Crane & dragline operators used to be known as 'high boom' (boom nearer vertical) and 'low boom' (boom nearer horizontal). Both had their place and their danger. Don't scream"OT" just yet, we woodturners are 'high rest' and 'low rest'. Both have pros & cons, but to a degree the decision depends on whether you prefer the tool handle under your armpit or beside your hip. (maybe chin or knee ?)'G'
At one time the best shape for tool rests assured a heated debate. Now days the debate has shifted to tool sets vs singles, but a look thru the catalogs proves that we haven't settled on a 'best' tool rest (aka hand rest) yet.
Only a few shapes have stood the test of time, others have come & gone. There was an AMT rest with inch marks cast into the face; useless and prevented your hand from sliding along it and had to be ground off. It went! What body shape do you prefer: slanted, tubular, finger groove, whatever? What fulcrum shape do you find most useful: sharp, rolled, flat, whatever? Use catalog pics, your website or your own descriptive powers to explain.
Lately there seems to be some interest in how high or low the toolrest can be adjusted. I guess that depends on the height of the banjo holding the toolrest post, the length of the post and the size-shape of the rest. I mean if the banjo is low then a long post won't clear the bed, and a short post won't go much above center and on and on. I get confused on these things. Are there design limits? We have enough engineer types right here on rcw to straighten me out. Please do. I think it's time, again, for a good debate re good tool rests. Arch
Fortiter,