Recently my uncle asked whether I could help do a couple of pottery sessions with some elderly Bangladeshi folk in the community. I had only been around for six months and had no equipment to offer. He was chasing a hunch in that I had made him a pot while I was in Japan and had presented it to him on my arrival in London. To cut a long story short, his organisation has funding for such an experimental community project, which means…

He decided we needed a wheel to demonstrate some throwing technique to the elders as a way of inspiring them and perhaps giving them a go. The wheel we chose: A Discus Compact.

I was excited to test this little gem (I tend to believe most advertising), but slightly cynical as well. It came, I got it muddy, and…..wow. For people like me with little space, it is the ultimate throwing machine. It has high torque even at low speed and very quiet. Place it on a level surface and it remains stable. Little difference can be felt when throwing small pieces.

For those who might consider purchasing one, the foot pedal would make it feel more like a proper sit-down wheel, but is ultimately unnessessary as the hand dial works fine. I’m not an expert, but this little wheel really will surprise you. I haven’t tried to throw a large lump of clay on it yet. But I am told it will be fine.