Reviving Pottery Wheels with Regavolt® Variable Transformers

Today’s pottery wheels are often sleek, digital machines with programmable speed settings and touch-sensitive controls. But before the digital age, potters relied on analogue engineering to deliver smooth, responsive speed control - and one of the key components behind that control was the Regavolt® variable transformer.

These robust autotransformers were commonly used to regulate motor speed in pottery wheels, offering smooth and reliable performance for decades. We recently helped a customer restore their 45-year-old pottery wheel, originally powered by a Regavolt. When the original unit began to fail, we sourced and installed a new Regavolt, allowing the wheel to continue spinning with the same dependable performance it had always delivered.

Make Do and Mend: A Sustainable Approach to Equipment Restoration

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, there's no need to discard older equipment simply because it's not the latest technology. Many vintage pottery wheels were built to last - and with the right parts and expertise, they can be repaired, revived, and reused.

This approach reflects the timeless "make do and mend" philosophy:

• Reduce waste by keeping functional equipment in use
• Preserve craftsmanship and engineering heritage
• Extend the life of well-made tools and machines

Restoring older pottery wheels not only saves money - it also supports a more eco-conscious way of working.

Why Some Potters Still Prefer Analogue Over Digital

While digital wheels offer convenience and programmability, many potters still prefer the tactile control and responsiveness of analogue systems. Wheels powered by autotransformers like the Regavolt allow for stepless manual speed adjustment, giving artists a more intuitive feel during shaping and trimming.

Other reasons potters choose analogue wheels include:

• Reliability: Fewer electronic components mean fewer points of failure
• Quiet operation: Analogue controllers run smoothly and quietly
• Repairability: Components like variable transformers can be replaced or serviced
• Sustainability: Keeping older equipment in use reduces environmental impact

And for many, it’s not just about functionality - it’s about maintaining a connection to the tools that shaped their craft.

How Does a Regavolt Variable Transformer Work?

A Regavolt is a variable autotransformer that adjusts the voltage supplied to an AC motor. By turning a dial or using a foot pedal, the user can increase or decrease the voltage, which in turn controls the motor speed.

Unlike digital controllers, Regavolts offer:

• Smooth, stepless speed control
• Tactile feedback for precise adjustments
• Quiet, efficient operation
• Preserved sine wave power, avoiding electrical noise or distortion

This makes them ideal for potters who value hands-on control and a more intuitive connection with their tools.

Why Restoring Vintage Pottery Wheels Still Matters

Whether you're a studio preserving a beloved wheel or a hobbyist restoring a vintage gem, there's no need to replace what still works. With the right support, older pottery wheels can continue to serve artists for years to come.

Not everything old needs replacing, some things just need reviving.

Shop Regavolt variacs here