Building a Treadle Sharpening Wheel

Article 171: Building a Treadle Sharpening Wheel

By: A Woodworker Who Likes Foot-Powered Tools

Before electric grinders, foot treadles powered sharpening wheels. Build one and you’ll have fine control without the heat of powered grinding.

Materials

• Old 8"–10" grinding stone with axle

• Hardwood for base and flywheel

• Leather or cotton belt

• Bearings or bushings

• Pedal arm and foot treadle

Tools Required

• Drill press

• Saw

• Lathe (for flywheel, optional)

• Files and chisels

Steps to Build

1. Build Sturdy Frame

   • Legs and upright posts, 2×4 or laminated hardwood.

2. Mount Wheel on Axle

   • Bearings in frame; shaft must turn smoothly.

3. Install Flywheel

   • Attach to shaft on opposite side of stone.

4. Add Treadle Mechanism

   • Pedal connected to flywheel by strap or pitman arm.

5. Test & Tune

   • Tension the belt and align the drive train.

Sketch – Side Profile

[ Pedal ]──[Pitman Arm]──[Flywheel]───[Stone]
     ↓         rotates         rotates
  Foot motion drives grinding stone