Thread: cast iron or steel tool rests

It could've been worse... by the sounds of it, if the toolrest hadn't failed something else a bit less easily replacable might've.

The real advantage of going steel, if you're making your own, is that you can make your own design. of any desired shape. That's not to say they'll all be equally useful...

Cast tool rests can do that, I've done that too

The Teknatool lathe and tool rest is as good as I've ever used and it's not cast but as you suggest, 2" X 1/4" bar champhered one edge and welded to the round post. Worth a look if you want to make one

Jamie

I looked in to doing this a while back.
The stock bar is only approximate diameter and can vary up to 2mm from spec so what you need to do is buy some bolts the correct diameter.
Cheers
Paul

Hi and thanks for the comments.
When I get more time I am looking at making something like the ones in the link.
Looks like they used some 75 or 100mm pipe, not a bad idea.

http://www.turnrobust.com/Robust/Pics/Robust1%20013.jpg

hughie

Bright Bar is much more accurate in dia with low hydrogen type welding reccommended ie TIG Mig or stick welding with low hydrogen electrodes with preheat and post heat to avoid cracking.

:eek: Advice from an old steel worker

Originally Posted by barnsey

Cast tool rests can do that, I've done that too

The Teknatool lathe and tool rest is as good as I've ever used and it's not cast but as you suggest, 2" X 1/4" bar champhered one edge and welded to the round post. Worth a look if you want to make one

Jamie

5/16th I think Jamie.

I've made my own with 40mm x 10mm flat and they serve well but I might have a go at the pipe idea myself - looks good!

They are not an ideal shape for tool rests though.

Originally Posted by

5/16th I think Jamie.

Yeah think you are right

I find some of the rounded form of t/rests excellent for deep hollowing, but prefer to get the supporting edge a LOT closer for external and spindle work.

I guess it depends on what you're turning. [shrug]

That must have some wild jam up, most important thing is that you did not get hurt (this time), My dear son has access to all sorts of scrap steel and some machines to shape them. He presented me with a post size an a bent "S" shaped piece of steel some time ago for me to weld up into a bowl tool rest. Maybe I should brush the wood dust off and stick it together it may save the long reach in some bowls which will be why some accidents such as this happen.
Watch the fingers!!

Taffy

Originally Posted by Taffy

That must have some wild jam up, most important thing is that you did not get hurt (this time),Taffy

Hi Taffy,
It was green timber, a very knotty piece of pine -- very wet and spraying all over, so I had one eye shut so to speak.
I was using a 3/8 gouge with a very long hardwood handle and fortunately out of the line of fire.

Still it got the old heart going......lickity split.

hughie

This toolrest failed while the gouge was about 4" down in a bowl. No harm done to anything (or me), but it does perk a person up some. It is from a General Intl. Maxi-Lathe (10" swing), about two years old. No catch when it broke, just normal turning.

gbj,
It looks like form the pic that the cast has crystallized some what and maybe faulted at that point. Great for keeping the old heart rockin 'n rollin....hughie