Construct a Pole Lathe – Bookings Closed
This two day pole lathe making course takes you through the basic construction of two pole lathe designs, and some simple turning techniques to get you started.
The pole lathe is the fundamental piece of equipment for any budding greenwood worker or turner looking for a more ecological sustainable hobby.
The origin of turning dates to around 1300 BC when the Egyptians first developed a two-person lathe. One person would turn the wood with a rope while the other used a sharp tool to cut shapes in the wood. The Romans improved the Egyptian design with the addition of a turning bow. Early bow lathes were also developed and used in Germany, France and Britain. In the middle Ages a foot pedal replaced hand-operated turning still being the basic design we use today, freeing both the craftsman’s hands to hold the woodturning tools. The pedal was usually connected to a pole, often a straight-grained sapling. The system today is called the “spring pole” or “pole lathe“, Spring / pole lathes were in common use into the early 20th century and still in use today with the resurgence of greenwood crafts.
Basic hand woodworking tools will be used for the course, including panel saw, brace and bit, bench plane, draw knife and shave horse work, some basic practical skills would be an advantage, but not essential for the course.
We will be working outside under cover, so suitable clothes and foot wear should be worn.
By the end of the weekend you’ll be taking home a finished pole lathe which will pack up into a standard sized car boot.
Tutor: Craftsman Tony Eames of Earth Encounters
Fee: £130 per person (plus additional material costs of £115, to be paid either in cash on the day or in advance by bank transfer directly to Tony’s account. Let us know if you need the bank details).
NB. Bookings close on Monday 23rd September, to allow time to order and prepare materials.
Click here to read our terms and conditions of booking
You may also be interested in other creative workshops at Denmark Farm. Please see our events calendar for our full list.
Mae’r holl enillion o’n digwyddiadau a gwyliau’n cael eu hailfuddsoddi’n uniongyrchol i reoli ein gwarchodfa natur 40 erw. Diolch i chi am eich cefnogaeth a chofiwch ddod i ymweld â ni’n fuan.
All proceeds from our events and holidays are ploughed directly back into managing our 40 acre nature reserve. Thank you for your support and please do come to visit soon.
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event.
steve grudgings
says:wanted to book 2 spaces on this for me and my son
Mara
says:Hi Steve,
Yourself and your son are most welcome to join us for this course.
I will reply to your e-mail now.
Many thanks
Mara
Claire Waite
says:Hi Mara,
Please can you book me on the Pole Lathe Course
KR
Claire
Mara
says:Of course we can Claire. I’ll send you an e-mail tomorrow. Warmest wishes. Mara