Outboard tool post

[Rod Gilbert]

I picked up some cheep slabs from Maple Man the other day and with them was a piece of blue gum about 800x700x60 I have cut a 700 dia disk to turn a large platter but before i do I need to build a out board tool post any ideas from the brains trust would be appreciated.
Regards Rod.

[nz_carver]

The type of lathe you have may help?

[Paul39]

Rod,

This has some photos of tool posts:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=853&bih=484&q=wood+lathe+outboard+tool+post&oq=wood+lathe+outboard+tool+post&gs_l=img.12...2715.10725.0.13547.29.11.0.18.18.0.269.1518.0j10j1.11.0....0...1ac.1.19.img.76pRXBIfUUc

Wadkin and Powermatic make some nice free standing ones:

http://www.owwm.net/images/257.jpg

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=853&bih=484&q=Outboard+tool+post&oq=Outboard+tool+post&gs_l=img.12...1663.16993.0.19356.20.10.0.10.0.0.174.1281.0j10.10.0....0...1ac.1.19.img.8l0Jrzc7Zzw#hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=powermatic+outboard+tool+post&oq=powermatic+outboard+tool+post&gs_l=img.12...98409.101762.4.104823.10.10.0.0.0.0.148.1256.0j10.10.0....0...1c.1.19.img.EFxzuch1CTA&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.48705608,d.dmg&fp=887c3ecc845f2d70&biw=853&bih=484&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=3FCrqKrTW2KHSM%3A%3BZu34iUt6BarRtM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fecx.images-amazon.com%252Fimages%252FI%252F21Hkt87wfoL.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fpowermatic-tools.blogspot.com%252F2011%252F08%252Fpowermatic-6294732-520b-lathe-outboard.html%3B350%3B350

I favor the kind that is attached to the lathe and has a leg to the floor. If you are handy it can be made with plumbing pipe fittings.

Some of the better free standing ones cost more than a good lathe.

[Rod Gilbert]

Thanks for the replies, nz_carver the lathe is an old tough I have previously made a freestanding post using a bucket some 90mm PVC storm-water pipe hole in bottom of bucket tube taped to it then steel pipe to fit my tool rest and all the bits of steel I could find the whole thing upside down and filled with concrete when set split the steel pipe to clamp on to tool post (kick it to where you want it) it worked ok but I am looking for any other suggestions I am leaning towards as Paul39 suggested mounted on the lathe and a long post to the floor.
Regards Rod.

[chuck1]

ive seen a free standing one made from a car rim and pipe and then an attachment to fit the banjo off the lathe to it! fairly basic if you have the tools and parts!

[turnerted]

Rod
Thats going to be a big diameter lump of wood wizzing round. Are you sure the Tough will go slow enough?As the diameter goes up , the perimeter of a disc this size will be going considerably faster than anything you will have turned inboard.
Ted

[Rod Gilbert]

Yes Ted it would be flying, previously on another lathe I have turned similar diameters and have set up a lazy axle with another set of pulleys to give me a reduction I will have to fashion something again this time I should probably bolt it down to hey, instead of how it is now sitting on packing blocks to get it level. I have a few jobs to do before I start the turning part of this project which is why I am fishing for idea's so keep them coming.
Regards Rod.

[NeilS]

Any solid tripod arrangement will do the job, e.g. see top image here (http://www.woodfast.com.au/index.php?p=1_5).

Note the foot on one leg of the tripod. A floor plate welded to one foot serves this purpose.

[Rod Gilbert]

This is the piece in question I will need to get it as balanced as possible and devise some form of step down pulleys before I can consider spinning this blank.
Regards Rod.

[issatree]

Hi Rod,
I have a " Tough "& the low speed is 590 RPM.
Went to turn a piece of Jarrah 20 x 3in. but the lathe almost took off.
If it is possible, find an old Electric Motor & run a belt to the other Motor, & by arranging the Belts, you will be able to make the Lathe go Slower.
I think I have got that right.

[Rod Gilbert]

Hi issatree I think when I have done this previously I used 2 pulleys on a 2nd shaft with a large and small pulley,going from the small pulley on the motor to large on the lay shaft then the small on the lay shaft to the large on the lathe gives a double reduction in speed to get the revs much lower to in turn reduce the peripheral speed at the outer diameter. As an apprentice I have turned diameters as large as 1800mm so I am not daunted by the size of this but you still have to work within safe parameters so the need to reduce the speed is very necessary and I still need to build a tool post. All advise and ideas are most welcome in all regards. This will obviously be an on going project with separate components to it that will all need time for me to develop. Thanks neil the tripod is a good idea 3 legs don't rock.
Regards Rod.