The Speedball B14 14-Inch Round Universal Pottery Wheel Bat is pretty adaptable, fitting nicely on different pottery wheels because of its universal design. According to the manufacturer's description, it’s made from injection-molded plastic with special ribs for extra strength, which folks generally find reliable. But, like everything, it has its quirks.
In our research, it turns out these bats are usually less prone to warping than wooden ones. Still, they're not completely warp-proof. Things like how you store them and the environment can really impact how long they last.
While the manufacturer talks up their toughness, we found that they can still warp if left in damp spots or stacked incorrectly. Some folks mentioned that only a few of their bats stayed unwarped, so it seems like storing them properly is key.
Another thing people noticed is some wobbliness, often due to warping. This wobbliness could make centering clay a bit tricky, which isn't ideal for your projects. To help keep them flat, it's a good idea to store them in a dry place and flat when they're not being used.
Also, sticking to the recommended weight limits and being gentle with lateral force during use can help maintain their shape. Keeping these tips in mind can help your bats last longer and perform better, which is what you'd want in a tool like this.
So, while the Speedball B14 Bat might seem simple at first, giving it a bit of extra care can keep it working smoothly across your pottery wheels without hassle.
