running but the wheel head is not rotating, the belt may be off the pulleys or broken. Brent’s troubleshooting documentation specifically addresses this problem.
Ask the seller whether the belt has recently been replaced.
Check the Controller
Older Brent wheels may have different controller designs.
AMACO provides troubleshooting resources for older silver-face controllers as well as black toggle-box controllers, so identifying the controller can help determine the age and service requirements of a used wheel.
Ask for a Demonstration
Never buy a used pottery wheel without seeing it operate if you have the opportunity.
Ask the seller to:
- Turn it on.
- Run it slowly.
- Increase the speed.
- Reduce the speed.
- Demonstrate reverse operation.
- Apply some pressure to the wheel head.
- Demonstrate the foot pedal.
This can reveal problems that aren’t obvious from photographs.
Is an Old Brent Wheel Still Worth Buying?
It can be.
Age alone does not determine whether a pottery wheel is a good purchase.
Condition, maintenance, replacement parts and how the wheel operates are more important considerations.
Brent continues to provide replacement components and technical resources for its equipment, which can be helpful when maintaining older wheels.
Final Used Brent Buying Checklist
Before purchasing, check:
☐ Wheel head
☐ Motor
☐ Foot pedal
☐ Controller
☐ Belt
☐ Forward/reverse operation
☐ Speed control
☐ Electrical cord
☐ Splash pan
☐ Frame
☐ Unusual noise
☐ Vibration
☐ Rust or damage
A properly maintained used Brent pottery wheel can be an excellent investment.
If you’re searching for a used Brent pottery wheel for sale, compare the asking price with the wheel’s condition and any repairs it may require.
