Thread: Searching for outboard lathe tool rest

A fast and not too dirty one:

https://i.redd.it/qdu79oabtlm11.jpg

From: homemade outboard wood turning tool rest - Google Search

You could make a free standing one out of timber and have a fixed height for your existing rest. I favor a T shape on the ground with the upright coming up about 1/3 back from the top of the T. In use the top of the T is parallel to the face of the bowl, with a foot on top of the leg of the T to help stabilize.

I like this type because the force is carried down to the floor and as it is attached to the lathe it is less likely to tilt into the work qnd cause a catch:

https://forum.canadianwoodworking.co...5&d=1256948861

From here: Outboard turning stand - Canadian Woodworking and Home Improvement Forum

I made one from an old car wheel, matching front bearing hub and a length of old gal pipe.

'Twas heavy to move around, but that has it's advantages.

Cheap enough to make that when we moved interstate, it went into hard garbage instead of the trailer but I'll definitely make another when I have the need.

If you are not handy with steel or lack the tools, give shout out over on the "Metal Work Forum" I,m sure some one could assist.

Originally Posted by Paul39

A fast and not too dirty one:

https://i.redd.it/qdu79oabtlm11.jpg

From: homemade outboard wood turning tool rest - Google Search

You could make a free standing one out of timber and have a fixed height for your existing rest. I favor a T shape on the ground with the upright coming up about 1/3 back from the top of the T. In use the top of the T is parallel to the face of the bowl, with a foot on top of the leg of the T to help stabilize.

I like this type because the force is carried down to the floor and as it is attached to the lathe it is less likely to tilt into the work qnd cause a catch:

https://forum.canadianwoodworking.co...5&d=1256948861

From here: Outboard turning stand - Canadian Woodworking and Home Improvement Forum

Agree the idea to stop it tilting forward

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

I made one from an old car wheel, matching front bearing hub and a length of old gal pipe.

'Twas heavy to move around, but that has it's advantages.

Cheap enough to make that when we moved interstate, it went into hard garbage instead of the trailer but I'll definitely make another when I have the need.

how was it to position your feet around?

Originally Posted by LiquidT

how was it to position your feet around?

Not too bad. There were definitely times I'd put one foot on the rim but in all honesty I can't say it ever got in my way.

If I were to pick a 'worst feature' it'd be the way it collected shavings. I could've attacked the top flange with an angle grinder to rectify that but... well... I'm inherently lazy.


FWIW, I made that stand back when an old MC-900 was my work-horse. The MC lathes have a short bed on the outboard side of the lathe to fit the banjo. The banjo's come with a short arm that fits in place of the tool-post to give you some leeway to position the rest when outboard turning.

I disliked using it, because it made the rest 'bouncy,' being hung off a spring-board like that.

However, I had planned to adapt it to fit it as a link between the lathe and the top of the stand but never quite got a round tuit. As I said... inherently lazy.

The one pictured in the original post does not look very good to me.
Will try to remember uploading a picture of mine tomorrow.

I’ve turned up to 8ft dia outside.
This was on Hamada metal lathe headstock and a chopped off old milling machine table for the toolrest . The lathe was a geared head and the slowest speed was ok for this size.
I have also done a fair bit on Wadkin RS lathes using the Wadkin free standing toolrest as in the pic below. Did a few of these MDF frames for antique dealers.
Also turned the door and window frames in foam for the telly tubbys tv show. These were 6 ft plus. Used a gouge on the blue foam no probs on the Wadkin.
I’ve never had any dramas using a free standing toolrest, main problem is your back to front. If I was still doing this for real I’d organise a lathe to be reversible and have it out far enough to work as I do inboard.
Still have a Wadkin RS and an odd outboard rest. Probably get it together if I need it.
You can easily make a rest as others have suggested from an old truck rim or even something smaller. I’d scored these for making a stand for post Dolly’s but you’d be better without a tyre as you don’t have to absorb the blows from hammering on the dolly.
H.28082183-ABB1-450E-995D-7E6F0D7F3EF0.jpgDDAF696D-F9A9-4F84-A22E-D815A1D5FBA1.jpeg4F156B6D-90E2-45B3-9024-93F30B404890.jpegC9819055-0B74-4FED-BD57-6127C66A616D.jpg
Wrong photo number 3. That’s a post dolly stand, in foreground the rest is behind.

This one works a treat. It is 600mm x 600mm on the base cross by 65mm thick cast iron.Post is 2 1/2 inch steel bar fitted into base casting. Heavy and stable.
DSCF8163.jpg

Interesting the four legs, you must have a nice flat floor.
I find 3 best with my floor as it’s not that great.
A few of the 3 leg ones have one leg longer, you can stand on it if needed.
Or put the long leg forward and stand between the other two.
H.

Floor is not very flat so more often than not I have to poke something under one of the rocking legs.

New here so still trying to navigate my way though the format. Thank you to all who have responded, been a big help.
Have decided to buy a roller stand as its the fastest way atm to get going as I'm time limited. Although some mods should stand up to what I need.
Cast base, bit loose where it fits and shims will take that out and has some height to be added and the banjo to be fitted....roller to be removed
If this fails its off to the Tyre rim and heavy pipe that has worked so well for everyone else

Roller stand.jpg