Tool rest question

[Mark A Smith]

I got a 46-715 delta lathe and have a question about tool rest. The lathe came with a 12" tool rest. I have never turned before and would like to make some pens to get started. I ordered pen kits and everthing that I will need to get started. Will I need to get a 6" or 4" tool rest to turn pens. I know this is a stupid question but, if I need to get a different rest I would like to get in now and not have to wait any longer. Thanks Mark

[Gary Max]

Mark you are going to need a 6 incher for the smaller stuff----you can get them anywhere from Packard tools to Woodcraft. You can use it for a lot of the smaller stuff.

[Andy Hoyt]

I agree with Gary. The reason is that you'll want to get the toolrest in close to the stock and it's quite likely that your tailstock will prevent your twelve incher to get in where it wants to be.

[Frank Fusco]

Mine is a 5" 'er. I had it made by a local welder for $10.00. Use for pens all the time.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/rifleman1776/detail?.dir=/6dc8&.dnm=6eac.jpg&.src=ph

[Jim Dunn]

Frank the link don't work.

[Clem Wixted]

Mine is a 5" 'er. I had it made by a local welder for $10.00. Use for pens all the time.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/rifleman1776/detail?.dir=/6dc8&.dnm=6eac.jpg&.src=ph

Hey Neighbor,

Your picture is protected. I'm about to make some tool rests and I would like to see how yours was done.
Thanks,

Clem
Jonesboro, AR

[Curtis O. Seebeck]

Mark,

I am not expert by any stretch of the imagination but I have to disagree with some of the foks above. I have made about 40 pens so far and all have been made with the standard 12" rest that came with my HF 34706. Now granted, it would be nice to have a shorter rest but it is not required.

[Jim Becker]

I am not expert by any stretch of the imagination but I have to disagree with some of the foks above. I have made about 40 pens so far and all have been made with the standard 12" rest that came with my HF 34706. Now granted, it would be nice to have a shorter rest but it is not required.

'Depends on your particular mandrel setup...some of them may not allow a 12" rest to get close enough to the workpiece and you really want it very close once it's round.

[Mark A Smith]

Thanks everybody for your help. This new world into turning is getting a little clearer with everybodies help. Thanks again, Mark

[Andy Hoyt]

'Depends on your particular mandrel setup...some of them may not allow a 12" rest to get close enough to the workpiece and you really want it very close once it's round.

Especially for a first timer!

The longer the over hang the bigger the catch

[Carole Valentine]

Mark, you are eventually going to want several styles and sizes of tool rests. I would suggest the modular ones from Best Woods. Lee Valley also carries a modular system. You can get one post and several bars, or if your like me and impatient, several posts and several bars!:D

[John Hart]

....You can get one post and several bars, or if your like me and impatient, several posts and several bars!:D

After several posts and then several bars, I generally wouldn't be in any condition to turn pens. I need more lacquer....(hic) :o

[Randy Meijer]

Here is some information that should be of interest to you.

http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11657 (http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11657)


Email Lamar and see what he can do for you.