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Long Tool Rest for Turning Spindles




I have just completed a new tool rest for my Jet mini lathe. I have been using this lathe for tool handles and spindles for tables and chairs for about 10 years. A good friend of mine, Chris Vesper (toolmaker extraordinaire) made a longer tool rest (than the original) for me, but it is still too short, and too inconvenient, for long spindles ...



As you can see, I have the extension bed, and the Jet has been all I have needed for all these years. However, now I am more serious about turning spindles for legs ... and at this point those who get to this point all seem to build a longer tool rest. 

I tried to find another banjo to pair with the Jet one, but there is simply nothing available used, and a new one is nearly as much as the lathe cost me! So I decided to build it all.



The fence is made of Jarrah, which is very hard and heavy, and is capped with a 5/8" mild steel tube. 




The Jarrah rail is tapered, and the tube is set into a hollow ...



The banjos are also Jarrah, and adjustable for height and able to slide back-and-forth. The curve under the rail is not just for aesthetics, but also enables a hand to reach inside for adjustments ...





While I was at it, I took the time to reorganise my chisels for easier access ...



Regards from Perth


Derek

February 2018