Replies

1. 
   BG | Feb 18, 2003 08:25pm | #1

   RK Kelly,

   It's not very clear in the pictures just what that tool rest might be.  Woodcraft dose stock tool rests...if your lucky maybe it wouold fit your lathe and suit your purposes.

2. 
   Clay | Feb 19, 2003 09:19am | #2

   Ernie probably had that toolrest custom made.  You can probably contact him in the neanderthal room at Badger Pond if you want to ask him.

3. 
   DennisS | Feb 19, 2003 07:41pm | #3

   Kevin -

   Tool rests are not, in my opinion, precision instruments - meaning they're not that hard to fabricate one's self. Or if you're not a welder or don't have a welder, perhaps you know someone who is or have a small welding shop nearby that can fabricate something for you.

   Two things are relatively important none the less: the post needs to fit in the banjo reasonably well which isn't much or a problem since most posts are standard bar stock size. The harder the steel the less it will get dinged up from the post clamp.

   The other thing is that the rest itself should be as square to the post as you can get it for consistency across the width of the rest. Since most rests are pretty soft anyway, you can use most anything, a piece of angle iron or heavy flat bar would work OK. Draw file the top edge to keep it smooth and knick-free.

   I've made several tool rests for my lathe from 1"dia stainless bar stock. I prefer the harder material since it resists being ding-ed up by sharp edges of chisels and parting tools. But it's difficult to work with unless you have the proper welding equipment.

   If you want a really *long* tool rest, purchase another banjo for the lathe and fabricate a toolrest with two posts about two feet or so apart for additional support.

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

1. 
   Jimma | Feb 20, 2003 05:56am | #4

   Good counsel, Dennis.