The spar lathe

Today we took the spar glue-up for a spin on our spar lathe.
To speed up the milling and keep it round we incorporated an old device.
Long ago I picked up a bench mounted, hand powered grinding wheel.
I imagine it is from the thirties.  If you can find one in a junk shop, grab it.  It is compact, well made and cool looking.  When not in use, the lathe parts could fit in a shoe box.
After removing the handle, we turned it around so it acts as a reduction gearing.
I then welded up a couple of chucks.
By adding an adjustable clamp on a variable speed drill, we have a slow turning lathe.  It is perfect for a rough pass with an angle grinder, then progressive passes with an orbital sander.

Here, Frank (aka Fabulon) is working on the glue-up.  The two of us use ten large hose clamps and finish this step in fifteen minutes.

Josh is seen here working on the 40 grit pass with the orbital sander.  In the foreground you can see the gearing.
The far end of the mast is supported by a small work stand you can't even see.
Click on the photo for a larger version.

This is the device. 

A socket that fit perfectly in the hollow of the mast has found a new job.