Shimpo VL-Whisper Pottery Wheel
The Shimpo VL-Whisper is a premium pottery wheel designed for potters who want powerful, precise throwing performance without the noise associated with traditional belt-driven wheels. Its direct-drive DC brushless motor eliminates belts and delivers exceptionally quiet operation while maintaining smooth speed and torque under changing loads. With a 100 lb centering capacity and a 14-inch wheel head, the VL-Whisper is an excellent choice for serious home studios, classrooms, community studios, and professional potters.
The VL-Whisper provides electronically controlled speeds from 0 to 250 RPM and can rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise, making it suitable for both right- and left-handed potters. The adjustable legs allow you to set the wheel at a comfortable working height, while the legs can also be removed when tabletop use or compact storage is desired. At zero RPM, the wheel head turns freely and can be used as a banding wheel, adding another useful function to this versatile pottery wheel.
For potters who work in a home or shared studio, the quiet operation is one of the VL-Whisper's biggest advantages. The beltless direct-drive design eliminates belt noise and unwanted rotation when the pedal is released. The result is a smooth, responsive pottery wheel that gives you excellent control while throwing, centering, trimming, and working on larger forms.
Whether you are an experienced ceramic artist, a serious student, an instructor, or a home potter looking for a long-term wheel, the Shimpo VL-Whisper combines quiet operation, responsive speed control, substantial centering capacity, and flexible setup in one professional pottery wheel.
Shimpo VL-Whisper Specifications
| Model |
VL-Whisper |
| Manufacturer |
Nidec-Shimpo |
| Drive System |
Direct Drive DC Brushless Motor |
| Motor |
1/2 HP, 400 W, AC 115V, 60 Hz |
| Speed Range |
0–250 RPM |
| Speed Control |
Remote Foot Pedal |
| Wheel Head Direction |
Clockwise / Counter-Clockwise |
| Wheel Head Diameter |
14 inches |
| Centering Capacity |
100 lbs. |
| Wheel Head Material |
Light Alloy Casting |
| Bat Pins |
Wheel head drilled for bat pins |
| Dimensions |
23 1/8" x 27 1/2" x 22 3/4" |
| Weight |
120 lbs. |
| Ship Weight |
147 lbs. |
| Legs |
Adjustable and removable |
| Warranty |
5 years |
Additional Information
The Shimpo VL-Whisper is designed for both serious home studios and professional ceramic environments. Its adjustable legs allow the wheel to be positioned for different throwing heights, and the legs can be removed when the wheel needs to be stored or used on a tabletop.
The direct-drive design eliminates the belts found on conventional belt-driven pottery wheels. This provides extremely quiet operation and allows the wheel head to stop immediately when the pedal is released. The wheel head can also turn freely at zero RPM, making the VL-Whisper useful as a banding wheel for certain decorating and finishing applications.
For best results and to help protect the aluminum wheel head, Nidec-Shimpo recommends using a bat between the clay and wheel head whenever possible, particularly when working with high-acidic clays.
Safety Warning: This product may be harmful to a person with a pacemaker. Serious injury or death could occur. Consult a physician before using this product.
Shimpo VL-Whisper Resources