Robust mini J toolrest 5/8 post

[Bruce Wilson]

If anyone has used the Robust mini J tool rest before on a midi lathe, is it good for doing the inside and outside of a bowl?

I have the Delta 46-460.

Thanks in advance.

[Joe Kaufman]

Interesting, I never considered the mini J rest for use on the outside of a bowl. The post is flush with the outside support and noticeably protrudes on the inside, maybe that's why I never considered it for outside work. I have 7 or 8 Robust Rests in both 5/8" and 1" posts and find that I predominantly use the 3 straight configurations, in fact the curved ones are stored in a drawer.

[Roger Chandler]

I have the 46-460 also, and many Robust rests, including the 14" "J" rest, only for a large lathe. I did not see the mini rest you reference when on the Robust site, but if it is just a smaller version of the J rest I have, that is made for use inside forms, such as steep walled bowls, vases and hats. The drill rod is offset a little so the gouge can ride near the wall. The inside curve and exterior rests are made for use respectively on the inside of a bowl and outside.

[Bruce Wilson]

Thanks for the info guys. So apparently the Robust J rest is for the inside of bowls, etc. I was looking for one that could be used on inside and outside, but may still go with this one. I seem to have more trouble on the inside.

[Jeramie Johnson]

I don't have access to either rest, but I would recommend the interior bowl one over the j. I was chasing the J style the other night, but ended deciding that an offset rest (http://www.jtturningtools.com/offset-toolrest) (JT Turning Tools) would be better for bottom work. I like what I was seeing when watching some videos, Steve put the Robusts to good use, which swayed my thinking: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheWoodturningShop

The previously mentioned offset by Roger lends you support as close as possible to the cut. I had one in the cart the other night, but held off for some vac parts instead. I have one of the Robust comfort straight ones and I grab it first over any others, so I will either grab the 15" straight or the large interior soon.

I posted some links I found for someone recently on Robust specs and what models for which lathes. Might help too.

I have an adjustable bowl rest (http://bestwoodtools.stores.yahoo.net/adleboresy1.html)that I use exclusively for my bowl work, when straight line is not ideal. It works great, unless my bowl size exceeds it. And lately, that is often. ;)

[Reed Gray]

The J and S shaped rests can be used on the outside of bowls, but most of the time, I prefer the curved rest on the outside, and an S shaped one on the inside, so like the J but a curve on both ends.

robo hippy