One of the things I would like to build this year is a pole lathe. I had originally wanted to build a treadle lathe, but right now I am too busy to take on a project like that. So I figure a pole lathe would be a fun project that would be relatively simple to build in my spare time.
Basically I am thinking of something simple that could be build with the scrap 2×4′s I have out in the shed. From what it seems you can build a pole lathe from just about anything and it will work.
Here is one sort of like what I was thinking of building.
The other thing I will need is turning tools. I have heard mixed things about tools and thought I might ask to see if anyone has suggestions. I have read that the tools for powered lathes typically are not what you want for a foot powered lathe. Is this correct? Are there certain tools that I should have that I could forge on my own?
Thanks,
Dave
Hi. I also have built a pole lathe (bungee cord powered). I am hoping to finally start learning to use it now that I have some fresh wood and time.
Like you I have read differing opinions on the tools. My current plan is to grind my power lathe gouge to a lower (25 degree?) angle and try that. It sounds like we will have to keep the tools wicked sharp.
Cool. I would be interested in seeing photo’s of your lathe if you get a chance to post about it. Also I will check into the lower angle tools and see what I can learn.
Thanks,
Dave
Hi Dave, I have been thinking along similar lines so will be interested to see what you come up with. All the best for 2013, Rob
Thanks. I will be sure to post about my lathe when I get started on it.
http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/store/item/IT-CSPOLE.XX/Search/carbon%20turning%20tools/Carbon_Steel_Pole_Turning_Tools
Supposedly at the lower speeds, you want a sharper tool, and you don’t need the heat resistance of the high speed steels, Thus a carbon steel tool. This set comes with a 2 inch chisel, which is weird because I’ve never seen a turner use a flat chisel to turn before. Skew Chisels, sure.
Thanks for the link. Those look like nice tools and they are very reasonably priced as well. Those will give me some idea of what to make if I decide to go that route.
I built a pole lathe this past summer and have been using my modern HSS and Carbide tipped tools with it. Moreover I volunteer at a living history museum where we have O1 steel tools. I have only used those tools on a treadle lathe so it isn’t quite an apples to apples comparison but the lower rpms are consistent from continuous motion to reciprocating motion lathe. Honestly I haven’t seen much difference. The key as always is to have sharp tools. With the wood spinning much slower than on an electric lathe sharpness is paramount. The way I see it, HSS and Carbide stay sharp longer and while technically O1 can be honed to a sharper edge, I haven’t experienced any drawbacks with a modern steel. However, when it comes to bowl turning I do believe a user made hook tool will work more efficiently and in this instance I don’t know of anyone making such a thing commercially.
Good luck with your lathe.
I would be interested in seeing pictures of your lathe. I have quite a bit of O-1 round stock on hand that I could use for making different sizes of fingernail gouges by milling the profile and then grinding the tip. I could also forge some out into a skew or chisel. O-1 is pretty good steel. I like the fact that it is more easily sharpened.
I saw a video with Ben Orford where he had a few homemade tools for bowl carving. I will consider making one of those at some point.
Thanks,
Dave
Hi Dave,
The theory with different tools for a foot-powered lathe is that the steel benefits from being a bit sharper with the slower turning speeds. High-carbon steel can be used in this case, instead of HSS, to not only attain the sharper edge but also not have to worry about heat buildup as on a motor-driven lathe which may draw the temper from the steel. Have a look at the turning tools at Tools for Working Wood that are specifically designed for pole lathes –> http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/store/dept/WIT/item/IT-CSPOLE.XX/Carbon_Steel_Pole_Turning_Tools.
As far as forging your own, that’s good news because you can use plain high-carbon steel and they should work just fine.
Good luck with your lathe!
-Eric
Thanks for the link. Those do look like nice tools. I have some coil spring from overhead doors that range from 1/2″ to 1/4″ diameters. Have have made quite a few small carving tools with it that hold up well. I also have a fairly large stock of O-1 in all sizes of rounds up to 1.5″. I might try the high carbon spring steel first as it was free and has worked well in the past for other tools.
Thanks,
Dave