Shopsmith Forums

My first attempt turning was on Sunday 4/13/2014... Didn't go so well. Started out well and turned a nice bead and started a curve, but adjusted the speed and 4x4 came off of lathe hit the tool rest and snapped off the top of the tool rest from the base stud... now I need to fix it or replace it... Any ideas, can't seem to find a tool rest replacement on the shop smith site. Can't believe it snapped the stud right off at the bottom of the tool rest. Was lucky it didn't hit me. Really enjoyed it while it lasted though...

Very rookie mistake I am guessing... guess I need to get a little guidance before moving forward.

Thanks for any help you can give.
Stew

stews102 wrote:My first attempt turning was on Sunday 4/13/2014... Didn't go so well. Started out well and turned a nice bead and started a curve, but adjusted the speed and 4x4 came off of lathe hit the tool rest and snapped off the top of the tool rest from the base stud... now I need to fix it or replace it... Any ideas, can't seem to find a tool rest replacement on the shop smith site. Can't believe it snapped the stud right off at the bottom of the tool rest. Was lucky it didn't hit me. Really enjoyed it while it lasted though...

Very rookie mistake I am guessing... guess I need to get a little guidance before moving forward.

Thanks for any help you can give.
Stew

First welcome to the forum. Glad the piece missed you.

I should have an extra rest, email if you have interest.

Glad you did not get hurt. Welcome to the forum hope you get right back on the horse. Looks like you have a good offer for replacement. Suggest you get Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone by R J DeCristoforo a great book for beginners. Half Peice Books either at the store or order on line. Where are you located ? Maybe we have someone close to help get you started. You came to the right place for help.

stews102 wrote:
Very rookie mistake I am guessing... guess I need to get a little guidance before moving forward.

Thanks for any help you can give.
Stew

There are various learning styles we all have - some visual, (watching), some hands-on (folks who don't read instructions, like me ), and those who can read books/instructions and retain much of what they read and apply it. One can even be a mixture. I like hands-on and visual learning.

Youtube is an excellent source of visual instruction. There are lots of books and if you look around in your area probably someone who is willing to give you a hands-on lesson. There is probably a turning club.

The lathe is a fascinating tool for novice woodworkers, and it is fun, but it can hurt you if you don't know what you are doing. You know the old saying: "The most dangerous person in the world is the one who doesn't know what he doesn't know." I was in the same boat many years ago, only it was a friend of mine who bounced a skew chisel back and cut his lip open. That REALLY got my attention and I have have worn a face shield ever since, even though I consider myself an accomplished spindle turner.

Don't give-up and take some lessons.

stews102 wrote:My first attempt turning was on Sunday 4/13/2014... Didn't go so well. Started out well and turned a nice bead and started a curve, but adjusted the speed and 4x4 came off of lathe hit the tool rest and snapped off the top of the tool rest from the base stud...

Thanks for any help you can give.
Stew

Well good thing it wasn't your head that was snapped off. Might I suggest that you find a local turning chapter of the AAW here. Where ya can find a mentor to help ya turn and be safe.

http://aaw.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=1509

Welcome Stews.

You’re in, arguably, good company.

I, and I suspect many others here, come-a-callin’ to the forum braintrust with the introductory distinction of having broken something.

All is well. They’ll get you patched up and turning again in a jiffy.

Any ideas, can't seem to find a tool rest replacement on the shop smith site.


Try here: http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... .htm#lathe

Turning is perhaps my favorite form of woodworking! Make sure that you have the wood secure on the lathe, and watch out for catches. Generally speaking, turn downhill, not up. That will help prevent catches... Getting some lessons or instruction is never a bad idea....

Chris

I found these replacement parts in the Shopsmith "Service and Repair Parts" catalog section. The tool rest is listed under "Miscellaneous Accessories".

SDSSmith wrote:First welcome to the forum. Glad the piece missed you.

I should have an extra rest, email if you have interest.

Rob,
I just ordered a replacement from Shopsmith, but will keep you in mind in the future. Thank for the offer.

2centsworth wrote:Glad you did not get hurt. Welcome to the forum hope you get right back on the horse. Looks like you have a good offer for replacement. Suggest you get Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone by R J DeCristoforo a great book for beginners. Half Peice Books either at the store or order on line. Where are you located ? Maybe we have someone close to help get you started. You came to the right place for help.

thank you for the suggestion. I will look it up. I am located in Mesa, AZ.