bowl tool rests

[tipusnr]

I have a JET mini and am finally going to break down and do some bowl turning. I don't have any of the curved tool rests and don't foresee using them a lot. Does anyone know of the least expensive place to get one? Additionally any advice over which type (the "s" or the separate concave/convex) are more versatile and useful would be appreciated.

 

[Ron in Drums PA]

I've turned allot of bowls and all I have are straight tools rests.

Someday I plan on getting one, if I do it would be something like this. http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=361-2004
or this
http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=130-5000

The top link you get get a tool post that fits fine, or better yet, if you have can weld you can make your own curved tool rest.

 

[tipusnr]

Sorry...never learned to weld and not going to now! Thanks for the advice!!

 

[Old Griz]

I have yet to find a need for a curved bowl rest on any of the ones I have made on my 1236...
On a larger lathe turning bowls over say 12" I can see where they would come in handy... but not on smaller bowls..

 

[Doghouse]

It is realy a question of if you mind moving your tool rest. The one sided ones get in the way less and are both depending on where you put them. I like the threaded 2 piece, because you can flip it over before you have to flatten it again.

 

[woodwish]

I also have made a lot of bowls, some have been double the size of what you will be able to do on a Jet-mini and used only straight tool rests. I use the round type from Best Wood Tools and never even thought about getting a curved one. Save your money for something like a bigger lathe if you really want to turn bowls often IMHO.