Shopsmith Forums

What are opinons on the universal lathe tool rest? Part num 555811. I turn pens on my SS and love doing it, but looking for a more versitile tool rest system. This looks like a good one.
Matt

futralwoodworks wrote:What are opinons on the universal lathe tool rest? Part num 555811. I turn pens on my SS and love doing it, but looking for a more versitile tool rest system. This looks like a good one.
Matt

There are really only two tool-rest options in terms of the base - the basic one and the UTR. Since you are doing pens I doubt you will see much of a difference, whereas you might see a bigger difference when doing bigger stuff like bowls or platters.

You might consider just replacing the tool rest portion itself with something different. You can get them from penn state, woodcraft, or any number of sources. Just make sure the post diameter matches (3/4").

just got my and love it.

lot easier to adjust.

doesn't move where my standard one moved in the carriage slot.

futralwoodworks wrote:What are opinons on the universal lathe tool rest? Part num 555811. I turn pens on my SS and love doing it, but looking for a more versitile tool rest system. This looks like a good one.
Matt

The UTR is a Banjo not a tool rest. I love the UTR but it works best with a modular tool rest. There are several different modular systems from Sorby, Woodcraft and many others that work with both the standard banjo and the UTR. Some companies just resell others systems under their name. If you search modular tool rest you can find many threads on the forum with details about the pros and cons of different systems. Some accessories require a 1" post, which is available with the UTR banjo.

With the UTR you may need an extender for the center, you can find discussions about that by searching the forum.

Overall a great improvement over the stock one in range and usable configurations. Blew up original up on an especially gnarlly piece of oak, so having a more durable piece of metal to take the abuse is a definite plus.

Cons:
-You better not mind handling 35# everytime you switch it out.
-On mine the minimum height is just a tad too high for some of my tools (i.e. Easy Wood Tools). I can work around it when cleaning up the center of bowls, but wish it would go lower.
-Having to use an allen wrench to attach it to the carriage. Love the loosen the screw and run the tool rest in or out of the original.

scollins wrote: Cons:
-On mine the minimum height is just a tad too high for some of my tools (i.e. Easy Wood Tools). I can work around it when cleaning up the center of bowls, but wish it would go lower.

Remember the comment about 1" shank for modular tool rests, the other problem they solve besides strength, is the tool rest sits much lower. Plus they come in hardened steel and can't be nicked by M2 tools.

Will this UTR work on a Mark V? Does the unit mount to the existing slide?
Hoping this upgrade will pacify me until the next urge hits. Maybe the Power Pro

Thanks for the replies in advance

steve54 wrote:Will this UTR work on a Mark V? Does the unit mount to the existing slide?

Yes it will work on the markV. It attaches to the carriage.

I am very pleased with my UTR, as well as a speed reducer to turn bowls. Much easier than stock to to put the rest where you want it. It is a bit of work to mount and store, but turning is not normally something I normally do in the middle of complex project, so once mounted, it is on for a while.

Mine is mounted to a 1954 Mk V. Looking forward to upgrading the original 3/4 hp motor...I don't think it puts out that much power any more

sailseahawk wrote: . . . ..I don't think it puts out that much power any more

I can only think of three things that would cause diminishing power.

1 - Bearings(friction loading or internal parts alignment).

2 - Lack of air circulation(over heating) caused by dust accumulation internal to the motor.

3 - Poor electrical connection.