Thread: Bonus... but then I'll have 2

I did my first pen using the standard toolrest (300mm long) with my VL 175 but not happy with not being able to get the toolrest close enough to the blanks.

Due to the wet weather in Brisbane, I wanted to do some pens in the shed this weekend but the 150mm toolrest with 22mm post that I ordered from Vicmarc had not arrived by Friday ...no problem, I'll just have to wait till next week.

Then on a whim I went to see the local metal manufacturer who last year I had organised work for which was required by our body corporate. Asked him if he had any 22mm round bar for a quick toolrest.

We looked through the "Scrap Bins"...no luck. No problems I said ..wait for the Vicmarc one to arrive. Then as we were nearing the door of his shed he reaches down and pulls out a 300mm length of 22mm dia SOLID STAINLESS STEEL BAR.

"This should do" he said and made it for me on the spot.

"How much"..........$20 bucks...The stainless steel alone would have cost me over $15.00 if I could find a supplier. It will last me a lifetime

PS. Word to the unwise...STAINLESS STEEL TAKES ABOUT AN HOUR TO COOL DOWN AFTER WELDING.....BEWARE