Tail Stock Swing/Lift

[Steve Doerr]

I've been looking at the idea of getting a tail stock swing/lift for my 1642. I have seen a couple of plans and a couple of aftermarket products but not many that I have really liked. I did find the "Down n' out" (http://jtturningtools.com/tailstockmanager) from JT Turning tools. Is anyone familiar with this device or done business with this company? Also, if you know of other manufactures or plans, I would really appreciate you input.

Thanks, and Happy Turning,
Steve

[George Morris]

Steve they are a good company, that looks like a great product. I made one for my 3520 . I found plans on the Mustard Monster web site. Check it out. I use it every time I do a bowl ,works great! G

[Jerry Marcantel]

Try this link. There are a bunch of ways to do what trying to get info on....... Jerry (in Tucson) https://docs.google.com/document/preview?id=1nS7DMNH08jzP-MCzb9hzpjlpn6JIUkBwr4tjcFJmdns&pli=1)

[Bruce Stangeby]

I have the JT tool swinger on my Powermatic lathe and love it. It's a good company to deal with.

[Steve Mawson]

Tom, the JT manager-owner is a great guy. Always easy to talk with and has good ideas that help with questions. I don't have that particular piece but have several other items made by JT. The quality is top notch.

[Dick Mahany]

Here's a home made version on a Jet 1642. I decided that I wanted a pivot rather than a rear swing design for when I use a captured hollowing frame. I have used this extensively and it sure is a nice convenience.

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[Thomas Canfield]

Here's a home made version on a Jet 1642. I decided that I wanted a pivot rather than a rear swing design for when I use a captured hollowing frame. I have used this extensively and it sure is a nice convenience.



That is quite a swing arrangement. You must have access to some good welding and also machine shop. Looks like a production unit.

[Joe Herrmann]

David Reed Smith reviewed the tool from JT Turning Tools in the last issue if Woodturning Design Magazine.

[Steve Doerr]

Thanks all for your responses. I really appreciate the different links and ideas that you gave me. I will check our the article in Woodturning Design. If I decide to build one I now have some great ideas and examples to look at.

Dick, yours is one heck of a homemade swing. Like Tom said, you must have access to a machine shop or you have one heck of some cool toys:-)

Steve

[Richard Jones]

Don't know about this TS thingy, but I did get my vacuum setup from them (JT) and they were first class.

Dick, that is a great looking piece of work.

[Dick Mahany]

Thanks all for your responses. I really appreciate the different links and ideas that you gave me. I will check our the article in Woodturning Design. If I decide to build one I now have some great ideas and examples to look at.

Dick, yours is one heck of a homemade swing. Like Tom said, you must have access to a machine shop or you have one heck of some cool toys:-)

Steve

Thanks alot. I do have a MIG welder, but only basic skills. I had the structural metal cut to length at the metal/salvage yard and used a hand held jig saw for the sheet pieces. Since I didn't have any means to have precision parts made, I just tacked pieces together on the lathe, trimmed to fit as neccessary, and removed it for the final welding. The welding is actually pretty ugly close up.:o

I think any device to get the tail stock off the bed easily is a tremendous convenience and worth doing. The JT unit looks nice and well built and I also think the others mentioned in this thread look like excellent alternatives........Good luck with which ever way you decide to go.

[Don Orr]

I have a JT Down-n-Out on my Jet 1642 and it works extremely well. Communication is sometimes spotty but I am happy with their product.