What tool rest length should I get?

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Andrew_K99

Andrew_K99

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I am going to pick up a new lathe tonight :bananen_smilies051:

I plan on ordering a few things from Rick (rherrell) including a tool post a few different length rests.

I plan to get 3", 6" and 12" rests but have read that a few people get slightly smaller then the 3" for single barrell pens.

Anyone have any insight on this?

The lathe I am replacing was a little POS with the vertical flat type tool rest so I am not sure how much different a round rest will be.

Thanks!
 
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Get whatever fits the job ... that is, one that allows you and your hands working room. As for going round ... great choice, but then again flat has it's place depending on what it is that you are turning.
 
I use my 2" rest 90% of the time, couldn't live without it! And to those wondering.... can you do a lot more with a 2" rest instead of a 3" rest...... YES!
 
I TBC and have not noticed any limitations with my 3" rest. I am using the Unitool and that tool is heavy enough to extend slightly beyond the rest. If I was using a skew most of the time I would want the rest closer so I can see how you might want a 2 inch. I have started doing some vertexes though and a 2 inch would be too short without moving the rest.

If I have it to do over again I would get a 2 and 3 a 6 and a 12. Right now I only have a 3 and 6. 12" would be good for bowls and boxes (which I am not yet proficient at.).

One thing is for sure though. His rests put the ones at woodcraft to shame. The quality is very good!
 
Folks,

I know this is an old thread, but thought I would bring it back to life as I was thinking of placing an order with Rick and to keep the conversation all in one place as much as possible.

I turn using carbide tools for the most part so I'm going for the flattops. I am curious to what lengths to order. I see people mentioning the 2 inch rests. What is the advantage of having one this short?

Mike B
 
healeydays said:
Folks,

I know this is an old thread, but thought I would bring it back to life as I was thinking of placing an order with Rick and to keep the conversation all in one place as much as possible.

I turn using carbide tools for the most part so I'm going for the flattops. I am curious to what lengths to order. I see people mentioning the 2 inch rests. What is the advantage of having one this short?

Mike B
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Usually for BTC stuff Mike, single short barrels like Sierra's, kit bullet pens and the like. Vertex of course would be a lot longer so perhaps a 6" for stuff like that...JMHO.
 
I do alot of sierra type blanks BTC and am trying to figure out what the advantage between a 2" and a 3" would be. Am I missing something using a smaller rest?
 
I have my tool rest cut to 5" and that seems to be about perfect for my pens. It leaves me room at the end of the barrel to work around the way Don says above but allows me to get my rest in tight to the work. It is funny this thread showed back up now. I sent a PM to Rick just a few minutes ago. I have the pin chuck that he makes and it is just a great tool. I like my tool rest as long a possible to give me flexibility in how I use my tools. I also use a carbide tool for roughing but use my skew for finish so I am going to go with the round rest. If you hold the tool correctly you shouldn't need to worry about round of square for the carbide tools. I have turned so many pens on my original rest that it has a pretty back bow in it from where I do my work.
 
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Mike, you will be extremely pleased with anything you get from Rick. He does beautiful work, and is a true gentleman, to boot. If you are going to use a carbide chisel, get one of his flat top rests. Then, do yourself a favor and also order one of his adjustable stop collars. Set it for the correct height for your chisel. Then, whenever you switch from something else to the flat top and carbide, just drop the rest and post into your banjo. Bang, on the money every time without fiddling! Russ
 
I just got several long tool rests from Rick. I have had a short set (3" and 5") for two years, and seldom use the OEM rest. I started turning peppermills and got tired of moving the rest left and right. I have a midi lathe with 5/8" post, and worried that a rest up around 10-12" long would be too much. I PM'd Rick, explained my need, and he suggested a post with 1/2" threads, instead of 3/8". The rests are also larger in diameter (3/4"). I also got the stop collar with nylon set screws.

All superb quality (as expected) and really fast service. I was not expecting such quick turnaround with a new order so close to Christmas, and Rick came thru.

When my credit card cools off a bit from all the holiday spending, I am going to get some other items, like the pin chuck and sanding tool for pen blank ends.
 
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This is exactly what I did. I ordered a set of pin chucks for my favorite pen size 10.5 x 12.5 and a brand new rest with a collar tor when I do my carbide hogging. I cannot wait to try them out. I am like a 53 year old kid.. I may also have a surprise to show you all in my next picture tutorial about truing up the end of your blanks. I won't spoil the surprise though...:biggrin:



Russknan said:
Mike, you will be extremely pleased with anything you get from Rick. He does beautiful work, and is a true gentleman, to boot. If you are going to use a carbide chisel, get one of his flat top rests. Then, do yourself a favor and also order one of his adjustable stop collars. Set it for the correct height for your chisel. Then, whenever you switch from something else to the flat top and carbide, just drop the rest and post into your banjo. Bang, on the money every time without fiddling! Russ
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