Replies

1. 
   Highdesertwoodworker | Oct 15, 2019 06:04pm | #1

   It seems that plywood is often used to make pulley. It plywood better than solid hardwood.

   I also have a 3/4 inch hard phenolic plastic sheet salvaged as a toilet divider. Can it be better used to make pulleys?

2. 
   chipsawdust | Oct 18, 2019 11:19am | #2

   I haven't had a lathe for even a year yet so not the greatest answer here, but as I recall, wooden pulleys I've seen have most all been turned on end grain.

   The phenolic might make good pulleys, maybe better than the wood, but it depends on what you're trying to use them on.

3. 
   rob_ss | Oct 19, 2019 06:22am | #3

   You are correct.
   Turning on end-grain is not easy so make sure the tools are sharp and take light cuts.
   You will not have a happy result if you cheat and try to turn them like spindles. Splitting is almost certain.