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I still remember the first time I sat down at a Nidec Shimpo pottery wheel, ready to throw, and realised the splashpan had not been assembled properly.

It rocked, flopped around, and made centering clay much harder than it needed to be. I tried to fix it, but I had no idea how the pieces were meant to fit together.

Before buying our range of Nidec Shimpo pottery wheels for potter&dabble rentals, I was shown how to assemble and remove the splashpan properly — and honestly, I could not believe how simple it was once I knew how.

Now, every time someone picks up a pottery wheel rental, I take the time to show them how the splashpan fits together, how to remove it for cleaning, and how to put it back on again.

This guide is here as a handy reference, so you can check the steps whenever you need.

On our potter&dabble rental wheels, we label each side of the white splashpan to make setup easier:

• Splashpan A
• Splashpan B

If you are using one of our rental wheels the Splashpan A and B will make sense. If you are reading this guide for your own Nidec Shimpo wheel, your splashpan won't be labelled. You can still follow the steps and use the photos to work out which side is which.

1. Find Splashpan A

On our potter&dabble rental wheels, we label each side of the white splashpan to make setup easier. Start by finding the side labelled Splashpan A.

If you are using your own Nidec Shimpo wheel, your splashpan may not be labelled. You can still follow the photos and use the shape of each piece to work out which side is which.

2. Locate the lip

On Splashpan A, find the small lip at the base of the splashpan.

3. Locate the groove

On the left-hand side of the wheelhead, slide the lip under the groove. The groove is located at the base of the wheelhead.

If it does not fit snugly, check that the splashpan is not caught on the bolts.

4. Find Splashpan B

Slide the lip of Splashpan B beneath the groove on the right-hand side of the wheelhead.

5. Connect Splashpan A and B

Slide the edge of Splashpan B under the edge of Splashpan A. This needs to be done on a slight angle so the two pieces fit snugly together.

6. Lock the splashpan in place

Sitting on the potter’s stool, move the splashpan around until the join of Splashpan A and Splashpan B is in front of you.

You should hear a small click, and the splashpan should feel secure. If it wobbles or feels loose, start the assembly again.

After throwing, remove any larger pieces of clay from the splashpan and return them to your clay bucket or recycling container.

To remove the splashpan, pull each side of the splashpan outwards to unlock the join, then lift each side away from the wheelhead. Make sure you remove any slip or remaining water beforehand, as this can go everywhere.

Clean both pieces with a sponge and water, then dry them before packing the wheel away or returning your rental.

The splashpan is not leakproof and is not designed to hold large amounts of water, so please empty and clean it regularly while throwing.

Please do not pour clay water down the sink — clay can settle in pipes and cause blockages.