Pole Lathe

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BULLWINKLE

BULLWINKLE

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Nov 8, 2010
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I have a mini Jet lathe that suits my needs for the small stuff I turn.
I'd like a full size lathe but can't justify the expense. I've been curious about building a pole lathe (foot powered). Does anyone here have experience with using one? If so, any suggestions, thoughts etc would be appreciated. Thanks
There are websites that have free plans to build one.
 
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All I can picture is this

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Have you looked on Facebook Marketplace?

I see many old full size wood lathes on there. Most are old Craftsman, Grizzly, Central Machinery, etc... but some are very reasonably priced...
 
I live in Albuquerque and see wood lathes on Craigslist pretty often. There was an ad for a Jet VS with stand, some nice chisels, chucks, etc. for a great price a couple months ago. I see the Shopsmith lathes more often, but know little about them.

Mike
 
I stumbled across this on another forum. https://www.popularwoodworking.com/article/roy-underhills-double-spring-pole-lathe/

I also remember in an old, as in black and white, Fine Woodworking magazine there was a guy that used a rear wheel hub from a single speed bicycle to drive the spindle.

Generally pole lathes were used to work green wood because of the limited power in your stomper, mostly for simple chairs and treen (kitchen wares). If you are really into it there is an association in England devoted to green woodworking. https://www.bodgers.org.uk

I would also recommend looking for a used lathe in all the usual places and if you can find a turning club or woodworking club near you join it. A member I've known for a while in a local club knew I had a Nova 3000 and didn't want his so he gave it to me. Now I have two to go with the two Grizzly midi lathes. You never know when you will run across a good deal or be the benefactor of another's generosity.
 
Curly said:
I stumbled across this on another forum. https://www.popularwoodworking.com/article/roy-underhills-double-spring-pole-lathe/

I also remember in an old, as in black and white, Fine Woodworking magazine there was a guy that used a rear wheel hub from a single speed bicycle to drive the spindle.

Generally pole lathes were used to work green wood because of the limited power in your stomper, mostly for simple chairs and treen (kitchen wares). If you are really into it there is an association in England devoted to green woodworking. https://www.bodgers.org.uk

I would also recommend looking for a used lathe in all the usual places and if you can find a turning club or woodworking club near you join it. A member I've known for a while in a local club knew I had a Nova 3000 and didn't want his so he gave it to me. Now I have two to go with the two Grizzly midi lathes. You never know when you will run across a good deal or be the benefactor of another's generosity.
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I think Roy Underhill is a cool woodworker. I don't have a picture of him in my shop, but I do have a picture of Norm Abram. I remember an old Stumpy Nubbs and Moustache Mike video about who would win in a fight between Roy and Norm. I think Roy would win since Norm has to buy all of his tools and needs electricity, but Roy would just fire up a forge and build his tools, no electricity required. (The jokes on the video were much funnier!) 😁 Dave

Edit: Here is a link to the Stumpy Nubbs YouTube. - Dave
 
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Thanks to everyone for the information. I didn't know that pole lathes are for green wood. I will check the recommendations for finding a good deal on a used lathe.
 
BULLWINKLE said:
Thanks to everyone for the information. I didn't know that pole lathes are for green wood. I will check the recommendations for finding a good deal on a used lathe.
Click to expand...
Yes they're for green wood. As an amateur Bodger myself it's good exercise and you learn to be ambidextrous really quickly . I'm the one in green at 1-37 or so


On the bright side it's good exercise. Great for shavings( really impressive ones) . Little dust . You do need a shave horse , axes and splitting wedges ( makes life easier) to prepare the wood for turning. You get to make your own tools and carbon steel tools work well. You can't blue a tool whilst turning ( you would be blue first ) . Impressively healthy to demonstrate if done outside. Encouraging audience participation is also great fun

Down side is it's slower than power turning , dry wood is difficult but not impossible, Finishing is more challenging for sure.
 
Sounds like fun but a lot of preparation, extra tools etc.
Makes me appreciate the skills needed but I think I'm gonna stick to power lathe. Looking for a good deal on used equipment.
Thanks for your reply and all the good information.
 
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