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It's Alive! 01/15/2009
 

Well I've taken the first step toward learning my new skill for 2009. The lathe is done.  After 2 weekends and a few hours a few nights during the week, I have a very servicable spring pole lathe.

The bulk of the lathe was built from a single 2 x 12 x 16' piece of construction lumber. I was able to find a knot free piece in the 16' length so it was fairly easy to work. The remainder of the parts, the upper lever and the treadle boards were made from a piece of 1 x 6 pine. The poles are two 1-1/4" yellow pine poles meant for closet rods. These are usually found in the molding isle of the big box store. The collar around the two poles to adjust the tension is made from a half of a length of 1/2" copper pipe hammered flat, wrapped around the poles and then riveted together. The dead centers and axle for the upper lever were cut from a piece of 1/2" round mild steel bar. The tool rest is adjustable using a 1/2" carraige bolt. Everything required to build this lathe was purchased from the home center for a total of about $50. I think this lathe will be just the ticket for turning furniture parts and chair legs.

Now I just need to learn to turn!



 


Comments

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:46:45

Nice job on the lathe! I'm a newbie turner, too, but mine is a metal lathe, not a pretty wood one like yours. :o)

 

John Powers

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:22:44

First one I've seen that I understand how it went together. I can't wait to see your results.

 

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:40:29

Nice pole lathe, do you use it in your living room?

Stephen

 

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:59:40

Kari,
Thanks for the compliment. It was a lot of fun to build.

John,
I can't wait either! Though I'm sure my first few attempts won't be anything to wirte home about

Stephen,
Thanks! Actually the shop is connected to the family room. Small but cozy. It's nice because my girls can come in and "help out". It's much smaller than previous shops I've had in the garage or basement but I like it better. It has a window!

 

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 09:50:33

That's a fine looking lathe Bob.

THANKS for posting. Now, I know where to look for good plans. Gotta build one.

 

Aaron

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:43:57

Sweet lathe! I assume this is from the plans in Wedge and Edge? It looks exactly like the one Roy built. One of them is on my to do list. Nice work!!
Aaron, dertischlerblog

 

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:46:09

Yes! Man that thing is awesome! My lathe is more like a frankenbeast - yours is art! Nice job!

How is that treadle working out? I tried one similar to that, but I couldn't seem to keep it in one place. I ended up building a huge contraption that doesn't move, but is way too big (and heavy). I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts on the matter.

 

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:47:27

Aaron,
Thanks! Yes, it's from Wedge and Edge but he also built it in an episode of the WWS in 2004. I started planning to build it before wWedge & Edge came out but was thrilled to see the plans in the book just in time for me to start construction as there were a few dimensions I was unsure of when I was originally designing from the video and pictures I'd seen.

Dan,
Thanks! I haven't done much work on it yet as I'm still finishing up the cabinet doors of which I ruined the first set of frames. I've played with it a bit and the hinged board definately works better for me than Roy's single board. I couldn't get the hang of just doing it with a single board like he does. With this setup I can stand on one board and treadle the loose board with my other leg and it seems to work pretty good. I may need to make both boards a little longer though. Time and use will tell.

Bob

 



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