Custom tool rest suggestions?

[davidjames]

I have recently got into blacksmithing and also acquired a small mig welder. So I was pondering that with the ability to shape metal and join it easily, I could possibly make my dad a couple of custom tool rests for his lathe.

I've done very minimal turning but I'm thinking about something with a curve or a right angle to make bowls easier. I was wondering if anyone here to share their experiences with what they've found works best for this type of tool rest, or tool rests in general?

FWIW, he has 3-4 rests already but they're all just straight, some shorter than others, and for both sides of his lathe.

Thanks!

[BobL]

Here's a few I made back in 2008.

No blacksmithing needed, just a thin kerf cutoff wheel and a stick welder.
Metal lathe comes in handy too.

424674

This one is reversible (concave and convex)
424675 424676

424677

[Paul39]

David,

Here are some shapes:

https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1052&bih=674&ei=Z_IaWuvpL4KU_Qbsv62IBg&q=bowl+turning+tool+rests&oq=bowl+turning+tool+rests&gs_l=img.12...1600.9980.0.13225.24.12.0.12.12.0.80.785.11.11.0....0...1ac.1.64.img..1.22.828.0..0j0i10k1j0i30k1j0i5i30k1j0i24k1.0.CTSLNkEogtU

A long straight tool rest with two tool posts is nice if a lot of chair legs or lamps are made.

Make very sure your welds are good, as a broken tool rest thrown up into ones face is not good.