Tool rest opinions

[MNaber]

What are the pros and cons of the various tools rests out there. I am looking at the Monster Tool Rest at Monster-wood-tool which is round instead of flat. Just wondering what the preference is between round and flat tool rests.

 

[Jake Debski]

What are the pros and cons of the various tools rests out there................................... Just wondering what the preference is between round and flat tool rests.

I have and do use both original equip. and round steel tool rests. Aside from the fact that, if you can weld or have a friend that does, you can make all sorts of round rests, suited to your needs. I don't see any major advantage in the actual "using." The cast rests hve a reputation as being more prone to breaking but I have not yet had that pleasure 😱and hope I never do.

 

[TurningDog]

What are the pros and cons of the various tools rests out there. I am looking at the Monster Tool Rest at Monster-wood-tool which is round instead of flat. Just wondering what the preference is between round and flat tool rests.

I have used the monster rests and the are really well made. The big thing about using round bar rests over your stock rests is usually the custom bar rests are going to be made of a much harder metal than you are used to dealing with giving you a surface that doesn't get marred easily to provide for a smoth surface for the tool to glide over.

 

[MichaelMouse]

The reason for the traditional leaning design in toolrests is twofold: effectively shorter distance to the work is possible, and a known tilt allows grinds designed to be sweetest steadied at that fully-supported angle. Loved my old Delta rest(s), so deplored the stock one on my 3000, which featured a knife edge behind the leading - flat top. Took a file to the stinker to get rid of the edge, and one horrible ding near the center courtesy of the former owner, and have lived with it. Would prefer a uniform slope, but have modified my peeling grinds slightly to allow use at 90 degrees, and changed toolrest height a bit from my old habit when cutting.

A round rest keeps you farther from the work, offers no limit in tilt. I don't like 'em as well as the tilted or flat iron, though I suppose you could modify your technique and grinds to use anything you had to. Also provides less contact area on the cylindrical gouges. Effectively point contact between the round surfaces, rather than along a bit of length. Transitions back and forth might lead to problems for simple folk like me.

I always ask folks who talk about dings in the rest the same question - what cut begins with the tool off the rest? Iron's fine, if you keep the tool in contact with it. Don't need hard steel.

 

[woodwish]

Some interesting pros and cons of both above. I wanted some shorter ones at one time so I bought the set that Best Tools makes through CSUSA. There are 4 different lengths and are round. I just started using those all the time and never thought about the cons of round rest as listed above. Obviously it hasn't bothered me.

At a recent AAW meeting I was demoing on the original tool rest on a Jet we have there for demos, and I found it different but still wasn't any problem. I think it's just a matter of personal preference and use.

I did have one that another woodturner made out of round stock to save money over buying the chrome steel ones from Best Tools. The only problem I had as it rusted like crazy, not only when turning green wood but also just sitting in the drawer here in humid Florida. I spend enough time each week waxing tool surfaces to not want to wax tool rests. Just my opinion . . .

 

[TurningDog]

Iron's fine, if you keep the tool in contact with it. Don't need hard steel.

We don't need hard steel rests and we don't need super steel tools either but that doesn't mean they don't serve a purpose that is quite advantageous to some of us...

 

[Steve Worcester]

We don't need hard steel rests and we don't need super steel tools either ...

Sounds like my wife, do you need that new tool or do you just want it.
I say both. 😉

 

[Larry Marley]

Needs and Wants are hard to differentiate. So I tend not to. Unless my loving and understanding wife finds out.

Is there a popular aftermarket tool rest I should consider. Would like to hear pros and cons.

Thanks,
Larry

 

[TurningDog]

Needs and Wants are hard to differentiate. So I tend not to. Unless my loving and understanding wife finds out.

Is there a popular aftermarket tool rest I should consider. Would like to hear pros and cons.

Thanks,
Larry

The sorby modular rests are great and tend to be overall cheaper than other modular manufacturers.

 

[Bill Boehme]

I agree with MM, especially about the Delta tool rests. I have been scrutinizing the shapes of different rests recently and for some reason, the shape of the Delta rest is the most appealing. I like the finger notch and the leading edge that allows you to get the rest past the outside circumference of a spindle. I have had some spectacular catches with no broken Delta tool rest yet. Unfortunately, the new Delta tool rests in the past few months have deteriorated significantly in quality. The casting quality is the pits and it doesn't look like ductile iron -- it looks more like gray iron. Also the machining on the post is a disgrace to say the least. I wish that I had done a lifetime buy before the manufacturing change took place.

Bill

 

[MichaelMouse]

We don't need hard steel rests and we don't need super steel tools either but that doesn't mean they don't serve a purpose that is quite advantageous to some of us...

Might be well to consider the original intent of the iron. It gives a lubricity to the slide, and randomizes (absorbs) vibration as steel doesn't. Good reasons, if you think of it, even beyond the ability to make the shape nearly anything you care to.