Tim Would Be Proud Of Me...

[triplefreak]

It turns out my new lathe's tool rest was too long for me to turn pens with. I couldn't get it even remotely close to the mandrel, because it was way too long, by an inch or more, at least.

So, I used my head for something other than a hat rack, and decided I had to make the tool rest fit my needs. So, I got out my trusty HF angle grinder, and put a new steel cutting wheel in it.

I marked the center point of the tool rest, then subtracted the amount from each end, so it'd still be balanced.

I used my angle grinder & my Dad's old machinist's vice, and cut the extra amount off each end.

Now, I can turn pens without any problems. Time to get that new lathe dirty.

Thanks Tim, you've been a great teacher.

[TDHofstetter]

WOULD be??? AM!

[triplefreak]

Feb 27, 2010 18:24:20 GMT -6 TDHofstetter said:

WOULD be??? AM!

Thanks for the words of encouragement, Tim. I'm simply happy that my mandrel & everything else fits together for a (somewhat) perfect machine.
Too bad I had to stop to cook dinner, because I'd probably be down there the rest of the night trying to turn something, but I'm really too tired to do so.

[Doug B]

You are really going to like the short tool rest TF. It makes a world of difference in pen turning. I bought a 6" tool rest for my pen making and really like it. However, I still need the 12" rest sometimes so I hope you don't miss having that extra length sometime down the road.

[triplefreak]

Feb 28, 2010 13:12:10 GMT -6 Doug B said:

You are really going to like the short tool rest TF. It makes a world of difference in pen turning. I bought a 6" tool rest for my pen making and really like it. However, I still need the 12" rest sometimes so I hope you don't miss having that extra length sometime down the road.

My new lathe came with a 6.5" tool rest, which was a little over an inch too long to fit my mandrel setup. It's at 5.25" now, which made all the difference in the world. My big Grizzly still has a 12" tool rest, & 2 HP, which is plenty for turning the big stuff.

[sachbvn]

I only have 1 tool rest...the big 12" that came with my lathe. I really need to get a smaller tool rest. Sigh.... kinda forms bad habits turning from a distance.


Zac

[fredbelknap]

Zac I got a new banjo for mine and it is worlds better. Triple Freak clued me in to it. They are on Clearance sale for $40. The also had a 6" tool rest but it must be out of stock. www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=packard&Category_Code=lathes-acc-toolrst-dtrb-ct

[Doug B]

Zac, if you want the best tool rest, here is the link: monster-lathe-tools.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=66

That's where I got mine from and it is really superb!

And, he is another one of us (Randy Privett) but kinda shy on the forum. But man does he make some neat turning tools!