Free standing tool rest?

> Any one know of a place to get one that doesn't cost that much but still is> a good solid free standing tool rest?>

Easy- make your own. Don't remember where I first saw this, but the idea is NOT original with me- I found it online somewhere somewhen and kept it mentally filed for later use. Wish I could give credit where due, but while my memory is perfect, accessing the stuff in there isn't.

I made up a prototype using 1" black pipe, wide flange on the bottom mounted to a doubled block of 2x10, and a long 'T' fitting for the tool rest. Sealed and capped the ends of the 'T', filled it with dry sand from the bottom then sealed the base with hot melt glue and a plug.

Since this was only a prototype, I didn't worry about adjustable height and planned it to be a hair under the centerline of the drive spur.

Problems encountered: Way to lightweight. Needed at least 1.5 or better yet 2" dia pipe. Base likewise too light and needs better stability. Round toolrest was difficult to get used to after using an angled flat rest, and grinding away the cap and fitting bumps and flattening/filling with liquid steel was a major PITA. Needs to be adjustable for height, minimum of 3" +/- from centerline.

Solutions: Use 2" pipe- fill with oil-soaked sand for weight. Add angle iron welded to T fitting for better tool rest. Make multiple length T- fitting tops. Use discarded truck brake drum for base.

Adjustable stand: Use 2" OD pipe for all but top section of stand. Find

2" ID pipe for slip fit, drill & tap for holding bolt. Researched this for later, local muffler shop can make slip-fit joint for 6-8" travel with provided pipe. Cost= couple of 6-packs for after work & a thumper or three.

/vic

Even easier, and moves in synch with the lathe, if you mount directly to the table at the outboard.

If you care to dr> > Does Delta have the market cornered on free standing tool rests? Doing a

I don't think its so much that Delta cornered the market, per se. I think no one else WANTS to be in that market. Many feel they are unsafe and/or of bad design.

Peter Teubel Milford, MA

SNIP > Solutions: Use 2" pipe- fill with oil-soaked sand for weight. Add angle

SNIP ==================================================== I agree with the truck brake drum for a base. If available, you can reverse fit the truck axle to the drum, then fill it with concrete (and a few steel parts if you can find them). However, the angle iron on top is not safe. If you run your gouge down past the end, it will catch and slam your finger against the flat part of the angle iron. You can turn it the other way and angle it outward about 45 degrees, or fill in the open space on the angle iron so if the same thing happens, it will push your finger back and off the rest. May still hurt, but probably won't break it.

Ken Moon Weberville, TX

Hello, Doesn't Powermatic have a freestanding one? If I remember correctly I have seen it listed as an accessory for the 3520 and the

4224 but I have never seen a photo. Maybe someone has a picture of one of these things? They are expensive but I suspect that if they are built like their lathes they will be substantial and strong. Just a thought, Guy

I have one of these. It is very heavy and stable. It is hard to find them, yet so many lathe manufacturers provide for outboard turning? I haven't used it yet. It was a Christmas present.

John

Darren wrote:

Daren, I send you a message with some photos on some freestanding tool rests and a description on how to make them and so did OB I see , but it was returned. Wrong address? If you still want that info please reply direct to snipped-for-privacy@cogeco.ca and give me a valid address. Eugen

Darren, I sent some photos and a full description of some free standing tool rests to the above e-mail address. It was returned, wrong address ??? I guess OB is referring to the same . If you are still interesed in these photos and descriptive material drop me a line with your correct address. Eugen