The Shimpo Aspire is a tabletop pottery wheel.  It's lightweight, compact design makes it easily portable.  It has a 1/3 HP motor and 20 lb centering capacity.  The speed is controlled with a lever handle, operates from 0-230 RPM, and is non-reversible (CCW is standard).  

It is surprisingly quiet in operation and has a well-constructed feel.   Nice for traveling or toting around, demonstrations, etc.

Designed with the potter in mind, the VL-Lite is a belt-driven lightweight wheel.  “Lite” enough to carry (51 lbs out of the box) yet sturdy enough to throw on.  

Features an electronic controller for smooth steady speed control throughout the 0-250 RPM range.  12" aluminum alloy wheelhead with bat pins.  25 lbs centering capacity.  Remote speed control pedal, two-piece splashpan, workspace, 1/2 HP reversible motor, an automatic belt-tensioning system.  All for a “Lite” price.   vl-lite  vl-light

Two year warranty.  Overall dimensions: 22” x 28” x 21”  (Shipping Wt: 84 lbs)

Shimpo’s new VL-Whisper is “beyond perfect” and something to shout about!  It shares the same drive components and features with the RK-Whisper (direct-drive, brushless, 400 watt, ½ hp, DC motor with overload protection, electronic controller, 0-250 rpm’s, 100 lb. centering, reversible, high torque at all speeds), but adds so much more.  What, you ask? Take a breath and read on...  

Additional features include: Tri-pod design, built-in table, 14-inch wheel head, newly designed two-piece splash pan, banding wheel feature (wheelhead can spin freely), remote foot-pedal, adjustable height  with table-top position, modular components and compact storage.  (Kitchen sink optional ;-) 

All this in a maintenance-free, two-year warranty package.  There is no additional charge for the “Quiet” operation that the Whispers have become known for.  It's a “Quiet” that must be heard to be believed!  135 pounds.

The RK Whisper wheel resembles the classic Shimpo RK-10, but that is where the comparison stops.  This new design wheel features a brushless DC 1/2 hp motor with direct drive to the wheelhead.  It is VERY quiet!   Electronic speed control with fixed position foot pedal and hand lever.  

It is reversible and has a 12" wheel head.  Durable all-steel body.  Another nice feature is that at "0" rpm the wheel head can be turned freely without any resistance, so it can be used as a banding wheel.   RK style 2 piece splash pan is included.   Ship weight 135 lbs.