Speedball Artista Pottery Wheel
by Speedball
$1,070.00
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Speedball · Pottery Wheel · Tabletop
Speedball Artista Pottery Wheel
The Artista is Speedball's premium tabletop wheel designed for serious studio potters working in apartments, classrooms, or home studios where space is limited. With a powerful 1/3 HP motor and 25-pound centering capacity, it handles everything from delicate porcelain cups to substantial serving bowls. The reversible wheelhead and precision foot pedal give you professional control in a compact footprint that fits on any sturdy table.
Centering capacity25 pounds
Wheelhead diameter16 inches
Motor power1/3 HP
Power requirement110V household outlet
What’s included
16" reversible wheelhead
Cast aluminum wheelhead runs clockwise or counterclockwise for left- and right-handed throwing
Electronic foot pedal
Variable speed control from 0 to 240 RPM with smooth acceleration and instant response
Removable splash pan
14" diameter aluminum pan catches slip and water, lifts out for easy cleaning
1/3 HP direct-drive motor
Industrial-grade motor delivers consistent torque for centering up to 25 pounds of clay
Heavy-duty tabletop base
Reinforced steel frame with rubber feet provides stable throwing surface on any table
6-foot power cord
Standard 110V household plug—no special wiring required
Technical specifications
ModelArtista
Wheelhead diameter16 inches
Centering capacity25 pounds
Motor power1/3 HP (250 watts)
Speed range0–240 RPM variable
Rotation directionReversible (clockwise/counterclockwise)
Splash pan diameter14 inches
Overall dimensions18"W × 22"D × 12"H
Wheel weight52 pounds
Voltage110V AC, 60Hz
Amperage draw2.3 amps
Plug typeStandard 3-prong household (NEMA 5-15P)
Power cord length6 feet
Shipping weight62 pounds
Optional accessories
Bat system and bats
Pin-style or notched bat system with 14" plaster, Masonite, or plastic bats for easy piece removal
Splash pan extension ring
Increases splash pan depth to contain more slip when throwing larger or taller forms
Trim tool set
Metal ribs, wire tools, ribbon tools, and calipers for trimming and finishing thrown ware
Wheel-throwing sponges
Natural and synthetic sponges for smoothing, compressing, and absorbing water during throwing
Work table or stand
Dedicated wheel table with storage shelf—recommended minimum 24" × 30" surface, 28"–32" high
Bucket and sponge holder
Water bucket with sponge organizer mounts to table edge for convenient tool access while throwing
Common questions
What size wheel do I need? Is the Artista suitable for beginners?
The Artista is ideal for intermediate to advanced potters or serious beginners committed to regular practice. Its 25-pound centering capacity handles most functional pottery—mugs, bowls, plates, vases, and medium-sized serving pieces. If you're just starting out and want a lower price point, consider Speedball's Clay Boss (15 lb capacity). If you're throwing large sculptural work or production batches of heavy forms, look at the Big Boss (100+ lb capacity). The Artista hits the sweet spot: enough power for substantial work without requiring a dedicated studio space or floor stand.
Can I use this wheel on a kitchen table or do I need a special stand?
The Artista works on any sturdy table at least 24" × 30" with a solid top—kitchen tables, workbenches, or dedicated pottery tables all work. The wheel weighs 52 pounds and generates vibration during centering, so avoid lightweight folding tables or surfaces with significant flex. The table should be 28"–32" high so you can throw comfortably while seated. Many potters use an inexpensive steel utility table or build a plywood table with a lower shelf for clay and tools. You don't need an expensive dedicated wheel stand—just a stable surface.
How much clay can I center on the Artista? What's the practical throwing limit?
Speedball rates the Artista at 25 pounds centering capacity, which is the maximum weight the motor can handle continuously. In practice, most potters throw 3–10 pounds per piece—enough for dinner plates, large bowls, or quart-sized pitchers. You can center the full 25 pounds if you have good technique, but forms that heavy get difficult to lift and control on a 16" wheelhead. The 1/3 HP motor delivers consistent torque even with 15–20 pounds of clay, so you won't experience the stalling or slowdown common with less powerful tabletop wheels.
Is the wheelhead reversible? Can left-handed potters use this wheel?
Yes, the Artista wheelhead rotates both clockwise (for right-handed throwing) and counterclockwise (for left-handed throwing). A simple switch on the motor housing reverses the rotation direction. The foot pedal controls speed in both directions. Left-handed potters get the same performance and control as right-handed throwers—no compromise in torque or speed range. The splash pan and wheelhead setup are symmetrical, so tool placement works equally well for either rotation direction.
Does Peach State Pottery honor the Speedball warranty?
Yes. Peach State Pottery is an authorized Speedball dealer, so your wheel comes with the full one-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. You must register your wheel with Speedball within 30 days of delivery to activate warranty coverage. Wheels purchased from unauthorized resellers (Amazon third-party sellers, eBay, etc.) may not qualify for warranty service. If you have any issues with your Artista, contact us first—we'll help you troubleshoot or coordinate warranty service directly with Speedball.
Not sure if the Artista is the right wheel for your studio space?
We'll help you compare centering capacity, table vs. floor stand options, and studio power requirements.
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