Make a Pole Lathe in a Weekend ~ FULLY BOOKED

This 2 day pole lathe making workshop takes you through the basic construction of two pole lathe designs, and basic turning techniques to get you started. 

The pole lathe is one of the basic pieces 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 skill 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.

Tutor: Craftsman Tony Eames of Earth Encounters

Fee: £120 waged / £100 unwaged or low waged / per person (plus £20 for materials payable on the day).