Delta 1440 (46-715) 6” tool rest?

[Jay Yoder]

Hey all, I have a Delta 1440 (46-715) lathe and was curious if anyone had found a 6” tool rest to use on it for pen turning? I had it all set up and ready to go when I realized that the 12” tool rest that came with it seemed to be too far away to be safe. The live center and drive shaft limit how close to the wood I can get it. How big of a gap is considered safe? I am new to turning, and was thinking a 4” or 6” rest would allow me to get closer to the blanks. I have checked at PSI, Woodcraft, and Rockler, but haven’t found any with a 1” mounting rod. Any advice would be greatly helpful.

[Dale Gillaspy]

I think Robust makes rests that will fit. I know they make 6" rests, not sure of post sizes.

[Joe Meirhaeghe]

Adavanced Lathe tools LLC. will make one for you. They have a hardened steel to & are heavy duty. I own several & highly recommend them.

[Bob Hamilton]

There are modular systems that use a post of whatever size you want that is threaded on the top for whichever of the available crossbars you want: http://www.leevalley.com/US/Wood/page.aspx?p=46452&cat=1,330,49238&ap=1

Take care
Bob

[Wally Dickerman]

Get a Robust...they're the best and they do make a 1 inch post. Fact is, the 1 inch post is pretty standard for lathes except for the mini's 5/8

[Doug Ladendorf]

Jay, I have the same lathe and ran into the same problem. Still new to turning and haven't bought anything yet but tuning in for ideas. Trying to stretch the $ but may break down and get a Robust after several recommendations.

[Marvin Hasenak]

Check on IAP, the penturner site, there is a guy on IAP that has tool rests at pretty reasonable prices.

[Jay Yoder]

The Robusts look good and USA made! Which size would be better, 4" or 6"? Just curious...

[Clint Baxter]

I prefer using the 4" for most of my pen turning done between centers. I use the 6" when using a mandrel though if the length permits. Both of mine are made by Robust and I prefer them over any of the others I've owned/tried in the past.

Clint

[Jay Yoder]

I will swing by my local Woodcraft tonight and see what they have in stock. I have blanks mounted ready to become my first pen :)