Wood Lathe Tool Rests - Upkeep is Easy

The tool rest on a wood lathe is used just as the name implies, a tool shaft rests on it while the wood-turner moves the tool into the work beyond the rest. It is a simple looking device consisting of a welded T that fits into a movable base called a banjo. Yet even this simple device requires a bit of maintenance from time to time.

First of all the tool rest banjo needs to move easily along the ways of the wood lathe. While a bit of paste wax may help, it is better to do a more thorough job. Remove the banjo from the lathe and chick to see that the bottom is clean and rust free. Some turners actually like a bit of rust on the banjo and ways believing that this enables a more secure hold when tightening the banjo down. A good fit will give a secure fastening and good movement prevents frustration.

A bit of fine wet and dry sandpaper will clean off any rust. Future rust may be prevented with an application of one of the rust proofing products sold by automotive tool companies. Most will have a raw linseed oil base. Follow the manufacturer's instructions but most will tell you to just spray it on, let it rest and few minutes and wipe off the excess. I recommend against the use of products also used for loosening rusted bolts and such. The lubricants are not designed to stay but tend to evaporate in minutes or days. We want the ways and banjo to move easily with semi-yearly or yearly applications.

Make sure the tool rest fits easily into the banjo and rotates easily when the bolt is loosened. From time to time burs may occur on either the tool rest post or in the banjo hole. These are easily removed with a fine circular file. A bit of that same rust preventer will go a long way to give good movement.

Tools shafts move along the edge of the tool rest and many turners use the face to rest their hands and give direction to the tool movement. The edge can be dinged with tool shafts and should be kept clean and smooth. While it is not supposed to be sharp it should be a well defined edge. Often a well rounded sixteenth inch is desired by turners. A mill file can be used to flatten the edge, removing any dents and dings, and then can be used to define a bit of a round for a nice feel while turning. A bit of wax on the edge prevents rust, eases tool movement, and is easily redone any time a bit of wax is used to finish a piece on the lathe.

While the tool rest is a simple accessory and often overlooked because of it, simple maintenance is easy to do. It is just one of those things that make an enjoyable craft even more so.

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Wood Lathe Tool Rests - Use Them Safely

The tool rest on a wood lathe is a deceptively simple looking piece of work. It looks generally like a T held in a movable base called a banjo for reasons best left to non-banjo players. People who say it looks like a banjo have probably never stood in a jam session at three in the morning with fellow bluegrass enthusiasts. However, I digress. Even such a simple accessory has its safety issues and they are easy to work with.

First of all it is necessary to remember that a tool rest is just that, a place to rest a tool. Almost all of the time on the wood lathe it is the shaft of the tool that rests on the edge. This should remind the turner that hands may assist in the guiding of the tool by moving along the face of the rest as it faces the turner, but never on the top, especially if part of the hand is found under the shaft as the tool is held. It is quite easy and always unexpected to encounter a situation called a catch where the wood grabs the tool tip, raises the shaft in the air and slams it into the tool rest edge. This is usually startling and annoying. But, if the hand or any part of it is caught between the shaft and the narrow edge it can also be extremely painful and can cut. The solution of safety is simple. Keep the hands behind the tool rest.

Wood lathes move wood around very quickly and with a fair amount of force, particularly with some modern lathes having motors up to fine horsepower. In addition, that wood is often off center or quite uneven when first mounted for turning. It is imperative that the wood clear the tool rest or it will strike it at great force and may cause the wood to fly off the lathe. Simply turn the wood by hand before starting up the motor and adjust the rest to clear the work. Also, for good tool control and to reduce the leverage of a catch on the tool, it is good practice to keep the rest close to the work. Whenever moving and adjusting the rest the lathe should be shut off and the work rotated by hand to make sure it clears the tool rest.

Most tool rests are secured in the banjo with a bolt that is managed with wrench or a handle. Make sure the tool rest is secure in the banjo before starting the lathe. Just get in the habit of checking that the bolt is tight. If the rest is loose the pressure of the tool against it as you turn will move the rest into the wood resulting in a catch.

Finally, avoid working at the end of the tool rest especially if working on large pieces of wood. The torque resulting from a big catch can snap light tool rests and may result in injury. Use a rest that matches the work. They are readily available from after market sellers and can also be made up by a good welder.

As always in wood-turning, common sense dictates safety with tool rests and all other accessories. The idea is to be careful and have fun while encouraging safety in the craft.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Wood Lathe Tool Rests - Use Them Safely

The tool rest on a wood lathe is a deceptively simple looking piece of work. It looks generally like a T held in a movable base called a banjo for reasons best left to non-banjo players. People who say it looks like a banjo have probably never stood in a jam session at three in the morning with fellow bluegrass enthusiasts. However, I digress. Even such a simple accessory has its safety issues and they are easy to work with.

First of all it is necessary to remember that a tool rest is just that, a place to rest a tool. Almost all of the time on the wood lathe it is the shaft of the tool that rests on the edge. This should remind the turner that hands may assist in the guiding of the tool by moving along the face of the rest as it faces the turner, but never on the top, especially if part of the hand is found under the shaft as the tool is held. It is quite easy and always unexpected to encounter a situation called a catch where the wood grabs the tool tip, raises the shaft in the air and slams it into the tool rest edge. This is usually startling and annoying. But, if the hand or any part of it is caught between the shaft and the narrow edge it can also be extremely painful and can cut. The solution of safety is simple. Keep the hands behind the tool rest.

Wood lathes move wood around very quickly and with a fair amount of force, particularly with some modern lathes having motors up to fine horsepower. In addition, that wood is often off center or quite uneven when first mounted for turning. It is imperative that the wood clear the tool rest or it will strike it at great force and may cause the wood to fly off the lathe. Simply turn the wood by hand before starting up the motor and adjust the rest to clear the work. Also, for good tool control and to reduce the leverage of a catch on the tool, it is good practice to keep the rest close to the work. Whenever moving and adjusting the rest the lathe should be shut off and the work rotated by hand to make sure it clears the tool rest.

Most tool rests are secured in the banjo with a bolt that is managed with wrench or a handle. Make sure the tool rest is secure in the banjo before starting the lathe. Just get in the habit of checking that the bolt is tight. If the rest is loose the pressure of the tool against it as you turn will move the rest into the wood resulting in a catch.

Finally, avoid working at the end of the tool rest especially if working on large pieces of wood. The torque resulting from a big catch can snap light tool rests and may result in injury. Use a rest that matches the work. They are readily available from after market sellers and can also be made up by a good welder.

As always in wood-turning, common sense dictates safety with tool rests and all other accessories. The idea is to be careful and have fun while encouraging safety in the craft.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.