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Treadle Lathe

Hi all.

Last year, having way too much time on my hands, and some old 2X12's laying around, I made a treadle lathe. I used the 2X12;s and made a 3-ply wheelwhich I mounted on a steel pipe for an axle, put it up between 2 risers and with a grinder motor, got it to turn and turned and sanded the outside so it was round, with a groove in the middle. I used a third riser at the end and a couple of 2X12's (cut down to 2X6) for a bed, and held the thing together with 4" deck screws. I cobbled a treadle together and welded a pitman arm on the end of the pipe-asle. I used a belt to drive a cylinder that I "turned" from a an old piece of a maple tree and mounted it to another steel pipe that I welded a chuck to. For a tailstock, another chunk of 2X12 (again, cut down) and a steel rod that I ground a point onto. The tailstock moved back and forth to allow for different lenghts of wood.

Well, the thing actually worked, blew my mind. I ended up taking it apart as I was only making shavings and I needed the room more than I needed a half-assed lathe. I am planning on re-doing the project, but this time with some nice, properly dimensioned hardwoods (probably maple), and a properly-made tailstock with a moveable point (maybe even a hollow point!), as well as using a set of reduction pulleys to allow for higher speeds.

Has anyone ever built a treadle lathe, and what exsperiences/insight could you share.

Cheers,

Derek <

Reply to
derekd
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Hi Derek.

I've been active in the Society for Creative Anachronisms for twenty mumble, mumble years. The SCA recreates loosely the arts, crafts and activities in the middle ages. I've tried out a few treadle, and hand cranked, lathes over the years but too lazy to use one in my shop. They are fun to demonstrate to the crowds of mundane folk at renassaince faires. Just keep the tools sharp and make light cuts.

Consider doing a websearch for "SCA treadle lathe" if you want to folks who been there done that. Or the ones who enjoy researching the technology of medievil times.

like;

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I hope the day finds you well Bernadette

Reply to
Doc Font

speeds.

Reply to
mike

dito

or not so loosely (depending on who you are)

You aren't the only one....

Reply to
Ralph E Lindberg

Not treadle, but some ideas available at :

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Reply to
George

Thanks to all who answered. I like the idea of later changin it to an electric motor (that "getting old thing"), but I also like the idea of foot-power. I am going to be turning pipes and whistles, fifes and other tube-type thingys. I need a chick and steady rest for boring the holes (with a gun-drill), and a hollow tailstock to feed said gun drill.

I recall one of the the lathes on the net having two pedals so that the operator could sit while working the machine.

Derek <

Reply to
derekd

Make sure you post a link to pictures when done. Know that I would like to see them.

I need a chick and steady rest for boring the holes (with

Well if you get a "chick" to help in that way let us know. Maybe we are all missing an opportunity. :-) Understand the need for "steady rest" if the idea works out. :-) Does SWMBO know about this idea?

( Sure you meant chuck - but it reads better this way. :-)) )

Maybe it was so the "chick" could help. :-)

Reply to
Will

The dental plan could be pretty expensive, though.

Reply to
George

hee hee Derek <

Reply to
derekd

Hello Derek I build one out of one 2" x 4"x96" at our 2x4 Challenge, it is just for looks but it works. It is like a Meccano toy, you can take it appart, wooden screws and all. We could use glue only, no fasteners. you can see at

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Reply to
myrmac2000

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Only one word - Incredible!

Reply to
George

Terrific job, looks like a lot of fun to make. mike

Reply to
mike

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