one last suggestion:
any (dead or unpowered) motor or (LP) turntable would do as a
tailstock. Just file a point on the shaft/spindle.

A tail stock with more grip could be made a bit like gripper rod: lots
of very short pointy bits for multiple gripping. Just knock the
tailstock into the workpiece.

Its hard to know exactly what you want. I've used a wood lathe but
there's so much scope for variation. Pole lathe, drill, all the way
upto something more like an industrial metal lathe. Even cutting tools
bring more options. And of course what you plan to make will determine
best choice of head & tail.

One question: why manual power rather than drill?


Numerous reasons really. Partially to see if I can build it, partially to
get fit. I find it appealing to think that I will be able to turn out a
great looking piece of wood on a machine I built. I intend to document
building it and stick it on-line. If people are interested I will post the
address when I'm finished.

What I am hoping is that I can build it in such a way that I will be able
to fit it with a motor (an old washing machine motor probably) at a later
date. Then, when I get fed up pushing the treadle I can still keep working.

I like the tail stock idea. I'll keep that in mind. I have been thinking
about it and I might try and use a head and tail stock from an old
electric lathe (assuming I can find one that I can make fit). The
advantage of doing that, I think, is that I will be able to use standard
equipment in the lathe.

Graham


NT

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