PHIL WHITE WOOD CRAFTS

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I offer demonstrations and instruction in the art of pole lathe turning and other green woodworking techniques. I have demonstrated and taught in both the UK and the United States of America.

.... But what is pole lathe turning?

Although nobody can say for sure when the pole lathe was first used for turning wood, evidence shows that it has been used for over 2000 years in different parts of the world, like Europe, the Middle  and Far East.

Basically, the pole lathe consists of legs onto which a horizontal piece of wood is attached to create the bed of the lathe. Two moveable uprights (poppets) are secured to the bed with wedges.  These uprights house two metal centres between which a piece of wood (the billet) is placed in order to be turned.  The power for the lathe comes from the leg being pushed down on a treadle. The end of the treadle has a length of string attached, which is wrapped around the billet and fixed to a long pole anchored to the ground at one end. The pole acts as a giant return spring and gives this device the name of the pole lathe.                                                                  

....And what's Green woodworking?

Green Woodworking is an umbrella term used to describe the working of  fresh un-seasoned wood (green wood). This wood is softer  and easier to work resulting in  less effort, noise, dust and pollution.  The simplicity of working wood in this way makes it accessible to all ages and abilities in an enjoyable and safe manner.

Member of The Association of Pole Lathe Turners