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Tool rests??

T

Todd Glover

Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
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Location
Kansas City, MO
I recently purchased a PM 90 which is really quite an upgrade from my old lathe. The only thing I'm not really that happy with is the tool rest. I'm looking at purchasing a new one and was wondering if I could get some feedback on a good rest for this lathe in turning 12-16" bowls max depth for a while probably only about 8" deep.

I looked at the Monster rests and they look very sturdy.

Thank you for any feedback.
 
I like the Oneway inside and outside bowl rests. I prefer flat bar stock to the round bar stock.
robo hippy
 
Well, I have to say that recently I was sent one from Robust to evaluate and I am pretty impressed. Up till now, I was really a fan of Bestwoodtools. Both work well, but The Robust is more of a conventional style (vs round bar) and with shear scraping using a fingernail ground gouge, you have less overhang of the tool.
 
Do you have the factory rest? It is still pretty much the standard rest for most lathes, as it has been since they became metal. Allows you to get snug up to the work because it's relieved below the edge and tapered at the end, cast iron for the slick surface and rigidity of a large section.

It's not curved, of course, so if that's the real question, I'd suggest a nice cast iron like the one I use. http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/s...ests___S_Curve_Bowl_Rest___s_curve_rest?Args=
Has all those positive characteristics I mentioned above.

This straight design in steel has a lot to recommend it. http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/s...st_Comfort_Tool_Rest___robust_tool_rest?Args=
Though I can't help but think of the Woodcraft modular which encouraged people to run their finger in the relief. Guy by the name of Mangiamelli bellyached in usenet and beyond because he had run the tool off the end of the rest and pinched his guide finger, so they filled it it with a plastic insert. Can't please everyone.
 
The rest that came with it is not straight anymore, kinda sags on either end. I'd prefer to go ahead and replace it now. Thank you all for your recommendations.
 
Todd,
If you are going for a straight rest, the Comfort rest from Robust is the best out there. I do not like the round bar rests, even though I do hang the tool out there a bit some times. Just doesn't feel right.
robo hippy
 
I have the round bar modular tool rest (before Robust was born) and the Robust Comfort Rests. The Robust is far superior than the round bars. Besides less tool over hang, it also allows room for my finger to hook underneath for better control.
The selling point of the round bar was its smoothness for the tool to glide on. The hardened steel rod on top of the Comfort tool rest is as slick as you can get and provides tool control.
 
Remember the PM-90 uses 1-1/8" diameter steel for tool post.
This is becoming pretty rare, but I'd bet Brent can take care of you (if it is not already a standard offering).
 
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