Gee, I've been to Williamsburg a few times and I never had an inkling of
their toolmaking operation. I guess I was too busy ogling the period
shops... When I get over this cold and get my voice back I'll give them
a call, and ditto for EAIA. Thanks!

We were kicking the idea of the pole lathe around but some folks were
very concerned that the mistake you make just once in your career --
accidentally cutting the drive cord -- might injure someone on snapback.

J.

John Grossbohlin wrote:

I'd be inclined to reach out to someplace like Williamsburg and ask for some
guidance. Williamsburg has a number of experts (Jay Gaynor is director of
historic trades) and they have a couple guys (Jon Laubach and George Wilson)
who make reproduction tools for use in the restored area. Check their web
site for contact info... There is an on-line and similar print article about
their tool making operation at
http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/...ay06/tools.cfm
I worked with Jon in the Gunsmith Shop in the mid-80s and knew George
socially. Both are quite willing to share their knowledge.

There is also an organization called the Early American Industries
Association. http://www.eaiainfo.org/ I have no doubt that if you contact
them they can point you to some folks who possess references with the
requested information.

I'd also think that Diderot's Encyclopedia would offer some pictures (though
I admit it's been years since I hand my eyes on it...)

In speculation, I have to wonder if a simple spring pole lathe wouldn't
accomplish what you are after? In the period a Bodger might have simply made
one of those on-site in the woods to turn spindles carrying little more than
turning tools and some lathe hardware from site to site... I cannot imagine
many of those surviving from the period and outside of old drawings or
modern interpretations by folks like Roy Underhill or Don Weber there may
not be much available in photographs.

John