- view of base showing bottom handle
- DSC03642.JPG (142.15 KiB) Viewed 6498 times
- view showing mounted T-tool-rest
- DSC03645.JPG (152.04 KiB) Viewed 6498 times
The Shopsmith i bought had no tool rest and i wanted to use 1" diam posts. This support allows secure holding and quick adjustments of all sizes of tool rests at sizable distances and all positions around the way tubes.
See attached pics of adjustable tool-rest support i made that holds 1" diam posts. Base is block of Doug-fir, 2¼ X 5 X 13 inches, bored and cut in two to securely fit the "way tubes." Base pieces are secured by 5/16" carriage bolt, with quick adjustable handled-nut below the bottom piece. Top piece of the base is grooved 3/4" deep to hold a 13" long piece of 1¼" perf steel tube, which has a 5/16"+ slot to hold a square-head bolt that extends up into the horizontal tool-rest tube.
One end of the horizontal tool rest tube has been cut, bent, and strengthened with right-angle brace to make a 3¼" high holder for 1" posts of various tool-rests. Note this support allows all of the 16" diam lathe to be used because it allows positioning tool-rests at all angles both near and far from the item being turned. While i use it with 1" diam posts, smaller diam posts could be used by placing a wood block within the upright section, and boring that block to fit other post sizes.
In use, (1) the three quick-adjustable handles are loosened; (2) the base is positioned about the right place along the way tubes; (3) the tool-rest is inserted into the upright place and secured with handle; (4) the horizontal tool-rest tube is positioned exactly where the tool-rest best fits the work at hand; (5) finally, ensure tight handles and that tool-rest is not in the way of work.