Date: 1/10/2024
Subject: Did You Know #10
From: Dave Kratzer
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Did You Know That for a change of pace this Did You Know will give a bit of history rather than trying to save OVWG.
Did You Know That some of our members are actually reading these messages and responding. I've had quite a few atta-boys. I know we have one new member on the hospitality list. I don't know how many others have responded in other ways. I'd love to know if I've inspired you to step up.
Did You Know That some members are even contributing ideas for this series. The following is largely contributed by Todd Caris. Thanks Todd.
As any self respecting editor would do I have changed Todd's input to suit me. Sorry Todd.
Did You Know That woodturning has been around for a long time. I saw a small bowl at the Museum Center's Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit years ago that was obviously turned as evidenced by the spiral tool marks.
Did You Know That it is estimated that woodturning has been practiced since at least the 6th century BC with its origins in Egypt. The earliest, simple form of lathe evidence was the strap lathe which was operated by two people. Pieces turned from this method were very roughly shaped and abrasive leaves were used for sanding.
Did You Know That the pole lathe (see picture below) and bow lathe were the next forms of advancement in lathes with the pole lathe being significant in that it allowed the Turner to stand and free both hands. The power was generated by the turners foot.
Did You Know That in the early part of the 20th century the “Great Lathe/Wheel (Treadle lathe)” was invented where an assistant turned a crank attached to a large pulley that allowed the wood to turn continuously. Ironically Leonardo da Vinci has the first recorded sketches of these mechanical lathes but there is no evidence to suggest it was one of his many inventions.
Did You Know That member Gary Webster has built a treadle lathe and a pole lathe that he takes to art shows and demonstrates these early methods of wood turning.
Did You Know That using one of these man powered lathes is hard work. Try it some time. We are very spoiled by horsepower and variable speed.
Did You Know That the Industrial Revolution brought on water and steam powered lathes eventually leading to the modern electric motor lathes with small engines that we know today. The Industrial Revolution was also when metal began to replace wood in the make up of the lathe to make them more robust.
These opinions are my own. I am open to civil discussion. Vitriol will be ignored.
Did You Know If you love these messages so much you want to read them again, and again till the message sinks in, they are available on the website under the Emails Menu tab. :-)
These opinions are my own. I am open to civil discussion. Vitriol will be ignored.
If what I say causes you to contribute to the success of OVWG in some way, then I have accomplished my goal. Please step forward and volunteer for a role that fits you and your passion.
OVWG Webmaster, VP Programming
|  | | Gary Webster doing his thing on his treadle lathe. Partial view of spring pole lathe on RH side. | |