Lathe tool rest

[sbeebs66]

I am needing to replace my Turncraft commanders tool rest. There is a small divet from when I was learning to turn and is starting to effect my pen blanks. Looking for advise on a replacement. I know that it's post is 5/8ths of an inch. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[eteska]

I really like the ones that I bought from Rick Harrell here on IAP! Can get any size you want made.

 

[jbg230]

eteska said it. Many others will say the same. Take a look:

https://www.penturners.org/threads/custom-made-penturning-tools-accessories.92501/

 

[Mr Vic]

You could use a file and smooth it out.

 

[walshjp17]

Another vote for Rick Herrell's tool rests. Robust make some really nice tool rests as well.

 

[penicillin]

As @Mr Vic pointed out, you can take an ordinary file and smooth out your tool rest. I did that with a similar cast iron tool rest for a while. When I got tired of filing the dings out of my tool rest, I bought a couple of Rockler's tool rests, and I like them.
https://www.rockler.com/rockler-lathe-tool-rests

That said, I wish I had known about Rick Herrell's tool rests at the time I bought the Rockler ones. I would have bought from Rick instead of Rockler. The Rockler tool rests have a hard steel rounded (wire type) top, but I like Rick's designs better.

Whatever you buy, be sure that the post fits your lathe. Very sure. Some tool rest posts come close to fitting a given lathe, but don't.