Universal lathe tool rest

rdewinter · Post by **rdewinter** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:41 am

I'm considering buying the Universal Tool rest that is now on sale for $215. Has anyone used this product, it sounds pretty good. Any comments about it would be greatly appreciated, such as ease of use, usefulness, worth the investment, etc.

Does anyone know when the sale ends?

Bob
San Diego

rkh2 · Post by **rkh2** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 7:00 am

Bob

I do a fair amount of turning on my SS and wouldn't be without it. Because of its versatility, I even use it when I am turning pens as well. If you do bowls, it makes it so much easier to maneuver your tools for both shaping the outside as well as hogging out the inside. Another plus about it is the added weight it gives your SS which makes for smoother working environment. Also you may want to consider the speed reducer if you plan on getting into big bowls. I believe that the sale only last until the 9th of this month. Well worth the cost. I bought mine a couple years ago while attending a TA, also on sale and never regretted it. Hope this helps with your decision to buy or not.

reible · Post by **reible** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:48 am

I'm not a big lathe user but I have one and I give it a thumbs up.

Ed

kd6vpe · Post by **kd6vpe** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:54 am

One of the better attachments I bought for lathe work. The only thing I don't like much about it is the banjo lock location. I wish it was back below the tool rest. This really is not a bad review just a personnal preference.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 1:33 pm

I like my UTR, and have never regretted the purchase at all. The only thing I've found so far is I've had to remove it to be able to move the headstock closer to the table. But that's a minor problem and it give me a much better tool rest.

hoagie · Post by **hoagie** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:01 pm

I ordered the entire Universal Tool Rest (UTR) kit back in late October. Everything else in that order has arrived, but the actual tool rest is still on back order.
I just got off the phone with Jan at SS and she lamented with me over the fact that these are still not available. She explained to me that for a lot of SS items, their long-time vendors for parts have either gone out of business or can otherwise no longer provide the materials SS needs.
They are in the process of setting up new suppliers and hope to have everything they need by the end of the month or early February to complete the manufacture of the back ordered UTRs and get them shipped.

So get your order in, but plan on being patient in getting it.

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:07 pm

I purchased one when it first was offered. ( 6 or 7 years ago ?) and it is one of the best offerings from Shopsmith. Shopsmith things tend to be made of aluminum and lite weight. This is cast iron and will be surprised of the weight.

In short Yes! order one.

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:19 pm

Make sure you also order two tail-stock live center extenders from Shopsmith or a #2 Morse Taper extender from someone else, they will address the issues of having to remove the unit for small work and really improve the usefulness of the accessory. I love mine.

baysidebob · Post by **baysidebob** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 8:39 pm

I have had my UTR for quite some time. I don't do a lot of turning but I do use this item, and I really like it. The added weight takes a lot of viberation out of the machine. I have turned several pens and a couple rolling pins using it and I think it is great.

Bayside Bob, Calif.

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 7:38 pm

Is there any non-shopsmith tool rest that could be adapted to the shopsmith? The universal tool rest is great, but at that price you really start to think about other possible options that could be retro-fit.

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Universal lathe tool rest

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