Need a shorter lathe tool rest

[nduanetesh]

Hi all. I've been doing a lot of pen turning lately and the 8" tool rest is just a tad too long to get close enough to the work. I thought I would look into the ShopSmith 4" lathe tool rest, but the website says it's out of stock and they have no idea when they might get more. There are none currently on ebay, and none I can find on Craigslist. It seems that the ShopSmith rests have a 3/4" post, and all of the aftermarket rests I can find are either 1" or 5/8".

Does anybody have a recommendation for a good shorter tool rest (4"-6") that fits a ShopSmith? Thank you!

[DLB]

Lee Valley offers these modular rests that include a 3/4" post among the options along with your choice of 4", 6" , or 9" rest. I have something similar in function, but it is welded and way less modular, so I don't know how good these are. A metal shop can easily fab something like what I have, but would only be inexpensive if you have a connection.
https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/to ... 0VrNnDe66o

- David

[nduanetesh]

Thanks, DLB. I have to admit I was hoping to get something for significantly less than $70.

[edma194]

You should be able to find a regular tool rest on eBay for much less and cut it down to the size you want.

[thunderbirdbat]

There is also the modular rests by Best Wood Tools. Not sure how it compares in price once shipping is added.

https://bestwoodtools.stores.yahoo.net/tmotoresy.html

[roy_okc]

Rick Harrell on Penturners.org does custom steel tool posts and rests, to include for Shopsmith. I've bought some other custom work from him once and can verify that he does very nice work, is great at communicating, and in my case at least was very quick. Note that the posts and tool rests are separate items, but this allows you to swap out rests as bought/desired. Here's a link to his running post: https://www.penturners.org/threads/cust ... ies.92501/

[nduanetesh]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!