Been wanting to build a treadle lathe for awhile. I also need a workbench so I decided to combine the project.
I will begin with building the flywheel then proceed to the workbench and lathe frame. I have thrown around alot of ideas for the flywheel from a solid wood wheel to a wagon wheel design. I have finally came to the conclusion that a combination of wood and concrete will give the most bang for the buck. Thanks “Sparky” for some of the design help.
I started off the day with a quick visit to Lowe’s to get some pine lumber and concrete. The flywheel will be 3 foot in diameter and will be capable of housing a 1 to 1.5 inch drive belt. Today, I build the flywheel frame which will later hold a concrete filling. The flywheel frame is constructed of pine boards, 2×4’s and trim. I threw the trim into the pool for a few minutes to help with flexibility. This wood bending idea worked much better than I expected. I think the pictures will explain the flywheel design better than I can.
6 comments so far
John Gray
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2366 posts in 2056 days
#1 posted 1517 days ago
Are you going to used that galvanized pipe as an axle? This looks like it going to be an interested project, please keep us informed.
-- Only the Shadow knows....................
kiwi1969
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609 posts in 1613 days
#2 posted 1517 days ago
you mean like this? I had the same idea. Looking forward to this series.
-- if the hand is not working it is not a pure hand
John Gray
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2366 posts in 2056 days
#3 posted 1516 days ago
If anyone else is looking for information about these lathes here’s the reply I got when I inquired.
John,
I’ve never built one, so my opinion would be worthless. The go-to people on
this topic are Roy Underhill and Don Weber, both of whom work on these
machines all the time.
Roy’s writings on the topic are here:
http://blog.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/Footpowered+Lathe+And+Scrollsaw.aspx
Plus he discusses it in his new book.
Don Weber can be reached through his web site:
http://www.handcraftwoodworks.com/index.html
Sorry I couldn’t be any help.
—
Christopher Schwarz
Editor
Woodworking Magazine
-- Only the Shadow knows....................
badger
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62 posts in 1516 days
#4 posted 1516 days ago
Thank you very much for providing the link above, I’ve been wanting to build a treadle lathe. This is perfect.
As to the original poster, I wish you luck. I’ve built a “spring pole” lathe (using a bungie cord for the pole) and it was easy and fun.
You’re off to a good start.
-- "I'm just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe." -- Jango Fett
TopamaxSurvivor
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13194 posts in 1847 days
#5 posted 1515 days ago
I’m going to put yoiu on my buddy list to follow this!! I would like to build a spring pole lathe, but my knees are shot from spending 40 yeears on ladders :-(( Good luck with this project!
-- "some old things are lovely, warm still with life ... of the forgotten men who made them." - D.H. Lawrence Wake Up America!! Please read; http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/01/26-0
tresselk
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26 posts in 1940 days
#6 posted 1508 days ago
I had started to build one of these before I move a few years ago. Never got back to it though. I am very interested to see your process and end product. Good luck!
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