This has turned out to be an interesting venture. Saturday I went to a gathering of turners from Dallas/Ft Worth area and took a couple of my new tool rests. Got 2 reactions. Love it or hate it! Those like me who usually turn with their hand on top of the tool love it but those who usually turn with their hand under the tool didn't. All agreed that the longer post was a good idea. While I was there we discussed different ideas and now I have several other things to try.Who would have thought that something as simple as a tool rest could get so difficult. I was talking with one of the guys and he mentioned that he had a Powermatic floor model drill press for sale. I didn't even as the price as I knew that it was way out of my price range. Then he mentioned that all he wanted was $175 and I said sold! It was made in the 50s but in great shape and uses the same reeves variable speed drive like the model 90 lathes. 750 to 3000 RPM. Had to get my neighbor to help me stand it up when I got it home. It must weigh 300 lbs and is a beauty. FYI I have a twianese floor drill press that is in great shape considering a tornado dropped the shop roof on it about 10 years ago for sale cheap.
- posted
19 years ago