Treadle Lathe Cons?
Treadle lathes have been described as exhausting to use. You will get a real workout, so if you are sure you want to take this route you must understand that no project will be easy to make. The speed has been described as inconsistent. As you pump the treadle, your leg motion is not constant in its speed pushing down. It takes a bit of extra force at the top of the stroke so the flywheel slows a bit. Once your foot is at the bottom of the stroke, it is moving much faster. The net effect is that the speed pulses somewhat. Standing at a regular lathe, you just have to make sure you are standing comfortably and safely. With a treadle lathe, your stance must include the fact that one leg is pumping up and down. This is compounded by the fact that your hands are trying to shape a piece of fast spinning wood with a sharp tool. There is a certain degree of coordination required, and it is not innate. It will take some practice. Aside from these factors you are dealing with a machine that you
