TREADLE LATHE

Finally got around to making a foot powered lathe for our homestead. The frame is a mix of yellow pine and red maple joined with through wedged tenons, draw bored tenons, and half lap joints.
The flywheel is made of reclaimed red oak from an old house down the street. Three layers are glued and screwed together after being edge joined with tongue and groove joints making a very heavy and stable wheel. The crank shaft and headstock pulleys axle are just some half inch steel rod running in bearings.
Plans for a similar lathe can be found in Roy Underhills book “the woodwrights guide”

[@neilfurby555]

For the benefit of us normal woodworkers, it would be thoughtful if you could, just once, make a mistake? Lovely work, quite hypnotic, thankyou.

[@TheindefatigableGovernor]

Well, friends, I found this channel at 0530 this morning. I binged-watched 18 hours straight. Just finished at 2357. Missed two meals, shucked off a pre 4th July party, and ignored my fiancé. This channel, for me, represents over-indulgence, gluttony, slothfullness etc. I'm sure if feeling imaginative could squeeze in fornication, drunkenness and bastardy. Sure of it. This channel is AWESOME . Mr C is AWESOME. MRs C is AWESOME. Cats are awesome (even though Paulie on the sopranos thinks they're the devil). Keep these videos coming and give us a full tour soon. Regards, your Number 1 fan.

[@101_skeleton6]

You now have 100 likes!

[@isaacwallace6783]

holy moly

[@lolabunny087]

Please please make a silent walkthrough of the workshop and the new house .. let us see all the great work that you have done ... :D .. God bless you and your family ...

[@imKenyo]

nice, good idea

[@wxfield]

Alternatively, you could just watch all his videos with the sound off.

[@alessioragazzi9036]

lolabunny087 qqq

[@briarfox637]

I think he meant a video showing a walk through without narration.

[@unit0033]

lol

[@twitchyflash333]

I love how it's all done as if power tools weren't a thing. So mesmerizing.

[@TechTins_Projects]

When the oil wells are dry everything will be hand made during daylight hours.

[@Nguroa]

The craftsmanship is just something that is lost in this modern world of ours. I really enjoy your vids and look foreword to more. Even with all the cats blatantly scene stealing.

[@TromboneRockGod]

To come home and find a :20 min Mr. Chickadee video just brightened up my whole day. That lathe is insane, wow, thank you Mr. Chickadee...

[@leehodge7907]

and they say you cant put a square peg in a round hole.....Good work sir!

[@KelikakuCoutin]

This reminds me of the lathe that the Woodwright, Roy Underhill made on one of the PBS shows that he does, quite a while back. You two should get together! בס״ד

[@jackstrubbe7608]

I grew up in a water-powered sawmill in Ohio in the late 40s early 50s, and falling upon these videos is a joy. Simple, silent joy. And cats! Wood shavings, the scent of different woods, and freshly brewed dopplebochs. And cats. Thank you.

[@TheNateTake]

That is awesome!

[@jonathanbeard2608]

Freddy Mercury isnt dead. He just got a shave and started a KZbin channel. Lol jk man great job!

[@yummboy2]

An amazing video to watch! Your skill with hand tools remains entirely impressive. Your mortise and tenion joints are as close to perfect as I have ever seen. Not only are you skilled, you are talented! Thanks so much for sharing this excellent craftsmanship!

[@tophatvideosinc.5858]

You look like a 70's industrial revolution based tv show

[@davidwillard7334]

If he was wearing! Edwardian ! Type Clothes ! And playing that ! Castle / Sitar ! Type ! Music !! Then it would Begin !! Too look !! More !! LIKE !! The SIXTEENTH !!! CENTURY !! HE !! WAS !! IN !!!

[@peterstewart3563]

I like the way you work. Calm and unpretentious. Is an inspiration.

[@ClintRoseCarving]

Brilliant, that double through tenon at the start fitted very nicely indeed! Just a testament to what you can achieve with the silence and mastery of hand tools. Great as always.

[@underclass_zer0274]

Great work. Even the cat at 7:30 seems amazed.

[@ledzeppelin6662]

Well where shall I start! I have never been so mesmerised by ANYTHING! The perfectionism,craftsmanship and slow but sure way you work is such an inspiration to me! I never knew woodworking could be so serenely satisfying, and I've been a carpenter for 30 years! I'm gradually changing the way I work to your methods and it just feels fantastic! Please keep posting more brilliant videos Mr Chickadee,you are the ultimate craftsman👍.

[@villain1409]

I have watched a great deal of these builds,this 1 is a true master piece. It reminded me of the old treadle singer sewing machines. Thank you very much for your video & time.

[@ashadowawhisper]

I made a treadle large several years ago and I will say this, if you use a 5/8” shaft for your spindle you can get your hands on some Shopsmith accessories like a drive spur that slides onto a straight 5/8” shaft and even some spindle adapters for a 1” x 8 tpi spindle thread for being able to use scroll chucks.

[@rparker069]

the way this channel progresses technologically means in like 5 years we can expect him to be making a daimler benz

[@iamwhoiam4410]

You're the true meaning of a craftsman. Thanks for sharing and keep your breathe of fresh air coming for us pro woodworkers.

[@twentyonetwos3967]

Amazing what you do with a few sticks. Thank you for sharing.

[@Josef_R]

I'm guessing you could create a whole channel just from the things you don't film.

[@danieldowning4583]

With just a little use and age on this piece Mr Chickadee, this lathe would look very much 150 years old. Genius. Great work. Roy Underhill would give high marks for this one. The tranquility of your videos is so mesmerizing, it all most seems like you are right in the shop watching. If there were such a thing as smell o vision, with the odor of wood I would feel like I were actually there.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

I loved the video, can't wait until next week's video...treadle powered band saw, table saw, planer, jointer, router table??? Then in a few months I expect you to open a maker space using all your hand tools and the treadle powered ones in a timber framed shop.....I can't wait to become a member....

[@yonihales9133]

Even the cat was "relaxed entertained".. Some how something about the work (process) is spiritualy reflective to watch ; the process is as "wow" as the finished project and after the vid ends it leaves me with a scence of getting gently set baxk down, would love to work at this shop as a sweaper

[@isaacwood6672]

It felt like I was watching something from history before the Titebond came out.

[@kcjones679]

Well, that and the digital video.

[@jonq8714]

10:53 lol

[@DownwardsRising]

I did not know that tongue and groove board edging could be done with hand tools. I always thought they were a modern milling type accomplishment; only doable with table saws and routers. Mind expanded.

[@samfarina]

Look up the Stanley #48. Has a fence that flips so you can do tongue and groove with one plane.

[@pmrich7035]

Great work as always. In some of your early videos you demonstrated the sharpening of chisels and axes. Do you also sharpen and set your saws? Would like to see how that is done.

[@MrChickadee]

Thanks, yes I do, well try and get that in a video for you

[@mikedee8876]

New Chicadee fan and I agree......I'd like to see saw setting by a patient man....I have several dull crosscut and bucking saws that I will try to sharpen, but would like to see it done quietly and methodically like Mr Chick can...

[@gerrithoevers]

Wow is all I can say. That is master craftsmanship at its finest.

[@aadelgado77]

Hello. Where did you buy the hardware for the lathe? Thanks.

[@undersky596]

You are the carpentry version of primitive technology

[@ianhunt9520]

Can we all please just agree that Mr. Chickadee is the manliest man who has ever maned?

[@matthewmarting3623]

Teddy Rosevelt. And then there's the guy who took Rosevelt hunting and killed a grizzly with a knife. But Mr Chickadee is right up there.

[@annasophia7977]

Ian Hunt isnt he great? the videos change the tone to my day :D

[@JacobvsRex]

If he would grow that beard out then he'd be there. But he's humble, so he doesn't so as to leave that title to someone else....

[@carolewarner101]

LOL! Pretty impressive craftsman for sure! To me at least, there's nothing more admirable and valuable than learning how to make and do things yourself. Most of us have traded our lives (time) away for a pay check to buy everything we need or want. IMHO, that deadens the soul and makes us basically helpless without cash in the bank. To have knowledge, skill and a set of decent hand tools, he can start with felling a tree and basically make/build anything he actually needs to live. That's so incredibly rare in a first world country in this day and age. Mr. Chickadee is keeping his life/time for his own use and experiencing the joy, satisfaction and pride of craftsmanship and doing for himself for next to nothing in cash outlay. It's truly inspiring!

[@cavemanjoe7972]

When he was eight, he got into his dad's wedged-tenon medicine cabinet and accidentally opened a can of Man, spilling it all over himself. He made his first mallet that night before bed, and this channel is simply his re-creation of his pre-teen years.😁

[@cavemanjoe7972]

I've been wondering for awhile, but just now thought to ask; What is the maker/model of that wood-handled hand brace in the beginning? You used it for the doorknob hole on your cabin door as well. Thank you.

[@SethsProject]

Wow what an incredible tool! Fantastic job :)

[@maninblack6575]

Everything is so true to all else. Near perfect Master craftsmanship! And i only say Near perfect because true perfection has to be imperfect. Not that i can see any mistakes!

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

I used the spring pole lathe for years after I watched Roy build one. Now id Like to try a treadle with a cast iron flywheel, just to try that also. Thanks Josh and your wife. You guys really do have great videos👍

[@brucea550]

Spring pole is simple and quicker to build maybe, but this is nicer because your workpiece is 100% clear all the time. I wouldn’t want to try to make something like a rolling pin on a spring pole and trying to make a smooth cut from end to end.

[@CreatingtheReaper]

so hardcore his wooden hammer still has the bark on it from the tree he tore the arm off of to make it. straight out the 18th century

[@noisebox9529]

I didn't know what a Treadle Lathe was before watching this. Now i need one, and know how to build it without electricity.

[@Kolajer]

2:11 hurray for the badger plane!

[@MrChickadee]

It is quite awesome...

[@LTSpurling1]

man if you and the guy from primitive technology got together, i bet you guys could rebuild the world!!!

[@taxidrivercarl6074]

Nice to see someone who can use traditional tools and techniques. More skillful and more importantly, more peaceful than screaming machines

[@kathilisi3019]

My great-grandfather was a carpenter. I remember his workshop and his hand-crafted tools. He had a lathe that looked similar to this one. Watching you work makes me imagine my great-grandfather at work when he was young, 80 or 90 years ago.

[@lolabunny087]

YAY !! .. new video ... after sooo looong ... :D .. I'm soo happy !!

[@davidfairman5461]

I'm looking to build one of these myself n now I've seen how it can be done. Thank you for an excellent video.

[@moldingpro7208]

You are a Master Craftsman, as well as an Artisan. Thank you for sharing your amazing skills with us! Blessings!

[@victortallerbushcraft442]

muy buen trabajo!! me encantan tus videos!! un saludo! likeeeeeee

[@barkbuster350r]

Best videos on KZbin!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@johnbarker6703]

cross head screws, I'm shocked. great job as always

[@b80-s9i]

No.1: Spot a High-Performance Man. ☑ No.2: Whine About Not Being a High-Performance Man. ☑ No.3: Start Uphill Battle To Become a High-Performance Man. 🏔

[@RonaldLAbbey]

SWEET lathe!!!! Cant wait to see all the projects you make with it.

[@thelearninghomestead3266]

Once again, your skill set and craftsmanship amaze me! Well done.

[@SammytheStampede]

I see videos like this and ask myself “Why did I ever get into Electrical?” Oh yeah, because while I find it monotonous and boring it pays the bills. But it’s still monotonous. And very very boring. I wish I had this guys skills and wits.

[@KalRandom]

Read, View, Learn. It's what I'm trying to do. Well the easier stuff at least.

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Well, you better prepare for the post-electricity world (when all fuels are banned, electricity will be a scarce and precious commodity, available only to the wealthiest). Then all DIY tools will be like this.

[@garretttrickey3630]

that's any job I think. you do something for long enough, and it can get to be a chore. funny you mention that though, I just got licensed in a new state, and I've been using the extra time I have looking for employment to brush up on woodworking in my dad's shop. It's nice to have a new challenge.

[@Dollapfin]

Jose Silveira we could replace fossil fuels in five years easy. We just don’t.

[@dougalexander7204]

For several years I worked as a woodwright interactive interpreter in a pioneer village, 1817 to civil war era. My lathe was a spring pole type. Since. I’ve wanted to build a treadle lathe. Thank you for the video. Do you have plans for sale?

[@RedmarKerkhof]

This wasn't about the lathe at all, was it? It's just joinery porn haha! Amazing work like always.

[@majigaining]

If carpenters can be prophets (pun intended), you are definitely one for me. You spoke no words but between your impressive physiques and passions you have convinced me to pick up the hand saw more often and go easy on my circular saw.

[@JiggidyJives]

Good to have those supurrvisors to keep an eye on you and to make sure you got it done right. Nice work! Where do you get your chisels?

[@MrChickadee]

Ebay and yard sales

[@larrywoods820]

It is Christmas eve and I wanted to wish you a 'Merry Christmas'. I will be watching more of your videos. Thanks.

[@rick91443]

Amazing...20minutes,34 seconds of pure food for the soul. Thank you...rr

[@opasworkshop8373]

what can I say my friend but awesome work great project can't wait till the next one.

[@julianeaston8607]

Pure Master-Craftsmanship, has to be the number one near silent video on KZbin. Such a wonderful change to see a beautiful item created purely with non powered hand tools and just the natural sounds of the workshop. An almost meditative quality about it.

[@thegentlemanreturned]

7:11 Square plug meet round hole.

[@pauloflynn3365]

I have watched many hours of your work over the past few months and each project is as relaxing as watching snooker. Thanks and looking forward to more.

[@earthsciteach]

Your joinery work is insane. I'm trying to train myself to not think about the end result, but focus on the individual step (in most things I do). You have great focus and patience. Love watching you create!

[@gh0stmast3r]

I like your aversion to power tools

[@aaronthomas8834]

The most tranquil videos on youtube, man. That cat staring into the camera, too good.

[@flightofarrow]

I did some wood working today,watching this I realized what I was really doing was scab working some wood together,thanks! great work!

[@Cancun771]

To get the wheel and pinion perfectly round and concentric, just fix a temporary tool rest and turn them down in place.

[@Bunji2k6]

20 minutes just flew past.

[@sammy8152]

Awesome, like watching your craftsmanship. Appreciate your time and effort.

[@huuthong1015]

it is a great job. it reminds me how people did wood turning long ago before application of electric motor. thank you very much

[@shamaniclodge348]

Hope you don't mind me sharing your videos.

[@youngiecoveman2393]

Greeting from Scotland. Great to watch a craftsman at work and to hear the sound of these sharp cutting tools at work.

[@tinman1387]

Impressive! I for one hope you never run out of projects. I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@noahdraper6527]

He took leg day with a different approach 😂😂 , but that is really cool

[@maehay4065]

I could watch this channel for hours! I wish I could learn just what all the different tool names are and what exactly how many different purposes they have or are used for properly. That’s would be step one then try to make something I need like a bed frame. Maybe that’s too ambitious for a first project more like a useful tool and learn how those blades work inside those blocks of wood! I love the beautiful lathe! If you could talk about the steps of your woodwork as you use each tool I would feel totally blessed 🙏❤️

[@charadremur333]

The silence is part of the majesty.

[@calvincollison9182]

Mr chickadee, not the first time I've watched this video. As always beautiful work! I just want to say, I an sooo jealous of all your beautiful old planes, saws and all your old tools! Just beautiful!

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you very much!

[@jacobopstad5483]

I love the way everything fits together so snugly and with pegs and things.

[@DhowayanAbuYara]

Amesh? just kidding.. satisfying to watch but wondering how much time would've been saved if power tools were used?

[@svajeren]

This is a joy to watch long live good old Craftmanship like this Rules:

[@timberdoodle6501]

Very talented. Love your videos. Happy 4th!

[@miner3609]

No doubt about it. The hardest working poster on You Tube.

[@OutoftheWoods0623]

great work well done,

[@mitravesia1738]

excelente video como siempre eres inspirador mi meta es tenes el conocimiento tecnica y un taller totalmente con herramientas manuales

[@DieterSchneider]

Awesome. Suggestion for next video: Spruce Goose built with hand tools.

[@davidwillard7334]

What a Smart !! CAT !! YOU GOT !! WHAT'S ITS !! NAME !? COULD YOU MAKE ! THAT LATHE !! IF YOU WERE !! STRANDED !! ON GILLIGAN'S !! ISLAND !??

[@FauxtakuLounge]

Totally based man. Amazing work.

[@SpiritBear12]

That was really neat! I like how the wood spins continuously in the same direction. I have seen other treadle lathes that have the wood spin in a back and forth method which is a waste of shaving time as you can only shave the wood when it's spinning towards you and the cutting tool, not when it spins back. I've never seen any one sew two ends of a rope together like that before. Is there a way to adjust the distance between the wheels as the rope stretches so you have have tension on it, or do you have to sew on a new rope to get it to be tight again? Of course, love the kitties, esp the gray one who likes to watch you working on your projects. >^..^

[@NoWheyHombre]

The "back and forth" ones are spring pole lathes (Roy Underhill makes them often). They have the advantage of being very simple to make, and can use a good tree or limb outside. They can also pack down into a golf bag. Of course, if I were doing it all the time, I would do what this cat did too.

[@MrChickadee]

thanks, yeah you can actually tighten the rope by pinching a loop or twisting a peg around it to form a loop, then hold it there while you sew it again, then cut off the loop. or add an idler pulley...

[@SpiritBear12]

Thanks Mr. Chick-a-dee.

[@SpiritBear12]

That's exactly what I was thinking of, Roy Underhill's spring pole lathe. I remember seeing him using one on TV when I was a kid. He still gives lessons in using older tools. He got his start at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts.

[@greigotee8585]

Watching that was the closest I have had to a spiritual moment in a very long time.

[@johnhammack12]

Glad to see the traditional wood working being used today.. you are a joy to watch... but do you ever make a miss lick...lol..if not i guess that's where the ol saying comes from... SLOW AN STEADY WINS THE RACE.. looking forward to your next video...

[@KipdoesStuff]

I have all those hand tools except the tongue and grove planes, but I lack the patients. I'd have to use my saws and router, lol.

[@rusty7989]

Elegant design and construction. Thank you.

[@ericrider9718]

awesome build, can't wait to see you make things on the lathe now!

[@JeepTherapy]

After reading some of the comments below... Mr. Chickadee could kick Chuck Norris's tail vice!!

[@hudsonriverlee]

Yes it is agreed, you are a purist. Just curious, along my journey of watching these videos, where did you gain such knowledge...?....??.

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

no sand paper (no paper making and glass/sand/glue needed) , no electricity, very little steel (that needs a lot of energy to be produced, likely not in your own region) tools, no noise, no earprotection, and overall time of making an item....i wouldnt say it is MUCH slower then making it by machinbe tools (except when mass - pproduced). All in all... i think its much more efficient, faster (tool-making and waste and pollution management included), cheaper, healthier and satisfying way of producing. Why we ever stopped working like this, god only knows.....

[@jedbowser3158]

Always looking forward to your videos.

[@mjkmojofool]

Absolutely fantastic! how many hours, over what course of time, did this build take?

[@MrChickadee]

not sure, a week off and on working.

[@andrewlast1535]

Check out Bernie Weisgerber. The guy is what John Wayne pretended to be. Lol I couldn’t find out much about him. Not even sure if he still lives? Mr Chickadee is my ASMR. Seems like a chill dude.

[@stephenbamford4716]

Chirpingly great! Videography is outstanding. Sir Bird! Watch out for feline helpers! They are known for their affinities for fresh bird meat! 🤪