18th century woodturning shop

Evan Siembida

Member
Messages
10
Location
North Jackson, Ohio
Hi guys, me, and my teacher Ernie have a 18th century turning shop set up at the local fair to educate the public on period wodworking.
I'm halfway through the fair and finally got some pics of our display and pole lathes.


This is me on my new pole lathe
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This is my Teacher, Ernie Conover
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Hope to have more pics on the way soon,
Evan
 
Did you design the lathe yourself or is it a copy of a period version? The wedges securing the tailstock and tool rest are clever. It is a sharp looking lathe! I am looking forward to seeing more pictures.
Don
 
Did you design the lathe yourself or is it a copy of a period version? The wedges securing the tailstock and tool rest are clever. It is a sharp looking lathe! I am looking forward to seeing more pictures.
Don

the design is the one Roy Underhill uses. It's based on an old german design. Pole lathes have been around for quite a while, around 4000 years.
 
That's very cool, Evan. :thumb: I'll bet you get a lot of comments from people on that rig.

Gotta say though, Ernie doesn't look like he's having that great of time. :p You musta caught him in between smiles.
 
yeah, he looks ticked off but he was actually just focused. lol.
the lathe attracted crowds of people. I've had groups of up to 30 stop for 10 minutes or so to watch. People are fascinated by the idea of making furniture without electricity, especially with the current gas prices.

Evan
 
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Excelent !

That's great Evan, nice job. You're a lucky guy to have Ernie as your mentor. The picture is decieving since Ernie has a great sense of humor as well as outstanding woodworking skills and knowledge. Looks like you are learning well. Hope you had a great time.
 
Nice photos Evan and congrats on being a "traditional" and "period correct" turner. I've always enjoyed watching the re-enactions (such as Frank does) and re-creations like you and Ernie are doing. I'm looking forward to seeing more photos with you, Ernie and the lathe.

cheers eh?
 
I have more pics now. :D
I just brought it back from the shop. I stained it with golden pecan stain and put a coat of shellac on it.
 

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"Ernie"? As in THE Ernie Conover?!

Evan,
I'm a wood turner from WAY back and when I saw this post I was pretty interested. Your pole lathe looks very well constructed. THEN I saw the photos and your casual mention of who your teacher was.

Now just to get this straight, and if I'm reading the other replies in this thread correctly, that's Ernie Conover there. AS in Ernie Conover the originator of the Conover lathe, the author of MANY wood working books, and well know woodturner extraordinary? Is that the Ernie who is your teacher? (please say yes!) :D

If so, HOLY SMOKES! :eek: Oh man, be a SPONGE around that guy! Soak up all you can. You've got a great opportunity there.

His books were my first exposure to turning. I learned a lot from them and I enjoy reading the articles he's written for FWW.
 
Evan,
It was great meeting you at the Geauga Fair. I enjoyed talking with you.

Yeah, DOM! That's THE Ernie Conover hisself. Great guy to talk to - very 'down to Earth.' Evan is very lucky to be apprenticed to him!
 
I was trying to figure out where I recognized Ernie's name from, and Dominic triggered my memory. He's right...you're very fortunate to have someone like him to learn from.
 
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