Question regarding the Universal Lathe Tool Rest

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 12:03 pm

The softer cast iron tool rests also absorb vibration and can help reduce chatter. It only takes a few passes with a file to remove the nicks.

Agree with Art regarding softening the edges on the skew and round nose scraper. Softening the edges on the scraper also improves handling/performance of the skew.

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:33 am

damagi wrote: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

[ATTACH]19825[/ATTACH]

From the top right,
The first post allows a lathe tool to be held in place while the universal banjo is moved, the 4" rod is one of the modular rests, the black post hold carbide cutters. The J shaped rest allows deep access to a bowl when help in the small square black block shown just above and its right. The bottom picture is of a 9" offset rest connected to a 3/4" post. I also have and can't reach at the moment is a platform that reaches deeply into a bowl some of the things require a 1" post.

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:38 am

pennview wrote: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.

I was spending more time getting nicks out then turning then turning, that is when I decided to get harder rests. Not one of the rests shown has ever gotten a nick and I don't round over the edges of my tools. The Shopsmith tools are the softest I own, most are much harder. I use my Shopsmith tools and have nothing against them so don't take the last statement as a knock.