Thread: Not a Bad Idea

Thanks for that, great if you've a narrow bed lathe. Mines a Symtec and I find it's more of a storage area to store crap on that doesn't belong there.
Kryn

I thought of something like that but decided on this instead, which has worked wonderfully well for me.

Mick.


Tool_rest.jpg

Mick's (Optimark) idea is better for setting your tools out ready for a turning session.

But I still use something similar for the tools I'm currently using. I'll often be switching between the same two or three tools and an 'on the spot' rest works for me.

I don't bother with magnets, though. Instead of using a way spacer in the middle as in your diagram, I move it right to the far end and then screw a slightly wider piece to the bottom to hook under the far way of the bed.

It's a simple case of tilting the tray to insert/remove the hook under the lathe bed.

Works well, only takes moments to fit/remove and doesn't involve any magnetic magic.

I thought I would post this picture taken about 1½ hours later.

Mick.


Tool_rest_finished.jpg

I've been using a similar accessory for probably 12 years or so, but without the magnets. Mine was designed to stop woodturning tools from rolling off the bed of the lathe. It is a simple 4mm ply base with a cleat that is a jamb fit into the bedways of the lathe.