Pole lathe

Pressing the treadle pulls on a cord that is wrapped around the piece of wood or billet being turned.

A bungee cord can function within a smaller space but the pole lathe still rotates in two directions and cutting is only possible on the downstroke.

Dry wood can be turned but the work will be slow and rough on the cutting edge of the tools.

While the use of pole lathes died out in England after World War II[citation needed], it has seen a return through the increased interest in green woodwork,[1] although the majority of practitioners are at the hobby rather than professional level.

Around Britain there are regular courses for learning the art of pole lathe turning and associated skills, culminating in making chairs or simpler items.