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To treadle, or not to treadle...

Actually, that's not REALLY my question. My question is: How many of you out there use a treadle wheel? If so, do you have any wheel design advice? I am working on a plan with a friend of mine to build a treadle wheel. I know the basics but was wondering if anyone has a wheel made with specific materials/design elements that they love. Or, better yet, are there design elements that you find yourself wishing that you had? Thanks so much everyone!

-Lindsay

lindsay@rogerspottery.com.
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Kyle Carpenter said…
Lindsay,
you should contact Josh Copus. He built his and it's a nice design.
-Kyle
September 26, 2008 at 8:45 PM
John Britt said…
Or Michael and Naomi.

You could also try for plans on-line. I can try to find them if you can't,

John Britt
www.johnbrittpottery.com/wks.htm
September 26, 2008 at 8:59 PM
Beth said…
Hi Lindsey, Beth Lambert here, I met you at Utilitarian Clay couple weeks ago. I bought a treadle wheel from Charity Davis-Woodard's husband Bob and it's a great design. The frame is welded steel. I've used it heavily for three years and it's in great shape. You might call him, website is lanesendstudios.com.
September 27, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Lindsay Rogers said…
Thanks Guys...and Hi there Beth! I was looking at the lanes end studios site just last night! I saw one of their wheels at the UCC. It did look really nice! So, I will absolutely try to contact some of the lovely potters in the area... However, I'd love to throw out another, more specific, question: Usability wise, does the weight and material of the flywheel on a treadle matter that much? I like the low momentum of the wooden ones I have tried, but have any of you tried something on the heavier side? I have read about wheels out there with concrete and metal flywheels. Just curious.
September 27, 2008 at 7:55 AM
Kyle Carpenter said…
i think if you're throwing a lot in a session, you'd want a heavier wheel so you're not kickin' so much. Copus cast his in concrete.
September 27, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Lindsay Rogers said…
Thanks Kyle! Emailed Josh...

Ps. Kyle, I don't know that we have officially met... but I have met your pottery. It's swell. Just thought I'd send along a little pottery appreciation. :)
September 28, 2008 at 7:29 AM
klineola said…
I have reservations on the heavy fly wheel. I like the ability to start/stop the wheel quickly. With a heavy flywheel it would be harder to start or stop. If one is throwing off the hump the mass of the clay on the wheel head give some momentum.

Also I have seen plans for a flywheel that you can add sand to change the flywheel weight. Don't ask me how that is designed, but I have seen it.

The plans are in a book that John Ferlazzo has at his clay club hide- away.
September 30, 2008 at 8:59 AM
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