Cabinet...

[jacon4]

These lathes are called "pole lathes" and were used for hundreds of years. These were the lathes turners used until the 1850s when steam power changed everything in woodworking. Below is a link from Peters blog where the pics show how these lathes worked.
http://pfollansbee.wordpress.com/2009/03/10/turning-joined-stool-parts/

[waywardangler]

I had a Barnes metal working foot powered lathe at one time and it worked on a treadle.  Working the treadle drove a belt that turned the headstock.  I do not think a pole lathe would work in turning parts for a Windsor chair.  The spindles are too small in diameter and the cord wrapped around the spindle would start to flex it as soon as stress was applied in pumping.

[waywardangler]

"The Thames valley in South East England was rich in Beechwood forests and it was here that the chair Bodgers set up their camps, harvesting the wood and turning the legs, stretchers and armposts on rudimetary spring pole lathes operated in the open air. These parts were then sent to the manufacturer to be mated with the seats, made by the Bottomer, and the bent arms and spindles made by the Framer, who also completed the assembly of the chair."   http://davidambrose.ca/chairs/chairs.html

It does not say how the fine spindles were turned, but it was not on a spring pole lathe.

The Woodright's spring pole lathe...

[jacon4]

Wayward, The spindles were made with a draw knife & spoke shave after riving the stock into small sticks, the legs and stretchers would have been turned, the seat would have been shaped with a draw knife as well.

[talesofthesevenseas]

Hosman, did you get your cabinet yet? Can't wait to see some pics!

[hosman321]

I don't even know if they have sent it out yet. They emailed a few days ago to ask for my phone number because Greyhound requires it. I sent them my number and politely asked if they knew if it would arrive before Christmas or not. They didn't write back so I don't know if they sent it or what. I'll take pics when it gets here.

[jacon4]

I stumbled across this painting from Germany dated 1601, it shows a turner working at his pole lathe but whats interesting are his legs. If the artist depiction is anywhere near correct then it indicates turning is about all this guy ever did in woodworking.

[waywardangler]

Wow!  He would've excelled in the Tour de France also.

[hosman321]

Geeeze, are those legs even possible? 
She emailed to say the cabinet will go out on Saturday. Bit disappointing, I thought it was already on it's way.

[jacon4]

Well, its always exciting to get a new piece, hopefully it will get there soon. Yeah, that turner has got some legs going on there no doubt. I suspect that larger woodworking shops had dedicated turners who sold turned goods to smaller shops that didnt.

[hosman321]

Man, the communication from this seller is very frustrating. It takes them at least 4 days to respond to an email. Anyways, Greyhound called yesterday to say they received it and it will take approximately 7-10 days. 

[jacon4]

LOL, OK, IT'S ON THE WAY! Shipping is always a problem with furniture because it's usually the buyers responsibility, i have been using uship.com for the past few years with pretty good results.

[hosman321]

On my way to pick it up. Hoping I like it. 

[sapphire]

Don't forget..........PIC S !!!!!!!!   

[waywardangler]

Two hours later and the suspense is building up.