Several years ago I upgraded from an old noisy Shimpo RK to their RK Whisper model. It took a little while to get used to the silence, but now I really prefer it. Sometimes quiet contemplation is nice, and it's also better if you like to listen to music while you work.

You are welcome! So far I’ve have no complaint about the wheel. Out of my curiosity, how much did you pay for the over all cost? Is it in the Canada or US?

@@hsinchuen The only thing is that the shipping isn't properly clarified initially. I received an email later with the actual cost ($174.99 to Nevada). I am still very happy with the whisper quiet, powerful, well-engineered and professional product.

10 years maybe. Not sure about 30 years.

I don’t think so. All manufacturers have their own dimensions.

I am not a fan of the thousand little grooves either. Not the same problem like yours because I usually throw on the bats. I think they put the grooves intentionally but I prefer smooth surface for easier cleaning.

That’s exactly right. Cleaning off the wheel is a pain with all the grooves. Even after multiple wipe downs, there’s material left. Re: bats, I ended up buying a bat system but I want the option to be able to not use it all the time and I found that the grooves gripped onto the foot and wiring off left too much clay on the wheel. I’m probably too picky and I’m sure the Andromeda is a fine wheel for most people.

I google the price around $1200 for this model. They told me they have other budget models for around $900.

@@hsinchuen thank you!

Yes, I got it at the NCECA this year.

My initial test is good for the silence of the moving parts. The splash pan much sturdier than Shimpo. I only use for about a week, so we shall see when the wheel is aging and how it can still be still the same as the day I first got it.

@@hsinchuen Thank you for the response.

​I've been using an RK Whisper for a few years now. Absolutely love it, but Hsin is right about the splash pan. I've rarely had any trouble with bracing too hard, though. The only thing I wish was different is the small tool shelf. Other than that the wheel is built well. Very sturdy.

@@davezad Thanks! If I go with the whisper, I think I would opt for the VL, which I think addresses the shelf size issue, but my understanding is that the splash pan is the same as the one on the lite, which is definitely cheap compared to something like the Brent's. I have also read the the whisper wheel surface has some texture which makes it difficult/impossible to dampen the bottom and reattach a pot for trimming, which I often do. I wonder if the BTH addresses this as well?

My RK came with bat pins pre-installed, so I never work directly on wheel surface itself. Hsin makes those translucent yellow bats. They're fantastic. I have one that I use for all my trimming. You can attach pots with water. I'd recommend investing in one no matter what wheel you decide on. 🙂