My initial turning results were less than perfect. My gouge was a little dull; I hadn't counter balanced the treadle; and my stave glue up shifted as I put it together. Together they made the turning a lot of work. My normal lathe can support up to a 10" diameter object. I turned the drum until it was 10" in diameter and then moved it to my normal lathe. I think things will go a lot better next time. Counter balancing the wheel for the weight of the treadle allows it to run a lot longer without input. The whole thing is pretty solid. The wheel is 2 1/2' thick maple that one of my coworkers gave me. Larger diameter would probably be better but it seems to work. I am very happy that I was able to get the spindles since they support all my current lathe accessories (spur drive, face plates, centers).
|