Shaving horses and pole lathes – I’ve got lots of questions about both over the years. The next step after mortising in making the joined stool is turning the decoration on the stiles. So before I get to those videos, I’ll put this one here – a general overview of the lathe & its few parts. Thanks to Daniel for putting up with me having him edit one version of this, then I said, “No, I can do the look at the lathe better.” So I re-shot it, then he had to re-edit.
PETER FOLLANSBEE: JOINER’S NOTES 
Mate you are very fortunate to have a friend who’s a blacksmith.
Thanks for posting this. I suggested to Lie Nielsen that you record a video about making a pole lathe as I think there is quite a bit of interest. The reply I received was that they did not think there was much demand and that was not really in their product range. I understand their response but do question the demand issue. Anyway, I really appreciate you for posting videos.
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1) I spy a Ware chair. 2) Is the bed of the lathe long enough to turn the back posts of a big turned chair like the Bradford etc.? It must be, because you did it! 3) Could this be rigged to turn on a tailstock? I guess not. Douglas Campbell [long since deceased cabinetmaker, for those not aware] had a lathe nine feet in the bed or ways, but he made a lot of bedsteads.
Why doesn’t he answer any of the comments in any of his blog posts?
I frequently answer questions on this blog, and have done so since 2008. Over 1,200 blog posts. On this particular post, there were no questions until Trent’s last night at 11:30 pm. And Trent’s question could be answered by watching the video, in which I describe that I have a longer bed to the lathe, but added this shorter version to save space. I’m sorry some feel neglected, as if I’m ignoring questions. I’m not intentionally doing so – if there’s a particular question you have that I’ve missed, I apologize and please ask again & I’ll do my best.
Sorry Peter, I wasn’t asking any question myself in particular as your videos have been very clear. I was just asking in general as it came across this way to me. I haven’t read every blog post you’ve written and I guess I should’ve cross referenced before commenting. Sorry my bad.
Not to worry, Salko. I’ve barely read every blog post I’ve written! I’m just trying to make sure I didn’t miss something specific. On we go. PF
In your next turning video using the lathe, it looks like the upright clamp for the fence is loose. Is this purposeful to facilitate the slight rocking motion when working?
I think you mean the tool rest is flapping around…and no, it’s not intentional. Just slovenly. sometimes it’s only tightened up at my right hand, and I leave the other end to fend for itself.
Thanks Peter for the inspiration! Had to make a new rope (learnt to splice) to this old lathe from around year 1800 and are reading an old book about Swedish turning techniques.
Here it is
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0E6K2C0pxMLW9bA5RhdFHgzfg#Vikingstad