© DLK Developments Ltd.
The Discus Potters Wheel was invented and patented by Les Dilks, a Rolls Royce trained engineer and former chief designer for Craven Tasker, part of the John Brown Group, until he formed his own company - DLK Design Associates where he worked for many leading names in UK engineering. Prompted by his sister, who ran a well known pottery supply company and his own interest in potting Les set out to design a wheel, initially for the disabled, but the need for a better wheel, one that could be put away after use, stacked or stored in a cupboard or hung on the wall, that would be lightweight and could sit on a table but would be as powerful as the big bulky old fashioned models on offer seemed to appeal to everyone.
The breakthrough came with the arrival of 'pancake' motors these flat electric motors had been made for some years but could not match conventional electric motors in power or output - now new developments in Japan and the UK had made them the equal or superior to conventional electric motors, this combined with developments in electronic control systems derived from the American space research programme meant that the problems of finite control - down to a fraction of a revolution per minuite could be achieved without loss of power. This small motor had the power to turn 85lbs of clay whilst maintaining full torque - Les set about building a prototype and applied for world wide patents.
The engineering world acclaimed his success and our photograph shows Les (right) and Professor Heinz Wolf at the Innovation 2000 Award ceremonies, the Discus went on to win the prestigous 'Worshipful Company of Turners Silver Award' before being put into limited production. Some 25 models were hand made and supplied to UK and continental potters, feedback and development continued and in 1999 Smith of Derby, long established tower clock manufacturers and precision engineers took over manufacture and development of the Discus on a commercial basis, undertaking production engineering and detailed improvements to meet world wide demand from America and Korea.
Now the Wheel has come full circle and following a major upturn in the demand for tower clocks and the reorganisation of Smiths to concentrate on their core business, Les has taken over the production and distribution of the Discus, new versions to cater for all requirements have been developed - all utilise versions of the unique Discus motors and controls, providing a range of prices and specifications from hobby to professional to meet every need including new designs for the disabled operated by arm or mouth - everyone should have access to a Discus and the pleasure of creating your own works of art.