We often get asked how easy it is to take your small pottery wheel on the go. Whether you want to get making outside in the garden, take your wheel along to craft fairs, workshops, or even pack it for a holiday, there are a few simple ways to do it.
We’ve pulled together a short list of what you’ll need and how to get everything set up for wheel throwing, wherever you please.
Please note: we haven’t been able to try and test all of these ourselves. We always recommend checking the details carefully and purchasing from reputable companies to make sure the products are safe and suitable for your pottery wheel. If you’re using battery packs or power banks, be sure to check things like the wattage, voltage and plug type are compatible with your wheel, and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines
Key Info Before You Begin
Before you purchase anything, it’s really important to know what your small pottery wheel needs to run safely and properly. Your wheel requires a 12V, 3A power source with a 2.1x5.5 barrel jack
Anything with different volts or amps won’t be compatible and may damage the motor or prevent the wheel from working altogether.
USB-C Power Banks & the Right Connection Cable
To power your pottery wheel on the go, a USB-C power bank is the most compact and convenient option — ideal for short sessions in the garden, at markets, or while traveling. But to make it work properly, you’ll need two things: the right power bank and the right connection cable.
Your wheel requires 12V, 3A to operate correctly. Many USB-C power banks can provide this, but only if they’re paired with a USB-C to barrel jack cable that properly requests 12V over USB Power Delivery (PD). This is critical — if the cable doesn’t force 12V, the power bank may default to 5V, which isn’t enough to run the wheel at full speed or torque.
Using an incorrect or underpowered cable can cause your wheel to run slowly or not turn on at all. We highly recommend choosing a PD-compatible USB-C to barrel jack cable designed specifically to deliver 12V, 3A. We’ve added a small batch of compatible cables to our shop — if you don’t already have one, you can purchase it from us directly or from any other major online retailer.
As for the power bank itself, make sure it:
• Supports USB-C PD (Power Delivery)
• Can deliver 12V at 3A
• Has a USB-C output port to connect your cable
While we haven’t tested all the models ourselves, we do use UGREEN power banks to power our wheel and charge our laptop on the go. Just be sure to check the full specifications before purchasing to ensure compatibility with your cable, power bank so that you can power the pottery wheel.
12V Power Banks
Some 12V-specific power banks or cigarette ligher adapter can also work well, as long as they meet the required 12V, 3A output and you purchase the correct cable adapter.
Power Stations
If you’re looking for more power and flexibility, a portable power station is a great option. These units are larger than power banks but offer much higher capacity — making them ideal for workshops, outdoor events, or shared studio spaces where longer run times or multiple wheels are needed.
Unlike USB-C power banks, most power stations include AC outlets, so you can use your wheel’s standard AC power adapter directly. This removes the need for a USB-C to barrel jack cable, but it’s still essential to read the manufacturer’s specs to ensure compatibility with your wheel’s power requirements.
Some higher-capacity models can even power up to 10 small pottery wheels at once, depending on the total output available.
While high-quality power stations typically start around £300, many top brands offer refurbished models at more affordable prices on Ebay — a great option if you’re looking to save without compromising on reliability.
A Note on Travel and Safety
If you're planning to travel with any kind of portable power supply, it's important to understand the rules around battery safety and transportation — especially when flying or attending public events.
- USB-C power banks typically use lithium-ion batteries and are often allowed in carry-on luggage, but most airlines restrict them to under 100Wh (watt-hours). Always check with your airline and confirm the capacity printed on the device.
- 12V power banks may use lithium-ion or LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) batteries. LiFePO₄ is more stable and less prone to overheating, but devices with these batteries still fall under strict travel regulations due to their high energy storage.
- Power stations often contain much larger batteries (frequently exceeding 300Wh), making them unsuitable for air travel. In some cases, they may also be restricted from indoor use at public events or shared venues due to fire risk or insurance policies. Always check with event organizers or venue managers in advance.
Battery Recalls and Product Safety
Be aware that some major brands have issued recalls on power banks due to overheating or fire risks. For example, Anker has recalled multiple models in recent years. Before purchasing any portable power source, especially second-hand or refurbished units, check the manufacturer’s website or your local product safety authority (such as gov.uk or cpsc.gov) to make sure the model hasn’t been recalled.
To stay safe when using batteries:
- Only use reputable brands
- Don’t leave batteries charging unattended
- Store batteries in a cool, dry place
- Avoid puncturing, crushing, or exposing batteries to extreme temperatures
