Question regarding the Universal Lathe Tool Rest

Ned B_CNY · Post by **Ned B_CNY** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:26 am

Hi Gang,
I'm still a few months away from finally picking up my 510 from my Dad's house, that doesn't stop me from scheming about how to integrate it into my shop. I'm really looking forward to having the 510, and one of the things I'm going to be using it for is turning. I have a Delta Midi lathe currently, and last winter I did a little bit of turning on my 510. I must say the stock banjo/tool rest did not impress me at all.

For those who have the Universal Lathe Tool Rest, were you happy with the purchase? That and the Nova G3 chuck are on my short list of upgrades to the 510 (that I can afford, I'd Love a powerpro upgrade, but that's not happening any time soon...).

Thanks for any/all advice!

Ned

algale · Post by **algale** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 11:53 am

I'm am still just a novice turner, so take this for what it's worth, but I did splurge on the universal tool rest and I like it and would recommend it.

The main advantage for me was that I found the stock tool rest tended to move on my 520 while turning. I never had a catch from it but it scared the daylights out of me. Once you set the universal tool rest it doesn't move at all until you decide to move it. Another advantage is the weight adds some heft and stability to the machine (less vibration).

The only disadvantage I have seen is that it takes a little longer to attach it to the Mark V than the standard tool rest. I think it also may reduce the maximum diameter you can turn but I've never tried turning anything near the maximum diameter so that isn't a limitation to me (yet).

It is an expensive item but you won't be disappointed with it.

Al

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 11:56 am

i have the Universal Lathe Tool Rest and think it's a good upgrade for ya. It will also add about 30 lbs. If ya get the Nova G3, make sure ya get the correct adapter for it. ISNS I think is the correct one.

Ned B_CNY · Post by **Ned B_CNY** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 11:58 am

Considering I will have just the cost of getting my 510 home from VA to NY invested in the entire SS, I'm more than willing to spend the $ on a better tool rest. The alternative is to shell out several hundred dollars more to get a larger lathe than the delta Midi I own already.

algale wrote:I'm am still just a novice turner, so take this for what it's worth, but I did splurge on the universal tool rest and I like it and would recommend it.

The main advantage for me was that I found the stock tool rest tended to move on my 520 while turning. I never had a catch from it but it scared the daylights out of me. Once you set the universal tool rest it doesn't move at all until you decide to move it. Another advantage is the weight adds some heft and stability to the machine (less vibration).

The only disadvantage I have seen is that it takes a little longer to attach it to the Mark V than the standard tool rest. I think it also may reduce the maximum diameter you can turn but I've never tried turning anything near the maximum diameter so that isn't a limitation to me (yet).

It is an expensive item but you won't be disappointed with it.

Al

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 12:03 pm

When ya finally bring it home. Do an alignment and the maint. on it first.

Ned B_CNY · Post by **Ned B_CNY** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 12:23 pm

beeg wrote:When ya finally bring it home. Do an alignment and the maint. on it first.

Oh absolutely, I'm going to bring it home, and give it a thorough going over/through and learn 'how things work' before I do anything project wise.

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 2:31 am

Ned B_CNY wrote:Hi Gang,
I'm still a few months away from finally picking up my 510 from my Dad's house, that doesn't stop me from scheming about how to integrate it into my shop. I'm really looking forward to having the 510, and one of the things I'm going to be using it for is turning. I have a Delta Midi lathe currently, and last winter I did a little bit of turning on my 510. I must say the stock banjo/tool rest did not impress me at all.

For those who have the Universal Lathe Tool Rest, were you happy with the purchase? That and the Nova G3 chuck are on my short list of upgrades to the 510 (that I can afford, I'd Love a powerpro upgrade, but that's not happening any time soon...).

Thanks for any/all advice!

Ned

First the Universal Tool Rest is not a Tool Rest. it is a Tool Rest Banjo. As a Tool Rest Banjo it is excellent, the weight reduces vibration and it stays put under the most strenuous usage, and most importantly it allows both 3/4" and 1" tool rest posts. If uses the same tool rests a the standard banjo and that is where I have issue. The standard tool rests are too soft to use with modern lathe tools, they just get nicked and generally they are the wrong size/shape. After upgrading to the Universal Banjo, I added both a 1" and 3/4" modular tool rest post and a collection of hardened steel tool rests. I think I now have 4-5 tool rests from different companies. I chose companies based on price and shipping costs and speed I needed them.

From bottom to top

Shopsmith Tool rest Banjo
Tool Rest Post (just a rod with a threaded hole on the top)
Brass adapter which support the tool rest and allows creation of a T-Shape.
One of many tool rests or tool support platforms for deep bowl work
My lathe tool which rides on the tool rest or support platform.

Ned B_CNY · Post by **Ned B_CNY** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 4:39 am

paulmcohen wrote:First the Universal Tool Rest is not a Tool Rest. it is a Tool Rest Banjo. As a Tool Rest Banjo it is excellent, the weight reduces vibration and it stays put under the most strenuous usage, and most importantly it allows both 3/4" and 1" tool rest posts. If uses the same tool rests a the standard banjo and that is where I have issue. The standard tool rests are too soft to use with modern lathe tools, they just get nicked and generally they are the wrong size/shape. After upgrading to the Universal Banjo, I added both a 1" and 3/4" modular tool rest post and a collection of hardened steel tool rests. I think I now have 4-5 tool rests from different companies. I chose companies based on price and shipping costs and speed I needed them.

From bottom to top

Shopsmith Tool rest Banjo

Tool Rest Post (just a rod with a threaded hole on the top)

Brass adapter which support the tool rest and allows creation of a T-Shape.

One of many tool rests or tool support platforms for deep bowl work

My lathe tool which rides on the tool rest or support platform.

Thanks Paul, that was exactly the sort of info I needed. From what you're saying I can skip the additional tool rest package, and just get the better Banjo. I have a couple of friends in the spinny world whom I can lean on for advice on the actual rest itself.

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 11:04 am

paulmcohen wrote:First the Universal Tool Rest is not a Tool Rest. it is a Tool Rest Banjo. As a Tool Rest Banjo it is excellent, the weight reduces vibration and it stays put under the most strenuous usage, and most importantly it allows both 3/4" and 1" tool rest posts. If uses the same tool rests a the standard banjo and that is where I have issue. The standard tool rests are too soft to use with modern lathe tools, they just get nicked and generally they are the wrong size/shape. After upgrading to the Universal Banjo, I added both a 1" and 3/4" modular tool rest post and a collection of hardened steel tool rests. I think I now have 4-5 tool rests from different companies. I chose companies based on price and shipping costs and speed I needed them.

From bottom to top

Shopsmith Tool rest Banjo

Tool Rest Post (just a rod with a threaded hole on the top)

Brass adapter which support the tool rest and allows creation of a T-Shape.

One of many tool rests or tool support platforms for deep bowl work

My lathe tool which rides on the tool rest or support platform.

Could you post some photos of the various tool rests and such that you are using, as well as any details on the make/models?

I found the same thing you did - seems like the SS tool rests get dinged really easily

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 11:30 am

Regarding the dinging or nicking of the tool rest, if you're using the Shopsmith chisels or ones similar, you need to round over the sharp edges of the chisels with a file along the length of the chisel. These sharp edges on the chisels as they come from the factory will nick you tool rest quite easily until you soften them by rounding them over. In the five-piece set of Shopsmith chisels, the skew is the worst offender, although the round nose will also cause nicks especially if you have a catch. You also should use a file on the tool rest if you get nicks in it.