With my new Jet 1442 lathe, I would like to be able to larger diameter objects by moving the headstock to the tail end of the lathe. In order to turn this way, I need an outboard tool rest. Any ideas about where to find one, recommendations on the best ones available?
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Outboard tool rest
- Thread starter Michael Kuehl
- Start date
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- May 16, 2005
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Look at the ones sold commercially. Not the freestanders, the ones that have a pole fitting into a bracket that references the toolrest to the lathe. Imitate them. Nothing but bad memories of freestanders that slide and move paradoxically opposite the movement of the turning. They want a common reference point, even if it's that both are bolted down to the same earth.
That said, a minimum speed of 450, unless you're modified to a DC motor, is going to demand careful balancing of your large pieces.
That said, a minimum speed of 450, unless you're modified to a DC motor, is going to demand careful balancing of your large pieces.
There is one free stander that I'm aware of that is stable and safe. It's made by Powermatic and costs about 3-400$. A friend has one and used it to turn a 4 1/2 ft diameter platter with natural edge. No shift at all. Well designed, heavy, stable. The flip side is that you pay for those features.
Dietrich
Dietrich
Until very recently, I was turning on a Jet 1442. I would not use it to turn large objects outboard. I don't think it has enough torque to spin and work a large heavy piece of wood unless you take very very light cuts. Heavy cuts will almost certainly stall it.
If your blank is not perfectly round and / or balanced, it will be unworkable. Of course this is true with any blank over about 6" with the 1442. I have to believe the designer of the 1442 was thinking spindles when drawing up the 1442. 450rpm is a ridiculously high low-end speed on a bowl lathe. Getting green blanks balanced on the machine was always a challenge.
I did turnings up to 13.5" on my 1442. That was really pushing the limit of the machine. I just can't imagine doing anything larger with it. But that's just me.
Ed
If your blank is not perfectly round and / or balanced, it will be unworkable. Of course this is true with any blank over about 6" with the 1442. I have to believe the designer of the 1442 was thinking spindles when drawing up the 1442. 450rpm is a ridiculously high low-end speed on a bowl lathe. Getting green blanks balanced on the machine was always a challenge.
I did turnings up to 13.5" on my 1442. That was really pushing the limit of the machine. I just can't imagine doing anything larger with it. But that's just me.
Ed
Thanks for all your advice; I think I'll forego the end-of-the-lathe turning.