Preview: The Foot Powered (Treadle) Lathe

How’s this for off center craftsmanship?

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9 Responses So Far to “The Foot Powered (Treadle) Lathe

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    Justin Brown says:

    Wonderful video. I used an ca.1810 flywheel lathe back in 1983 located in the single brothers house in Old Salem, N.C. It has a bed/treadle about ten foot in length and the wheel was mounted to the ceiling and made of wood with leather running down to the headstock. All forge-made parts, etc. I turned 16/4 walnut for a work table I reproduced for the Hezekiah Alexander house in Charlotte on that lathe. The table went in the reproduction kitchen out back of the big house and is used for cooking demonstrations. This video brought that lathe to mind. So glad to have seen it here at OCH. Ya’ll keep this up!

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    Dan Schafer says:

    That’s a Great vidio! I’d like to see more on self powered machines! Ive a kick flywheel that would like to use for a multi tool set up. The tools I’ve colleted are a lathe, 4″ jointer, still looking for more pulley drive tools to add. Doyou have any picture of person power equetment?

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    Vince Bobrosky says:

    WOW! What a wonderful tool to have built with old school craftsmanship. I would enjoy watching it normal speed.

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    Ken Strangward says:

    Got to say that was brilliant, very clever.
    Thank You

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    Jon Arcuni says:

    As an avid wood turner on a Shopsmith, this video was very exciting. It just goes to show that the old time ways work just as well, although they may take some more time. In any case, a foot operated lathe could be a sure cure for the fats. Loved the video. Thanks.

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    Bob Barnett says:

    That was just fun to watch. Thanks for sharing.

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    Glenn Holland says:

    What! No automatic duplicator? WOW, wish I could move that fast.

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    Tom Bolko says:

    Chris, Fantastic work in bringing back old tools. Barb and I created a Great Wheel Lathe and did demonstrations at Strawbery Banke and the Exeter Museum. Lots of fun to share traditional woodworking. Saw the pieces of a Treadle at the Strawbery Banke warehouse. Keep up the traditions. Tom Bolko

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    michele del monaco says:

    YOu’re really a genius! compliments, great!