Pole Lathe

[BULLWINKLE]

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.

 

[sorcerertd]

All I can picture is this

 

[d_bondi]

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...

 

[Mike]

All I can picture is this

View attachment 379945

Now that's funny, hadn't seen it before.

Mike

 

[Mike]

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

 

[Curly]

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.

 

[egnald]

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.

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