I was given an Australian Red Mallee burl. It's about 17-1/2" so it's a little too big for the swing of my Jet 1642. The weight of the burl is not an issue as it's not very thick - it's jusst too big in diameter. I do not want to cut it to fit and lose the natural edges of the burl. Unfortunately, I don't drive due to a vision issue and there is no club within a reasonable driving distance anyway. The closest clubs are over an hour or more away and none of the members live close to me either. So, finding someone with a bigger lathe isn't much of an option. Even if someone with a bigger lathe was close by I would rather have the option of turning it in my shop at my convenience since I may not have the time to do all the turning at one time.
Does anyone have any ideas, pics, plans, etc on increasing the swing by adding a homemade lowered bed extension since the headstock can be slid to the end of the lathe?
Or, Maybe plans, pics, etc of a floor standing or outboard tool rest that I can use the banjo on?
And even though I appreciate the offers of help by those of you who will suggest having me ship the burl to you - that's just not going to happen!!
Thanks
Ricc Havens