Old Lathe help

================== Don, If that is their monotube lathe (toolrest and tailstock ride on 2 1/2 in steel tube), Harbor Freight Tools has a clone and their tool rest should work on yours. Otherwise, there are several companies that sell individual components for a "build it yourself" rest. For one of those, you'll need to know the length of the post required and the length of the rest you need. You can buy different length rests and just interchange them as needed. 3 places that have these type rests are Woodcraft, Packard Woodworks, and Craft Supplies USA. Hope this helps.

Ken Moon Webberville, TX

The bracket (tool rest holder) is the big problem. It has to fit tight, be adjustable and take a fair amount of torque.

I think that Sears still sells a tube lathe, seem to remember I saw it in their catalog. You don't think that parts for the new one would fit the old one..... Naw, never happen.

You might try the old woodworking machines website

As far as the rest itself--have it welded up. I had two made from 3/4" round stock one 12" long, one 6" from a welder shop for $20. The post length should be so that you can go from 1" above the centers to about 1

1/2" below them.

Looks like you might have a nice starter lathe there.

Walt C

The bracket (I assume that is the piece that is mounted around the pipe?) is still attached. The parts that are not there attach to it. They are labeled

*tool rest holder and *tool rest. The part that is on the pipe has 2 adjustment levers on it. one to hold the rest? and one to move it along the pole. That pole has rust on it. What should I put on it after I get the rust off? Should it be slick? Thanks for the welding idea, I wil ask around.

Also the pictures I posted show the part I was just describing. Is that the bracket you were refering to?

Don Ft. Worth, TX

Check the Ridgid lathe at Home Depot. I think it is the same.

IIRC, there is "something" on the pipe that keeps the bracket (and tailstock) from rotating. A recess?, a key?. If you've got the bracket that attaches to the pipe, there should be a part that slides in and out from the centerline (the holder) and a part that moves up and down and twists (the tool rest.) Tool rest is easy to fabricate, tool rest holder is tough. But you should be able to find something that will work.

The rusty pole should have the rust removed, so that things slide easily, but shouldn't be so slippery that you can't crank down on the lock bolts and have the tool rest and the tailstock stay put.

Take a look at the sears "12" variable speed lathe" catalog # 092172N. I'll bet it's tool rest and tool rest holder could be made to fit on your machine.

Happy days!!

Walt C

Sorry, the pictures seem to disappear from my reader after one day, so I can't go back to them.

Walt C