Pole Lathe

The pole lathe is a foot powered method of rotating wood so that a cutting tool can be applied to shape the wood into chair parts such a legs, stretchers and spindles.

Traditionally this work was done in the woods by turners, called 'Bodgers', where the trees were felled. They were poorly paid and worked on piece rates often making 1000 legs a week by hand and foot.

Our lathe making course in late July give you the opportunity to make your own lathe from Oak.