Lathe tool rack ideas?

[Jeff Clow]

I am getting my lathe set up and starting to learn how to use it. I would like to make some kind of rack to hold the tools so they are handy for use. I have seen some people have a rack on the wall behind the lathe. I was considering maybe a free standing rack I could set on the floor next to me, tools racked on top, and also storage below for chucks, centers, and such.
What have other people done? (pictures would be great!)

[Kevin McPeek]

Two words, table saw (with a sheet of ply on top of it).

I stole an idea I saw on here (I think). I use a wire shelf, mounted upside down and backwards. The turned down lip is at the bottom facing outward and the handle sits on that. I made the top with a bunch of dowels glued between two boards to keep tools from tipping or rolling when I bump it.

[Mark Pruitt]

I found a nice sized tool box at the BORG which was very inexpensive. Then I made a two drawer cabinet from MDF and added casters. Here is the result. I have two dozen turning tools stored in this box, along with faceplates, chucks, jaws, etc. The two drawers in the bottom cabinet hold hollowing, coring, and buffing systems.

[Steven Wilson]

when I'm using my tools they lay out on a workmate. For storing chucks, mounting a grinder, and other things I use a Craftsman rolling tool cabinet (5 drawer or whatever).

[Ron Fleice]

This is what I use...its a turntable setup with small cabinet below for larger accessories...since I have accumulated more tools it actually should be a little bigger...also it is on wheels so I can move it around

[John Keeton]

This topic comes up often and there have been been many similar threads. I have posted pics of my tool racks and the PDF file below previously, but it may be worth posting them again. The design is not mine, but was posted by a couple of creekers that generously provided the measurements some years ago. These racks are easy to build, but one needs wall space conveniently situated to the lathe in order for them to be appropriate. However, it would seem easy enough to affix them to a mobile stand constructed of scrap lumber.

I prefer these over having to reach across or among other tools to reach the tool I need. Like others, my tools are always very sharp and I do not think it wise to have to avoid other edges to grab a gouge. I also want to be able to grasp the handle firmly with no chance of the tool slipping thru my hand. I also do not like the PVC tubes for the above reasons, as well as potential accumulation of debris in the tubes.

[Richard Dooling]

That's a nice simple design. I like that the sloping bottom plate wot't accumulate much dust or shavings.

Looks like a lot of D-Way handles up there!

[Don Jarvie]

Agree with John that having the handle up or a rack where the tool leans against the back is better. To each his own!

[John Keeton]

...Looks like a lot of D-Way handles up there!

I really like Dave’s handles as well as his tools. By the numbers, most of my go to tools are Thompson. Doug and Dave both make quality tools, and they do not really have much duplication between them. Each makes tools I find indispensable. But, Dave’s handles feel better to me than Doug’s. My shop is heated in the winter to around 55-60* and I don’t like the idea of picking up a bare aluminum tool handle. The covering Dave uses feels comfortable regardless of the season and my D-Way and Thompson tools will both fit.

[Brodie Brickey]

Two things:

I mounted a tool rack on my wall. 1x4 board with a line down the center. Drilled out holes in it with a forstner bit, and then split down the middle with a table saw. Mount those in a box frame and you have your basic rack.

For your faceplates and chucks, take a 4x4 block about 2 feet long, split it in half at a 45 degree angle (diagonally) down its length. Mount it to the wall and put pegs on the block. You can now mount your chuck(s) and faceplate(s). Because the peg doesn't stick out 90 degrees for the wall, it is more stable and less likely to drop on your foot. you can also drill holes in the block to hold hex keys, chuck keys, MT#2 live centers & jacobs chuck.

I didn't get fancy with either of these things. There is no dust protection or theft protection. I'll try and post pictures if I can remember tonight.

[Bill Wyko]

Here's my collapsible setup.

[Jeff Clow]

Thanks for the ideas & pictures. I think I like What Ron did the best, but Bill's sliding rack looks pretty cool too! I was thinking of a free standing unit next to the lathe, instead of behind it on the wall... but who knows???

Keep the ideas comming!

[Allen Neighbors]

My tool rack is made from an old Ambulance Gurney. Collapsed it, shortened both ends to the wheels and built an A-Frame from 2x4s and put pegboard on it. Rolls easily to whichever side of the lathe I want it on. Mounted some Walmart fishing rod holders to hold some of the tools, the rest just hang. A little crowded but functional.

[Prashun Patel]

Very old thread, but am posting my preferred design.

I like this for its simplicity. 1" holes through a 2x4 block. Then I cut key hole slots in the front. This allows entry for skew and scrapers.

It holds 90% of all my turning tools perfectly vertical, as well as all M2 spindle accessories, chuck keys, and tool rests.

I notch the sides for a couple screws, and then add (sometimes) a batten underneath. Plenty strong.

If you want the handles to seat each sweeter, chamfer the tops of the holes 1/8".

[Perry Hilbert Jr]

I keep my tools in a tool cart between lathe sessions, but I have a portable tool 4 drawer cart with a hinged lid that opens. I keep the dividers, screws, glues, chucks etc in the drawers. The chisels are in the top covered tray. On the lid, I mounted two magnetic tool holder strips horizontally one about 5 inches above the other. I put the lathe chisels I will be using against the magnets vertically and they stay right there, Generally I have them to my immediate right, but I can move the cart a little closer when doing small work. When done the chisels go back to laying in the top tray. Works for me