I recently made a rack for my lathe tools using sections of PVC pipe.

To form the holders, I first used a chopsaw to cut several rings from 1-1⁄4-in.-dia. pipe. Then I cut through one side of each ring on the bandsaw. With a heat gun, I heated half of the PVC ring until it became soft and pliable, clamping the pliable half in my bench vise to straighten the back and make a J-shaped hook. I then drilled countersunk mounting holes in the straight portion of the hooks and fastened them in pairs to a board that mounts on the wall behind my lathe.

Next, one hook at a time, I heated the hook part of the PVC until it was soft and pliable. I then placed a lathe tool into the holder and, while wearing a leather glove, shaped the holder to fit the tool handle, holding the shape against the tool until the plastic cooled and set.

It takes about 30 seconds of playing the heat gun around the target area to soften the PVC. Work in a well-ventilated area and be careful not to overheat the plastic or you’ll get scorching, smoke, and longer cooling/setting times.

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

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