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Lathe tool storage

Don C Davis

Don C Davis

Joined
Feb 15, 2018
Messages
256
Likes
64
Location
Canton, GA
First off let me be totally up front and confess that I have way to many lathe turning tools-handheld chisels of too many sorts--but I have been keeping them and the 10-12 that I use a lot nearest me and my lathe on magnetic tool racks--the other day I was turning some pieces and I noticed that I had a lot of tool drag with a couple of my tools--upon further investigation I discovered that my tool rests were fine, but what was causing the drag was the magnetism in my tools from the storage racks. So what I am seeking input on is recommendations on wall mounted storage racks that don't use magnets at all. I have a wooden clad wall directly behind both of my lathes so mounting them can be pretty simple.

Appreciate any advice/input!
 
Ive been told having the tools stored behind the lathe is a bad idea, reaching across while the lathe is spinning is dangerous. If you have good habits this wont happen no matter where you put them. I have my tools stored in a wooden rolling cart with holes drilled in the top. The cart has my sandpaper in it as well. It gets pushed out of the way while turning so I dont have to sweep the wood curls off them afterwards.
 
Here is my solution, although I made a freestanding tool holder. You could make this a wall-mounted unit (I understood "behind the lathe" as "behind you").

I show two photos: I use mine with the handle down and tool out (so I can see what type of tool I'm grabbing). You could also do the storage "tool down", which would take less effort to build.

20180501_190455.jpg 20180501_190536.jpg
 
Don, This is sort of related to your post. One of my parting tools somehow got magnetized, the drag was noticeable and annoying. Some of the folks here recommended a tape eraser to demagnetize tools. I didn't have one but someone else mentioned using a soldering gun with a shop made copper coil in place of the tip. So I made this contraption and danged if it didn't work, not just sort of, but completely demaged the parting tool. I wrapped the tool in a sheet of newspaper and passed it thru the coil a couple of times. Just an option if you need it.
Demag.JPG
 
I considered at a magnetic tool holder at HF but chucked the idea as I didn't want to magnetize the tools.
 
Well maybe I’m crazy, but magnetized tools do not hinder me in the least. In fact, they apply assisted downward force which may be helpful at times. I guess my muscle memory got me use to them.
 
I can’t stand magnetized tools.
The strength of the magnetic resistance somewhat dependent on the tool rest used.
The thin hardened rods seem to hold less than the cast iron rests.
But the drag created by the magnetism is really a nuisance. I want as little friction on the tool to tool rest as possible.

When I use force to overcome the resistance i’m likely to put too more force on the cutting the cutting edge than I want and make the cut go off course.
 
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hockenbery said:
I can’t stand magnetized tools.
The strength of the magnetic resistance somewhat dependent on the tool rest used.
The thin hardened rods seem to hold less than the cast iron rests.
But the drag created by the magnetism is really a nuisance. I want as little friction on the toll to tool rest as possible.
Click to expand...

Same for me. It is especially a nuisance when working on fine details.
 
Yeah I really don't like the magnetism in my tools--pretty much why this post--John Spitters-thanks for your post and that link--I really like that---maybe when I get my shop expansion complete I could do something like that--right now that's over my head --but I'm leaning to a piece of 1x3 drilled appropriately for the top piece and then a slightly angle piece that the tools would actually rest against--these two pieces could be mounted to my walls which are clad with T-111 in the current space and 3/4" plywood in the new space--a cabinet like yours that does double duty storing chucks and other tools is really nice and efficient on space--Great!
If anyone knows of a solutio like that that someone sells, I really would like to know about it!
 
Paul Sook said:
I made this little wall. Woodcraft started selling the little plastic racks for like $25. Mine are actually fishing pole racks I found on line for like $3. I uploaded photo. Not to fancy, but works
Click to expand...

I found the foam to be very hard, how easy is it t mount/uncmount the gouges?
 
Paul, I like your idea. Will look for cheap rod racks. Where did you find yours for $3? Have two rod racks with fishing rods- 23 rods, 26 reels. Not all mine, though.
 
I have a wall about 5 feet behind my lathe. Here is what I did. The only change I would make is notching the bottom of the PVC holders instead of drilling holes in the wood for each tool so chips could fall. I used E6000 to hold the tubes. On the lathe, I added pull-outs above my ballast box for centers, tool rest, etc. I still have a place to lay my chisels on top of the pull-outs. I had some chucks in them, but they were too heavy for the cheap slides. I ended up putting them on a cart I keep near the lathe.

IMG_0732.JPG IMG_1007.JPG IMG_1010.JPG IMG_1013.JPG
 
One thing I've found, is my shop is a "work in progress"......and, as they say, "nothing is forever"! I just looked at the other thread about tool storage, and I'm surprised (not) that everything has been altered in some way or another. :D

My tool storage may not be as nice looking as some of youse guys......but, it works for me exceptionally well. :)

Hold on......I've just decided to go out to the shop and take some photos that are current. (gimme a few minutes)

-----odie-----
 
OK Odie I’ll be looking out for your pics-William I appreciate your post that looks like a great approach-what size PVC is that? I like your rack a lot!
 
OK, here are current photos:

New and unused tools:
IMG_3749.JPG
Retired tools:
IMG_3750.JPG
Several places on the lathe for tool storage:
IMG_3751.JPG
Tools in current use (just behind me):
IMG_3752.JPG
Frequently used tools (just behind me)
IMG_3753.JPG
Commonly used tools:
IMG_3756.JPG
Delta Grinder:
IMG_3755.JPG
1992 Woodfast lathe:
IMG_3757.JPG

-----odie-----
 
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Don C Davis said:
Very nice sir—same question to you-what size PVC did you use for those storage racks?
Click to expand...
I think they are either 2", or 2 1/2" inside diameter......but, I'd have to go out to the shop to answer for sure. Right now, I'm starting my morning exercise program. :D

edit: They are 1/1/2", and 2" inside diameter pvc pipe.

-----odie-----
 
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I used 2” and 1-1/2” PVC. Like Oldie says, it is an evolution. I have had tool “caddies”, but didn’t like reaching over tools. I also had a rack with handle end up, but would get the wrong tool as I could never put them back in the same location. I like this setup the best where everything is in reach and tools are somewhat grouped for the tools I use most. My bathroom wall is about 5’ from the lathe and seem ideal to me. DC is on a remote. My vacuum pump is on the wall and the adapter just screws into the hand wheel. I have a remote switch with magnets I set on the headstock. Hollowing tools are in a cabinet next to the vacuum pump.

fullsizeoutput_534.jpeg
 
William Rogers said:
I used 2” and 1-1/2” PVC. Like Oldie says, it is an evolution. I have had tool “caddies”, but didn’t like reaching over tools. I also had a rack with handle end up, but would get the wrong tool as I could never put them back in the same location. I like this setup the best where everything is in reach and tools are somewhat grouped for the tools I use most. My bathroom wall is about 5’ from the lathe and seem ideal to me. DC is on a remote. My vacuum pump is on the wall and the adapter just screws into the hand wheel. I have a remote switch with magnets I set on the headstock. Hollowing tools are in a cabinet next to the vacuum pump.

View attachment 25320
Click to expand...
I like your wall. Are the pipes just sitting in the rack or are they attached somehow?
 
Yikes!!! Specs???? Ok, the shelves are angled about 15 degrees (a set point on my miter saw). Just arbitrarily defined. There is 1/2” to 5/8” gap between the tubes. The gap is so that chips fall through. There is a hole beneath each tube so chips don’t build in the tubes. The 2” tubes are 9” long and the 1-1/2” tubes are 6” long. The wood is cherry and left over plywood. To create the angle see picture. I used pocket screws to attach sides and to the wall.

Gerald, I put E6000 glue on the bottom and where it touches the rail. I have been using it for about 10 months and none of the glue joints have failed.

IMG_1159.JPG
 
The pvc in front is 1 1/2" inside diameter, while the ones in the back are 2" inside diameter:
IMG_3758.JPG
I'm also using 2" I.D. pvc for strips of sandpaper cut to 1/1/2" width:
IMG_3759.JPG

-----odie-----
 
William, I appreciate that very much--I'm gonna try and rip your design off and see what I end up with!

Thanks again!
 
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