Leach-Style Treadle Wheel

One of the more unusual commissions I have received, this pottery wheel is entirely human powered. The speed of the head rotation is a function of the speed at which the user kicks the foot pedal, allowing very fine real-time control. A treadle wheel is a whole body experience, and is sought by those looking for greater control of their work and a closer bodily connection to the process of throwing pottery.

All welding and woodworking in this build was done in my shop, with the exception of the crankshaft through-holes and brass bushing (which were made by a machinist friend of mine).