Shimpo RK 3E Pottery Wheel

Shimpo RK 3E Pottery Wheel: The all-round studio wheel with height-adjustable legs

The RK 3E is considered the most popular all-round wheel among Shimpo’s models for studios and training centers, and for good reason: it shares the brushless, beltless direct-drive motor of the RK 3D, but features two decisive extras. First, a larger 350 mm wheel head for more surface area. Second, and this is the real practical difference from the RK 3D, height-adjustable, removable legs that can be extended in 25.4 mm increments from 889 to 939 mm.

Why the RK 3E is the right choice

In studios with multiple users of different heights or in classrooms where people work sometimes sitting and sometimes standing, the height adjustment pays off immediately, as no one has to settle for a fixed seating position. Together with the larger wheel head and the familiar silence of the direct drive, the RK 3E becomes the top choice for educational facilities and ambitious studios purchasing a wheel to be shared by many hands.

Features & Benefits

• Height-adjustable, removable legs: 889 to 939 mm, in 25.4 mm increments, ideal for changing users.
• Brushless direct drive: no belts, no vibration, minimal maintenance.
• 45 kg centering capacity with constant torque throughout the entire speed range.
• Large Ø 350 mm wheel head for more workspace for large pieces.
• Instant stop without coasting; wheel head can be used as a banding wheel.
• Reversible: clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation selectable.

Technical specifications at a glance

• Motor: 400 W, 230 V, single-phase
• Centering capacity: 45 kg
• Speed: 0 to 250 rpm, infinitely variable
• Wheel head: Ø 350 mm, light alloy casting
• Legs: height-adjustable 889 to 939 mm, removable (can also be used as a tabletop model)
• Weight: 54 kg (shipping weight approx. 61 kg)
• Dimensions (L×W×H): 702 × 590 × 580 mm

Scope of delivery

• 1x Shimpo RK 3E pottery wheel (motor, wheel head, and foot pedal are built-in)
• 1x height-adjustable, removable stand frame
• 1x two-part splash pan
• 1x power cord
• 1x user manual

Suitable accessories

For an ergonomic seating position at the wheel, simply select "With stool" above: a height-adjustable potter's stool (seat height 48 to 66 cm, washable plastic seat).

For flexible work with large and small pieces, select "With bat system" above: a Ø 300 mm bat system (255 mm hole pattern, suitable for Shimpo) including master bat, insert bats in 100/150/200 mm, and adapters for tool-free changing of the work surface, without deforming the piece.

Important: The bat system requires a wheel head with bat pins.

• When purchasing new: Select "With pins" above, a factory modification (drilling, 2 pins with wing nuts, and a suitable MDF bat) that retrofits the existing wheel head.
• For a wheel already purchased: Use our lightweight cast wheel head (350 mm) in the "With pins and MDF bat" version for direct replacement, without needing a workshop visit.

Other suitable options include Lindemann bat systems as well as plastic bat system inserts and interchangeable bats, each with the standard hole pattern suitable for Shimpo (254 mm / 2 pins).

Practical workshop accessories: The vessel lifter makes it easier to remove freshly thrown pieces from the wheel head, and the clay centering tool provides support for clean clay centering. For a replacement or second splash pan, choose the version that matches your model on our splash pan page.

Which Shimpo wheel is right for me?

If a fixed, non-height-adjustable leg construction and a smaller 304 mm wheel head are sufficient for you, you can save money with the technically identical RK 3D. For less centering capacity at a significantly lower price, it is worth looking at the Whisper T or the RK 55.

Questions?

Not sure if the RK 3E is the right wheel for your project? Just send us a message using the contact form. We are happy to advise you.