Hervey Bay Historical
Village & Museum

Wood Turning

Treadle the 100 year old lathe and the wood turner will make you a
miniature goblet or spinning top souvenir for free.

Tailstock Restored Lathe Headstock Shaping Blank
Shaping Base All Done  Goblets + 5 Cent piece Helper

Brian Taylor works the lathe

This wood turning lathe was previously housed in the harness room along with the restored
Angus Buggy and numerous items of saddlery and tools related to the Bromily family.
It is thought that this lathe was used by the Bromily brothers in their factory and it was felt that it could do
better service for the Museum than if it were restored and put to use demonstrating wood turning for our visitors.
A length of carriage rein was utilised for a drive belt and stitched together by Manny Fenech who has the
boot repair shop in Pialba Plaza. He did not charge us for this job, for which we thank him.
The original lathe did not have a driving dog for spindle turning, only a small screw faceplate.
A new spur drive and a 4" faceplate were fabricated for us by John Andersen, a local engineer.
John also donated his time and materials for free. Thanks John.
Mick Rovere, our Blacksmith at the time, created a new tool rest as the original one was too high.
Various guards and protective screens have been fitted to prevent any injury to visitors.

As of January 2006, we began demonstrating the making of miniature goblets and spinning tops and
giving them away to visitors who chose to assist by pedalling the lathe for a short while.

Competition Prize Winner Emma Hare

The Hare Family

Emma & David Dalgleish (FCRC)

Casuarina Bowl Prize

Laser Engraving
 
 
The weekend before Easter saw the winner of the "Guess the lathe speed" competition presented
with their prize by Councillor David Dalgleish (Hervey Bay City Council).
The closest entry was R. Hare of Wondunna whose daughter Emma actually did the calculations.
The nominated speed for the correct answer was 1233 RPM. Emma calculated 1225 RPM so was the closest.
The prize was a hand turned wooden bowl created by wood turner Brian Taylor from a piece of the
same timber (Casuarina) that was used to make the new wooden signs at the front of the Museum.
The bowl was also laser engraved on the base by Col Pearce of  Bay City Engraving & Awards.

Return to Demo's Page
Return to Home Page