After writing my comments I read those of many others . There seems to be much appreciation for your abilities to use the pole lathe and you cover so many. Questions that novices like me. Congratulations on a great job.
You have an obvious talent for instruction in using the pole lathe. Your delivery of the technique seems so natural it entices me to build and use one .
Standing on one leg, pumping with the other leg, as you do fine work on a foot powered lathe, and you make it all look very easy. Great video showing a man with great skill in both the use of a primitive tool and in presenting his material to an audience. Well done and thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills.
Brilliantly explained. I've always wanted a shave horse and pole lathe. This is really inspirational Ben ... you are one hell of a tutor ... and I should know as I was a teacher and lecturer myself for nearly 40 years. As BigHat says below ... I could watch this all day! Watching a natural craftsman at work is a joy to behold.
I would really love to have a go at this! For anyone about to try turning on a pole lathe, this video is definitely the best tutorial on UA-cam. Easy to follow and well-paced instructions and faultless camerawork! Thank you!
Ben, Thank you. Your demos and explantations are always so crystal clear and superbly done, and at a crisp pace without missing a beat. Well done. Cheers, Michael O’Brien, Alabama,USA
This makes one want to run out and gather materials to start construction. I really think that I need one in my shop. I've never used a lathe before but this looks like the perfect learning tool. It only goes as fast as you want it to and you have all of the control. Thanks. An excellent video!
I find this series so very inspiring! I will most definitely build a shave horse and a treadle lathe!! My favourite part of these videos is your extreme comfort with your skillset. It is so awesome to watch and absolutely admirable. Thanks so much for the content.
Well thanks a lot for the kind words. So pleased you enjoyed the videos. The pole lathe is such a lovely tool to use and the combination of these skills is very fluid and love how intune you can be with the wood, tools and outdoors while you use them. Hope you enjoy learning how to use them yourself. Many thanks cheers Ben
Excellent series, Ben Orford! I appreciate you pointing out the merits of traditional, manual tools, and not merely their nostalgic value. Often times a motorized tool can do a job faster and with less immediate human energy input, and we tend to misunderstand these qualities as genuine improvements in design. When one considers the high cost of a motorized lathe of equal reliability to this one, and the inherent dangers and ergonomic inconveniences associated with motorized lathes, a pole lathe becomes a very attractive option. To be able to inexpensively construct the lathe oneself, work outdoors without so much noise and mess, and to do so sooner means one will gain more experience by a given age, enjoy the work more, and mitigate health risks with less financial input. Also, with the hindsight we have gained in the last century, one must also question the value of doing faster, less skilled work for money to buy things rather than working directly to make things oneself. That sort of system robs productive individuals of invaluable skills for the profit of parasitic owners and bankers we are better off without. Videos like those in this series feel like a step toward re-including the human element in our necessary productive processes. I am grateful for that, as I do not personally wish to continue down the path of reducing human importance to the point of our own obsolescence. Thank you for this thorough, intelligent presentation.
Exactly. Glad you you think about it that way too!! Its more then about using an old fashioned tool. It s about rethinking productivity, work, value and what is worth in life and work to us. A discussion indeed most, most needed in 2023. I was hoping it did place a couple of decennia earlier, but I glad finally people start to realise and im not the only `weird`or `naive`one anymore. I hoop soon I ll meet people in real life instead of on internet fora only that share my passion for anything that is mechanical, men-driven and made of natural materials... most people, halas, still cling to luxury and comfort....I d rather breathe clean air and drink pure water, which in Antwerp isnt simply to be found...but everybody drives in big fuel-sucking cars.....
Very skillful demonstration. I've just made a shave horse and my neck project is a pole lathe, so this video has been very helpful. Just subscribe. Regards Roy Leonard
Absolutely a priceless clip, full of useful points and advices. The filming and lighting, unlike most of UA-cam clips, were wonderful and your narration was excellent. I am glad I came across your clip. I will be looking forward to your future clips. (From Washington, USA)
Excellent narration and explanations, good pace, clear video work, and truly masterful control of the tools. This is an educational video of very high order. The clear and concise way that the elements of the lathe and tools are explained makes me wish I'd seen this video closer to the beginning of my time with the lathe. Kudos!
Absolutely excellent. Good video, very detailed explanations and directions. Well done sir! :) -I've been looking for a lathe like this for more than a year. I'm sure I'll build a human-powered one, perhaps even a pole lathe. Your instructions are so valuable, I bet this take at least half the struggle away from using one.
Loved the video. I made a spring pole lathe 3 days ago and it rained till just today. I made a small goblet :) first time on a lathe and I used hand wood carving tools lol. Very crude yet awesome. Spent 4 hours stomping, so much fun!
Succinct. The best kind of knowledge transfer video. I watched this first, and then the preceding 3 in order to find out how green your wood is. Learned several very useful and memorable things along the way. I like working with materials at hand, and have bodged a few shave horses, sawbucks, cleaving brakes and a couple of reciprocal lathes. I'd like to see a really detailed discussion of the principles governing the design of each part of a pole lathe. There are so may ways to skin a cat... and I'm wondering about ways of setting things up in a woodland setting using the smallest possible number of tools. For example, alternatives to the elastic bands, and to the welded dead centre, and ways of making the bed without having access to a surfacer/circular saw.
Terrific video! I always wondered how they turned wood before electric motors were invented. Now I know. It looks very complicated to build, but once you have it right, it looks marvelously effective and I bet it's a joy to use.
Hi everyone, we've been uploading more Pole Lathe and Green Wood videos / projects recently, here's another to check out: ua-cam.com/video/5UiAS9vW0rk/v-deo.html
Well done Ben great demo . I made one for a fundraiser at a local castle . It went down really well . but you make it look very easy. Thanks for the video
if we mass produce so many furniture and other items with as much ecological footprint as we do now, and we throw them away after 2 years of use , we surely produce way too fast and way too heavy-handed. This is the future of producing items (ourselves) the sustainable way. Green technology, but without the greenwashing. Yes sir.
Thanks for making this information available, Ben! I'm in the process of building a pole lathe, and am getting nervous about the fact that I don't currently own any suitable turning tools. I suppose I should start by trying to track down a roughing gouge. Any recommendations on the approximate width and sweep that I should be keeping an eye out for that might make for a suitable gouge for this scenario?
What a splendid lathe, so simple too. Very well explained. I've been thinking I might make one. Definately will now. I'm not much of a wood turner but have been operating heavy metal lathes all my working life, ( over 50 years ). How hard can it be, right?
Sure that would work if it was totally straight but we need to find the centre of the whole billet, so doing it the way in the video really helps get the most out of the blank. Thanks
Matr Shas Green wood is much easier to turn with human power than dried wood. Pole lathes were used after the parts had cured to reduce tenons to accurate dimensions so it's possible, but you'll find turning a piece of cured triangular firewood to round billet, and every step after more difficult.
![[Extended version] Bowl turning without electricity: on the pole lathe - Jero & Pirmin Lehr](/img/n.gif)
This has got to be the best video about pole lathe ever
Great work and explanation ! Thank You very much!
After writing my comments I read those of many others . There seems to be much appreciation for your abilities to use the pole lathe and you cover so many. Questions that novices like me. Congratulations on a great job.
You have an obvious talent for instruction in using the pole lathe. Your delivery of the technique seems so natural it entices me to build and use one .
Muchas gracias por su tiempo compartido. Un abrazo desde el Sur de Chile .
That is really interesting! Nice work!
A magical 30 minutes of my life spent listening on the wood being made into something used today.
Standing on one leg, pumping with the other leg, as you do fine work on a foot powered lathe, and you make it all look very easy. Great video showing a man with great skill in both the use of a primitive tool and in presenting his material to an audience. Well done and thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills.
i could watch videos like this all day. well done and thanks for sharing
BigHat thanks a lot. I still love watching the lathe at work now after all these years 👍
You do a wonderful job of explaining ALL the tiny details rather than leaving novices with a whole lot of "knack" to develop on their own.
Well thanks a lot. Pleased that you enjoyed the video.
Hope you get what you need and get turning soon. Many thanks cheers Ben
Very good series, very high quality, crystal clear instructions in depth, very well done
Brilliant. Took me back to Out of Town with Jack Hargreaves.
As well as being a Master Woodsman you are A Master Orator Ben . Thanks for the awesome tuition !
I was thinking how to say the same. I'm pretty amazed about it.
Ben, I stumbled upon this only today and agree totally with all previous comments and can only add, that this is the best mini series ever.
It is a joy to watch you working. Great stuff really.
Brilliantly explained. I've always wanted a shave horse and pole lathe. This is really inspirational Ben ... you are one hell of a tutor ... and I should know as I was a teacher and lecturer myself for nearly 40 years. As BigHat says below ... I could watch this all day! Watching a natural craftsman at work is a joy to behold.
This was great, full of info with a clear and deep understanding of the process. Thank you!
I would really love to have a go at this! For anyone about to try turning on a pole lathe, this video is definitely the best tutorial on UA-cam. Easy to follow and well-paced instructions and faultless camerawork! Thank you!
Spangletiger wow thanks a lot for the kind words.
Many thanks cheers Ben
Ben, Thank you. Your demos and explantations are always so crystal clear and superbly done, and at a crisp pace without missing a beat. Well done.
Cheers,
Michael O’Brien, Alabama,USA
This makes one want to run out and gather materials to start construction. I really think that I need one in my shop. I've never used a lathe before but this looks like the perfect learning tool. It only goes as fast as you want it to and you have all of the control. Thanks. An excellent video!
splendid
fabulous video and consummate skill, a wealth of knowledge here. thanks so much
Thank you Ben that was the most enjoyable and informative series I have watched .
I find this series so very inspiring! I will most definitely build a shave horse and a treadle lathe!! My favourite part of these videos is your extreme comfort with your skillset. It is so awesome to watch and absolutely admirable. Thanks so much for the content.
Well thanks a lot for the kind words. So pleased you enjoyed the videos. The pole lathe is such a lovely tool to use and the combination of these skills is very fluid and love how intune you can be with the wood, tools and outdoors while you use them. Hope you enjoy learning how to use them yourself. Many thanks cheers Ben
Ben, really enjoyed watching this series of videos. Thanks
Love it.... people like YOU should never die... NAMASTE!
12:33 LOL, cut string brings a new meaning to a power cut! I enjoy your humor.
I was captivated from start to finish, very well presented, a master craftsmen using simple technology creates a thing of beauty. Awesome tuition.
You're a very talented man!!!! Everything you create turns out like gold!!
Excellent series, Ben Orford! I appreciate you pointing out the merits of traditional, manual tools, and not merely their nostalgic value. Often times a motorized tool can do a job faster and with less immediate human energy input, and we tend to misunderstand these qualities as genuine improvements in design. When one considers the high cost of a motorized lathe of equal reliability to this one, and the inherent dangers and ergonomic inconveniences associated with motorized lathes, a pole lathe becomes a very attractive option. To be able to inexpensively construct the lathe oneself, work outdoors without so much noise and mess, and to do so sooner means one will gain more experience by a given age, enjoy the work more, and mitigate health risks with less financial input. Also, with the hindsight we have gained in the last century, one must also question the value of doing faster, less skilled work for money to buy things rather than working directly to make things oneself. That sort of system robs productive individuals of invaluable skills for the profit of parasitic owners and bankers we are better off without. Videos like those in this series feel like a step toward re-including the human element in our necessary productive processes. I am grateful for that, as I do not personally wish to continue down the path of reducing human importance to the point of our own obsolescence. Thank you for this thorough, intelligent presentation.
Exactly. Glad you you think about it that way too!! Its more then about using an old fashioned tool. It s about rethinking productivity, work, value and what is worth in life and work to us. A discussion indeed most, most needed in 2023. I was hoping it did place a couple of decennia earlier, but I glad finally people start to realise and im not the only `weird`or `naive`one anymore. I hoop soon I ll meet people in real life instead of on internet fora only that share my passion for anything that is mechanical, men-driven and made of natural materials... most people, halas, still cling to luxury and comfort....I d rather breathe clean air and drink pure water, which in Antwerp isnt simply to be found...but everybody drives in big fuel-sucking cars.....
It is so satisfying seeing wood chips shaved off by the chisel. The man knows how to sharpen blades.
Awesome video love watching those shavings just flying off!
You are a fantastic efficiency teacher. Thank you for your work.
Brilliant, thank you very much. You gave us a so much useful information and excellent instruction.
That’s awesome, thank you Ben…I’d love to make a lathe like that 😊
That was great, such a joy to watch. Your enthusiasm and respect for this tool, is infectious. I want to have a go !
Very skillful demonstration. I've just made a shave horse and my neck project is a pole lathe, so this video has been very helpful. Just subscribe. Regards Roy Leonard
Absolutely a priceless clip, full of useful points and advices. The filming and lighting, unlike most of UA-cam clips, were wonderful and your narration was excellent. I am glad I came across your clip. I will be looking forward to your future clips. (From Washington, USA)
Excellent narration and explanations, good pace, clear video work, and truly masterful control of the tools. This is an educational video of very high order. The clear and concise way that the elements of the lathe and tools are explained makes me wish I'd seen this video closer to the beginning of my time with the lathe. Kudos!
I just watched this series and need more! You’re a great educator, bravo.
Nice Job Sir. You are the Great Teacher Thanks for sharing.
Very very nice demo! I've been wanting to build a pole lathe lately! Thanks for the video!
Absolutely excellent. Good video, very detailed explanations and directions. Well done sir! :)
-I've been looking for a lathe like this for more than a year. I'm sure I'll build a human-powered one, perhaps even a pole lathe.
Your instructions are so valuable, I bet this take at least half the struggle away from using one.
Loved the video. I made a spring pole lathe 3 days ago and it rained till just today. I made a small goblet :) first time on a lathe and I used hand wood carving tools lol. Very crude yet awesome. Spent 4 hours stomping, so much fun!
great stuff its addictive for sure, happy turning.
cheers, Ben
Nice equipment overview and really nice Tutorial! Thanks
Brilliant thanks for sharing. I bought my draw knife from Ben Orford 10 years ago still working well.
Very nice explanation!
Succinct. The best kind of knowledge transfer video. I watched this first, and then the preceding 3 in order to find out how green your wood is. Learned several very useful and memorable things along the way. I like working with materials at hand, and have bodged a few shave horses, sawbucks, cleaving brakes and a couple of reciprocal lathes. I'd like to see a really detailed discussion of the principles governing the design of each part of a pole lathe. There are so may ways to skin a cat... and I'm wondering about ways of setting things up in a woodland setting using the smallest possible number of tools. For example, alternatives to the elastic bands, and to the welded dead centre, and ways of making the bed without having access to a surfacer/circular saw.
Mr Orford you are amaising teacher!Thank you!!!
Terrific video! I always wondered how they turned wood before electric motors were invented. Now I know. It looks very complicated to build, but once you have it right, it looks marvelously effective and I bet it's a joy to use.
Top stuff mate really good videos thank you so much
I’d love for you to cover a detailed video of how you made this lathe. I love the design. Nice job!
I loved every minute of this.
Now I really want to build a pole lathe. Excellent job all around.
Very good sir. I was surprised to hear that wood was cut 8 months ago and still carve like that. In Colorado it would be like a rock!
Hi everyone, we've been uploading more Pole Lathe and Green Wood videos / projects recently, here's another to check out: ua-cam.com/video/5UiAS9vW0rk/v-deo.html
Your presentation is so good & natural ! Thank you Mr Ben !
Your products are amazing! But you also make some awesome videos. Keep them coming!!!
Well done Ben great demo . I made one for a fundraiser at a local castle . It went down really well . but you make it look very easy. Thanks for the video
This would even be great for making a new shovel handle, up the bush. Nice video thanks for sharing. Totally enjoyed it. Best wishes to you, from NZ
Very very nice presentation. Made me want to build a small pole lathe for myself.
Great demonstration. Thank you!
This human-powered lathe will give you a good workout. Love it!
Brilliant. Cheers guys.
Одно из лучших пояснений и один из лучших образцов деревянных станков
Super video Ben. Hoping to give this a go in 2019. Just started spoon carving and luckily for me got one of your crook knives for Christmas!
Thanks loads, I so want to build a lathe.
Exceptionally well done, sir. Greatly enjoyed watching.
9:25 lol, treadle interchangeable, preventing wearing out the one hip joint... I appreciate this video!
Wonderful job!
With my compliments!
Greetings from North West Italy.
Dario
Superior video...thanks
Nice skill to start a competition series. Put you on tv.
if we mass produce so many furniture and other items with as much ecological footprint as we do now, and we throw them away after 2 years of use , we surely produce way too fast and way too heavy-handed. This is the future of producing items (ourselves) the sustainable way. Green technology, but without the greenwashing. Yes sir.
Great series, thank you Ben!
Excellent demonstration.
Simply amazing ❤️
Lawrence Dionisio thanks glad you enjoyed it.
Ben has inspired me.
Marvelous piece of technology.
This is amazing!~!~! Well done Sir, excellent tutorial, very talented and very articulate :)
Perfect,I´m deeply impressed,thanks for sharing !
Thanks for the informative video. I'm left wondering how you would go about duplicating a spindle?
تحياتي لك من تطوان المغرب
Thanks for making this information available, Ben! I'm in the process of building a pole lathe, and am getting nervous about the fact that I don't currently own any suitable turning tools. I suppose I should start by trying to track down a roughing gouge. Any recommendations on the approximate width and sweep that I should be keeping an eye out for that might make for a suitable gouge for this scenario?
What does it look like after 3 years or so? How did it Dry??
Nice vids, thanks.
Great teacher!
Tremendous helpful this. Thank you.
Excellent instruction. Thank you.
Great vid Ben..
Where is located this beautiful landscape greetings from Perú
Loveeeee so much!!!!!!!!!!!! your ideas!!!!
What a splendid lathe, so simple too. Very well explained. I've been thinking I might make one. Definately will now. I'm not much of a wood turner but have been operating heavy metal lathes all my working life, ( over 50 years ). How hard can it be, right?
Thanks its pretty simple to pick up kinda like riding a bike and turning at the same time.
glad you enjoyed it. many thanks cheers, Ben
Классное видео!Бен
So cool
I love low technology in use. Very interesting
Hats off from Vietnam..
thx very much for lesson and video :) u explain very good, a good master:)
very nice
taking a nail and drawing across the end in two locations straight across will give you center of the dowel.
Sure that would work if it was totally straight but we need to find the centre of the whole billet, so doing it the way in the video really helps get the most out of the blank. Thanks
Great mate👍
Before I make my own .
Can I use it for dry wood?
Thanks.
Matr Shas Green wood is much easier to turn with human power than dried wood.
Pole lathes were used after the parts had cured to reduce tenons to accurate dimensions so it's possible, but you'll find turning a piece of cured triangular firewood to round billet, and every step after more difficult.
loving it! thanx