Lathe Tool Rest

gr8mesquite · Post by **gr8mesquite** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 10:57 pm

My lathe tool rest has Allen set screws (inconvenient as hell), but I note that the rests now have clamping levers. SS sells an upgrade kit (#514264) for $38.05, but also sells upper(521688) and lower (521689) clamping levers for $3.98 and $4.09 respectively. My question is: Can I simply replace the set screws with the clamping levers, or is there more to it that requires a whole new tool rest arm?

Thanks

Jerome

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 12:16 am

gr8mesquite wrote:My lathe tool rest has Allen set screws (inconvenient as hell), but I note that the rests now have clamping levers. SS sells an upgrade kit (#514264) for $38.05, but also sells upper(521688) and lower (521689) clamping levers for $3.98 and $4.09 respectively. My question is: Can I simply replace the set screws with the clamping levers, or is there more to it that requires a whole new tool rest arm?

Thanks

Jerome

You should be able to replace the set screws.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 11:00 am

Any 5/16-18 threaded screw/knob/whatever will fit. IIWM, I would make sure the end is NOT cupped, serrated or pointed.

gr8mesquite · Post by **gr8mesquite** » Thu Dec 26, 2013 8:56 am

Received this from SS Customer Service:

"If you have the model 510 you need to get the 514264 as the levers may not work on your current arm (has to do with the placement of the holes for the set screws)
If you have a model 500 you can get just the levers.
Thank you
Customer Service"

reible · Post by **reible** » Thu Dec 26, 2013 6:30 pm

Looks like you have an answer but I'll mention that I have taken the store purchased handles and (did grind them flatish) used them on a 500 version. I had them on hand so it was a 10 minute job at most. I did not make friends with them for a while until I learned to use an allen wrench to locate the correct "swing" position.

When I upgraded my 520 arm I went with the shopsmith parts, it turned out they were cheaper then the store version so long as the postage could be spread among other purchases.

BTW I like them, they work fine for me.

Ed

kenbu · Post by **kenbu** » Thu Dec 26, 2013 8:04 pm

I upgraded my tool rest with spring loaded lever action screws. Big improvement. Details here: http://shopsmith.net/forums/showthread.htm?t=12229

Ken

gr8mesquite · Post by **gr8mesquite** » Fri Dec 27, 2013 3:35 pm

Ken,

Thanks for posting the link to your previous thread. I did not see that thread before I started this one.

Anyway, looking for a quick, easy (and cheaper) solution I stopped at Ace today and bought a 1 1/2" thumbscrew to replace the upper set screw. Talk about a KISS solution...wow! It doesn't get any simpler or more effective than a $1.30 thumbscrew.

Jerome