In 1978, the American Art Clay Company (AMACO) purchased the Brent pottery wheel company from Mr. Brent and took over manufacturing. Brent pottery wheels are often cited as “the world’s most popular wheel.” Soldner pottery wheels have a patented type of foot pedal that is highly sensitive to pressure and very smooth in its operation. This controller costs about three times as much as an SCR controller (the ones most often used), which contributes to the higher cost of the Soldner wheels. Soldner wheels are also known for their exceptional ability to handle huge amounts of clay on the wheel head. This line of wheels caters mainly to students, hobbyists, and those who want a very light, portable wheel. In the past, performance has been an issue with Creative Industry wheels, but recently the specifications have been upgraded. Shimpo pottery wheels are best known for their very quiet operation, and potters also say they have been pleased with good torque strength and smoothness of operation. Axner Pottery Supply was founded in 1978 by working potter Howard Axner. In 2006, the company merged with Laguna Clay Company. The Lockerbie kick wheel first became available during the mid-1960s and can be found in many educational institutions. In 2007, Lockerbie Manufacturing Company merged with Laguna Clay Company, which has taken over the manufacturing and marketing of these wheels. Laguna also manufactures a lighter-duty kick wheel under its own name. The Skutt company itself began in 1953, with the father-son team of Ralph and Neil Skutt’s production of the first multi-sided hobby kilns. The company continues to make ceramic and glass kilns, as well as their newer line of electric and kick wheels.
