Treadle Lathe Pros?
Treadle lathes are more historically accurate than electric lathes, and require no utility connections to run, so you can operate them anywhere. This makes them somewhat portable. They can be built for very little money and can function as well as any other lathe if you take the time and care to build them properly. Many experienced turners on USENET have commented that they have seen much fine work produced on treadle lathes, and plenty of garbage produced on the best of powered lathes. Treadle lathes are a fun project to build, and a fun project to have around. Let’s face it, a dining room table isn’t much fun sitting around the shop. A treadle lathe is a project you build for yourself. You can make it as fancy or as plain as you like as you are the one enjoying it after it is completed. Treadle lathes probably max out at under 1000 rpm so they are safer to learn on for kids. They would also be a great project to get the kids involved. They are also a great form of exercise.
