• Congratulations to Rick Moreton, People's Choice in the July 2025 Turning Challenge (click here for details)
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

Different tool rest

Joined
Apr 3, 2019
Messages
11
Likes
29
Location
Sturgis, SD
I have been using my flat tool rest when using flat bottom tools, it seems to give me more control. Don’t know if anyone else does this?
 
Not sure I fully understand your question. I have 6 or 7 different tool rests, different shapes for different purposes. Maybe you could post a picture of what you're asking about?
 
I have been using my flat tool rest when using flat bottom tools, it seems to give me more control. Don’t know if anyone else does this?
Are you talking about a box tool rest?


Something like this?

iu


-----odie-----
 

So, how are you using it? With bowls, boxes, spindles?

Most tool rests, as seen from the profile, are flat.....and, because of that, are more stable when using scrapers. (Well, except for shear scraping.) This does allow flexibility fore and aft, but very stable from side to side...this is purposeful.

We need more information about just how you are using your box tool rest....what's the application?

-----odie-----
 
So, how are you using it? With bowls, boxes, spindles?

Most tool rests, as seen from the profile, are flat.....and, because of that, are more stable when using scrapers. (Well, except for shear scraping.) This does allow flexibility fore and aft, but very stable from side to side...this is purposeful.

We need more information about just how you are using your box tool rest....what's the application?

-----odie-----
Hollowing
 
Most of my hollowing tools are flat on the bottom also scrapers, 'sorby spiraling tool, sorby turnmaster.


OK.....most of my turning isn't hollow forms......luckily there are others here that can address your concerns.

-----odie-----
 
I use it for bowls also

Not sure what you are asking for, Donald. In your original post, you asked if anyone else uses a box rest for turning, and although I have one, I don't use it for turning bowls.

Don’t know if anyone else does this?


If you have a good solid grip on your tool, and bracing against your body when needed, then you shouldn't have the need for a box rest while using scrapers with the flat side down on bowls.....but, like many other non-standard uses of tools, if it works for you, then have at it, friend. :)

-----odie-----
 
I use flat tool rest 1" bar stock with elbo hollower .....early version.
 
That type of tool rest works well with Hunter tools and negative rake scrapers but can be aggressive with normal scrapers.
 
I never used flat tools with my box rest but use it to support bowl gouges for boxes and other vessels. It seems to provide a very solid reach into those forms and lets me get the tool closer to the wood. That prevents tool chatter especially on the bottoms of boxes and bowls.
-al
 
Last edited:
Back
Top