Hi Simon. My Leach treadle wheel was hand made to order, in Devon, England by David Woodley, 50 years ago and is still in perfect working order. At 81 years old, I still enjoy using it, recommend it to any would be potter and want to thank you for your very helpful videos which I thoroughly enjoy.
One thing that I didn't notice at the workshop is how much you use your knees (as well as the "feel" of the cadence of treadling) as part of the support structure. Nice.
So enjoy your videos...l was at Farnham school of Art (1970-73) where your father came to teach us...l bought a Leach wheel exactly as per in 1975 and it's still my favourite!! It came down to Puglia with me in 2007 😀great to see you producing them again!!
Thanks Simon, I have thrown several pieces and I can see that the leather strap on mine is causing friction from being new and tighter than yours. I will loosen the holes in the leather tomorrow.I have greased it all and it throws well. I have 8lbs of ballast in each chamber. I have cut the seat down to be shorter since I am only 5ft6inches tall. I sit closer now. I am still adjusting it each time I throw on it to find the sweet spot where my thigh does not touch my forearm as I centre the clay. All my customers love the design of the wheel since they see it on entering the studio/showroom. It is like a piece of furniture. The best feature for me is the height for demonstrating to customers, they can see the pot form from the side rather than from above, as with shimpos etc. I will post some videos once I get Xmas over with. It is a beautiful addition to my studio and was easy to assemble. Thanks for this video it helped a lot.
Whenever I see the leather on your wheel I think of Ko Cho Line which is also guid for preventing rust on metal. Very impressive piece of work......would not leave me enough room to get by in my wee studio. All the best for now and in the New Year!
What a beautifully made wheel, a work of art in itself, maybe one day, it must be nice centering sitting down. You make me nervous near that flywheel, I remember you trapping your finger. Hope you and yours have a lovely Christmas.
I do Agree with the other potter's that your Treadle Wheel is a piece of Art in its own form. But I still think if you had a extra Leach Treadle wheel in your studio you might be able to teach someone in your workshop's at a different fee of course. I could be wrong but you never know until you try. Have a great Holiday Simon. eddiespottery.
I was thinking this next batch of wheels in the early spring I would keep one or two back for my own studio/workshop use ...have a wonderful Christmas !
