Pronunciation: [kˈɪk wˈiːl] (IPA) 
The word "kick wheel" is spelled with the letter 'k' followed by the vowel sound 'i' as in 'bit', 'c' as in 'cat' and 'k' once again. The second word, 'wheel', is spelled with the vowel sound 'ee' as in 'see', the consonant sound 'w' as in 'we', the vowel sound 'e' as in 'me' and the consonant sound 'l' as in 'bell'. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /kɪk wiːl/, with stress on the first syllable.
A kick wheel is a type of pottery wheel that is operated manually by a potter, using their foot to provide rotational power. This traditional method of wheel throwing, dating back thousands of years, involves the potter sitting or standing on the wheel platform and kicking a large flywheel attached to the wheelhead. The rotational force generated by the potter's foot kick is transferred through the flywheel and transmitted to the spinning wheelhead.
Kick wheels are typically made from wood or metal, and their design and construction can vary depending on the region and type of pottery being produced. They are commonly used in traditional and artisanal pottery studios, providing a more hands-on and intimate connection between the potter and the clay.
The use of a kick wheel requires a skilled potter who possesses the ability to control the speed and momentum of the wheel by adjusting the force and rhythm of their kicks. This manual control allows for a greater level of precision and control over the shaping and forming of the clay, compared to electric or motorized pottery wheels.
Although kick wheels have been largely replaced by electric or motorized wheels in modern pottery studios, they are still appreciated and used by many potters for their traditional charm, tactile experience, and the connection they offer to the ancient craft of pottery making.
The word "kick wheel" originates from the combination of two separate terms: "kick" and "wheel".
The term "kick" is derived from the Middle English word "kiken", which means "to strike with the foot". It has Old Norse origins, with the word "kikna" meaning "to bend back". The action of kicking involves forcefully striking something using the foot.
The term "wheel" refers to a circular object that spins on an axis. In this context, it refers to the wheel used for pottery making.
Therefore, the term "kick wheel" describes a pottery wheel that is rotated by physically kicking a mechanism attached to the wheel, thereby causing it to spin.
