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standing treadle wheel

updated tue 25 jan 05

 

jessy johanneck on mon 17 jan 05


I apologize if this message seems to be a duplicate of one I
previously sent out, but I am new to clayart and am just trying to
get the hang of how this whole system works. that aside, I have been
trying desperately to get my hands on a used standing treadle wheel.
If there is anything out there who is willing to sell one or knows of
elsewhere that I could buy one please let me know. Thanks everybody.


Jess

bonnie staffel on sun 23 jan 05


Dear Lilli,

I started my potting career with a stand up treadle wheel made by George
Fetzer of Columbus, Ohio. He also sold my first chemicals and glazes. I
worked on this wheel for twelve years, perfecting my skills. Using the back
rest was very important as one needs to have something to push against to
keep the wheel going. Seems my fly wheel only weighed 75 lbs. and I could
start and stop it on a dime.

As a result of that experience, found that my back became crooked. You even
work a bit askew as well. My advice, do not buy this type of wheel. The
sit down style would be a lot easier on the body whether you kick the
flywheel or a treadle on the side, such as the old Foster wheel, IMO.

Regards,

Bonnie Staffel
http://webpages.charter.net/bstaffel/
http://vasefinder.com/bstaffelgallery1.html
Charter Member Potters Council

Rick Hamelin on mon 24 jan 05


I read in an historical account that the early American potters could be recognized from a distance viewing due to the limp in their walk. I stood at two treadle wheels in my life, kicking them for over ten years. My ankle would hurt and my right hip always had a kink in it. This was my standing leg. I thought it had to do with the wheel. Yoga resolved the problem. I would suggest that you put two Dr Scholls Gel inserts in each shoe and stand on a rubber mat. Actually, this helps no matter what you do be it glazing, packing etc.
The potter's horse could also be recognized from a distance as well. Walking in a circle all day long from being hooked to the clay mixer.
Rick

--
"Many a wiser men than I hath
gone to pot." 1649

-------------- Original message --------------

> Dear Lilli,
>
> I started my potting career with a stand up treadle wheel made by George
> Fetzer of Columbus, Ohio. He also sold my first chemicals and glazes. I
> worked on this wheel for twelve years, perfecting my skills. Using the back
> rest was very important as one needs to have something to push against to
> keep the wheel going. Seems my fly wheel only weighed 75 lbs. and I could
> start and stop it on a dime.
>
> As a result of that experience, found that my back became crooked. You even
> work a bit askew as well. My advice, do not buy this type of wheel. The
> sit down style would be a lot easier on the body whether you kick the
> flywheel or a treadle on the side, such as the old Foster wheel, IMO.
>
> Regards,
>
> Bonnie Staffel
> http://webpages.charter.net/bstaffel/
> http://vasefinder.com/bstaffelgallery1.html
> Charter Member Potters Council
>
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