How to Measure Your Pottery Wheel (No Batt Pins)

Getting the right batt system starts with one thing: an accurate measurement of your wheelhead.

If your wheel doesn’t have batt pin bolts, those small metal bolts that stick up from the surface of the wheel,then you’re in the right place. This guide covers everything you need.

Why the measurement matters

Our Over-the-Wheel Batt Systems are designed to fit over the entire wheelhead. That means the diameter of the underside of the batt we cut to has to be right.

Too small, and the batt won’t go on at all. Too large, and you lose the stability you need when you’re throwing and it also wont be centered correctly. The target is a fit that’s just slightly bigger than the wheelhead, enough to go on and off easily, but tight enough to perform properly once the wheel is spinning and the wet batt rug is in place.

A small amount of movement when you first place the batt on is completely normal. That’s part of how the system works. Once you’re throwing, it will centre itself .

One important thing before you measure

Don’t rely on the manufacturer’s stated size for your wheel. It sounds like the logical shortcut, but it isn’t.

Wheelheads vary, even within the same model and make. Manufacturing tolerances and small production differences all mean the number on the spec sheet may not match the wheel sitting in your studio. Always measure your own wheel directly.

What you need

• A good metal ruler or tape measure, long enough to span the full diameter of your wheelhead. Please dont use
• Don’t try to use a ruler short than your wheelhead. The measuring device should be bigger that your wheelhead, otherwise it really difficult to get an accurate measurement and you’ll get to wrong size potentially.

How to take the measurement

This is the key measurement: the diameter of your wheelhead.

Measure straight across the centre of the wheel, from one edge to the opposite edge. The important thing is where exactly you measure to.

Measure from the outer left edge of the wheelhead to the right side of your wheelhead to give you the full width. If your wheel has a chamfer (a bevelled or angled edge), be aware that this can affect the measurement. We need the full diameter, not the flat top surface.

Take the measurement at least twice to make sure you’re consistent. And if you want to double-check your diameter, divide the circumference of your wheel by 3.142 — the result should match with maybe a very small difference, typically the circumference calculation will be a little larger due to the difficulty in getting an 100% accurate measurement. The video below will also show you how to get your measurements.

Once you have your measurement

Take a look at the size options on the product page. Select the size that matches your measurement. We have listed the majority of standard sizes on the website, these are also listed below: –

• 250mm
• 300mm
• 12″
• 305mm
• 310mm
• 340mm
• 350mm
• 14″
• 355mm

If your exact size isn’t listed, choose the Bespoke size and enter your wheel diameter on the product page. We’ll manufacture your batt to perfectly fit your wheel based on your dimensions.

A note on fit

When your batt arrives, it will be cut to be slightly larger than your wheelhead. This is intentional — it’s what allows it to go on and come off easily.

A small amount of movement when you place it on the wheel is expected and correct. Once you start spinning and the wet batt rug is in contact with the wheel, that movement disappears.

If something doesn’t feel right when your batt arrives, get in touch. If your batt is tight and doesn’t fit, please don’t force it onto your wheel as you may break it and then we won’t be able to exchange it. We’d rather help you get it right than have you throw with something that isn’t working.

Questions before you order? Email us at [email protected] or call +44 (0)1933 273 873. We’re always happy to help.