Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Treadle Wheel

Spent the weekend cleaning this stand-up treadle wheel with a wire brush, sand paper, and spray paint. I used red and gray paint because they were the original colors.
I don't know much about it. It appears to be home-made and there are no signs or marks on it that would indicate being manufactured, but it seems pretty dang smooth. I did try throwing some clay on it when I first got it. All I can say is it is going to take some practice. Does anybody have some helpful hints for me?

10 comments:

Mr. Young said...

I suggest you give it up as a lost cause, and ship it over here to me! ;-)

Sue Pariseau Pottery said...

Worked on a treadle (sitting) for a little bit years ago. It took a lot of getting used to since I'm not the most coordinate person in the world. To do that and get used to standing all in one transition would push me over the edge. Good luck to you.

rwhendrix said...

I like it. You could attach a small motor to it and a foot pedal switch if you wanted to power it more.

blaze84 said...

Stand up treadle wheels definitely take some getting used to. You have to change how you brace yourself in order to stay steady - I have to have both feet on the ground while touching the clay or everything goes haywire.

Anonymous said...

I throw on a homemade (wooden) stand-up treadle. I really enjoy the organic nature of it. One suggestion I have is to attach a piece of wood or metal to the top right side - have it extend out about a foot or two. My wheel has this and it is a tremendous help to my back. There are not many who throw this way anymore!

Al Wayman said...

Greetings! I know this is an old post but I just bought a wheel just like this today and I am cleaning it up now. Like you I have found nothing on these anyplace. My wheel was great and red also.. the way the catch basin is formed it seems it might have been manufactured. I was not able to remove the head as of yet because it might be stuck on tight. There are no set screws in mine. If there is only one I may have it. Did you sell yours way back ? Let me know as I think the wheel is awesome! I run creek road pottery here in Laceyville, PA

Anonymous said...

We have one of these too. Red flywheel, grey steel frame, fiberglass basin... definitely not a homwmade one-off because CleanMud's and Creek Road's wheels look just like ours. No maker's marks or nameplates anywhere. Wondering if Jeffrey got his in Wisconsin... Got mine in Green Bay. Al got his in New York. Would love to learn more about it!

Anonymous said...

Built by Harvey Littleton.

Bob Armfield said...

Littleton built these while teaching at the Universty of Wisconsin, sometime around 1958-59. I also have one.

sdfg dfd gd said...

This is a lot like the treadle I learned on and have been looking for one like it. is there any info on it (if you still have it)? It might help me to find one for myself.