Treadle lathe

[Mike C]

I built this about 25 years ago out of sugar maple. It has three spindle-to-flywheel ratios: 5-1; 7.5-1 and 10-1. It is capable of both face and spindle work. It is 47" between centers, 5" swing over the toolrest and 7" over the ways.
Total weight is about 200 lbs. The flywheel rides in bronze bushings concealed in wooden pillow blocks. The headstock shaft is turned from 1" square steel and is supported by tapered roller bearings concealed in the headstock.
Beats a treadmill and is a lot more fun.
Mike C






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[Robert Wolfe]

Fantastic. Thanks for posting.

[KC]

That is an awesome piece of equipment. I've downloaded several different sets of plans for treadle lathes and spring pole lathes but none of them would look as nice as this one.

[davebozell]

Now that's quite a lathe!  An heirloom for sure.  I built one 15 years ago that will probably end up as firewood some day.  It's functional, but not the beauty that this one is.

[gunsmith507]

do you have plans for this lathe?

[stubshaft]

Thanks for sharing.  I remember 30 years ago when my floor was that clean!

[David R. Pennington]

Is the connecting rod from the treadle counterbalanced at the drive wheel?

[Mike C]

Sorry for my slow response. Gunsmith 507, I have one set of plans that could be reproduced. I would ask $20 for it.
David R. The counterweight is on the axle on it's own eccentric and opposite the crank. I did not put it on the rim because it would put the wheel out of balance. It is not quite heavy enough to completely offset the weight of the treadle.
Mike C

[KC]

Mike, I sent a PM a couple days ago, I’d be interested in a copy of those plans. Let me know the best way to get them, you can shoot me a PM. Thanks.
K.C.

[Craig Wilcox]

MikeC, that is an impressive piece of great workmanship!  What type wood did you use, and how are the ways holding up?  I also would like a set of plans, but just to hang on the wall.

Beautiful machinery is a blessing all on it's own.

[Mike C]

Thank you, Craig. It is almost entirely sugar maple. The treadle is yellow poplar to reduce weight. I will get some copies made tomorrow. Let me know your mailing address and I will get one in the mail this week.
Mike C