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Choosing between the Nidec Shimpo Whisper-T and the RK-55 really comes down to how you plan to use your wheel at home. Both are excellent options for home potters — sturdy, reliable, and smooth to throw on — but they suit slightly different needs.

The first thing to consider is weight and portability. At 45kg, the Whisper-T is a solid, two-person lift. Once it’s in place, it feels incredibly stable — ideal if you’re making larger pieces or don’t need to move your wheel often. The RK-55, on the other hand, weighs just 23kg, making it easy to carry on your own or move around the house as needed. If you live by yourself or want the flexibility of shifting your wheel between spaces, the RK-55 may be the better fit.

Next is comfort at the wheel. The Whisper-T has five adjustable leg settings, and can even be set up as a tabletop wheel — perfect if you’re tall, petite, or simply want to customise your throwing posture. The RK-55 has a fixed height that suits most people (around 140–180cm), but it doesn’t adjust. If posture and long sessions matter, the Whisper-T gives you more flexibility.

Another key difference is noise. Both wheels run smoothly and quietly, but the Whisper-T really lives up to its name, clocking in at just 30dB. It’s so quiet you can throw while watching tutorials, listening to an audiobook, or with your dog curled up under the wheel — and you won’t disturb the rest of the household. The RK-55 is still quiet, but has a gentle hum in comparison.

You’ll also want to think about clay capacity. The Whisper-T can comfortably handle more than 20kg of clay, whereas the RK-55 maxes out at around 12kg and feels less stable above 2kg. If you’re mainly throwing mugs, bowls, and smaller pieces, the RK-55 is perfect. If you want the option of tackling larger work, the Whisper-T is the way to go.

Finally, there are a few practical points: the Whisper-T’s removable side wings make it easier to fit into smaller spaces or teach from the opposite side, while the RK-55 has a fixed worktable that gives you more room for tools but takes up more space. Power draw is another consideration — the Whisper-T uses 5A, so it’s best not to share its circuit with other appliances, while the RK-55 draws just 0.5A, making it friendlier if you’re running other things in the same room.

In short: if you value portability and simplicity, the RK-55 is hard to beat. If you want adjustability, stability, and ultra-quiet throwing, the Whisper-T is worth the extra lift.