lathes died out in England after World War II. It has seen a return through the increased interest in green woodwork, although the majority of practitioners are at the hobby rather than professional level. Around Britain there are regular courses for learning the art of pole lathe turning and associated skills, culminating in making chairs or simpler items. The use of the spring pole lathe as well as other reciprocating lathes has found a minor following Europe and the United States following the example found with the Association of Pole-lathe Turners & Green Woodworkers based in England. As the wood is turned green or unseasoned it will shrink slightly as it dries. This is in slightly different proportions in line with the growth rings and across them and this differential shrinkage means the work piece becomes very slightly elliptical. This does not happen if the wood is pre-seasoned so you can differentiate between them. It is not often obvious to the eye but can be felt by running a hand around the piece. See also Bodging Philip Clissett Green woodworking References External links The Bodger's Home Medieval and Renaissance lathes The development of the lathe Spring pole lathe Green woodworking tools Woodworking hand tools