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Robust Tool Rests - fits on different lathes

Joel Daniels

Joel Daniels

Joined
Feb 25, 2025
Messages
28
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Location
New Boston, NH
I currently have a Laguna 12/16. I have invested in several Robust tool rests. All are 1" short post, low profile.
I'm starting to plan my retirement "forever" lathe. Would like to know if the 1" short post, low profile will still fit in PM3520C? Is the short post and low profile too short? Or would it be ok?

(We have enough threads about different lathes that we don't need to repeat here - just want to know about the tool rest fitment on the PM3520C.)

Please chime in with any experience with the Robust tool rests on the PM3520C.

thanks
 
I am in same situation but I only have 2 robust short posts a 4" and 6" I used these on my Laguna 15/24 for about 3 years but just recently sold the Laguna and ordered my forever full size lathe powermatic 3520C.
I have the short posts but ordered 3 of the long post robust, 4-6-9" should be here today.
The other option I researched was to just keep my short post robust and Sinner and order a one-way 2407 banjo, which I may still do at a later date.
Oh yeah, I also ordered the hardened top tool bar rod from D-way tools to attach to my stock powermatic tool rest when it gets here.
 
Greg Carles said:
I am in same situation but I only have 2 robust short posts a 4" and 6" I used these on my Laguna 15/24 for about 3 years but just recently sold the Laguna and ordered my forever full size lathe powermatic 3520C.
I have the short posts but ordered 3 of the long post robust, 4-6-9" should be here today.
The other option I researched was to just keep my short post robust and Sinner and order a one-way 2407 banjo, which I may still do at a later date.
Oh yeah, I also ordered the hardened top tool bar rod from D-way tools to attach to my stock powermatic tool rest when it gets here.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info on the Oneway banjo. I read thru this separate post on the Oneway:
https://www.aawforum.org/community/threads/which-oneway-banjo-for-3520b.13028/

Looks like it's a cost/benefit analysis on my part at this point. I have 5 Robust short post/low profile rests. That adds up to a little more than the Oneway 2407 banjo. So, I can either sell the tool rests and buy the same ones with long posts - or just buy the Oneway 2407. If you read thru the referenced post, in the end the 20" banjo is recommended if using the short post tool rests (that's the 2407) and their 16" banjo if using the long post tool rests.

Thanks everyone for your inputs - this feedback and knowledge base is why I joined AAW and this forum.
 
Joel Daniels said:
Thanks for the info on the Oneway banjo. I read thru this separate post on the Oneway:
https://www.aawforum.org/community/threads/which-oneway-banjo-for-3520b.13028/

Looks like it's a cost/benefit analysis on my part at this point. I have 5 Robust short post/low profile rests. That adds up to a little more than the Oneway 2407 banjo. So, I can either sell the tool rests and buy the same ones with long posts - or just buy the Oneway 2407. If you read thru the referenced post, in the end the 20" banjo is recommended if using the short post tool rests (that's the 2407) and their 16" banjo if using the long post tool rests.

Thanks everyone for your inputs - this feedback and knowledge base is why I joined AAW and this forum.
Click to expand...
For what it is worth:
I called one-way earlier in the week and you will have to pay for them to custom make the washer ( I think they said around $30 US) and then shipping is like $45-60 US so the cost does go up about $100 more than what it is listed. They also said 4 -6 weeks lead time.
 
Robust rests with short 1" posts:
I have some Robust rest for my PM3520b and some for the Jet1642 I just gave away.

There may be a good reason to keep the short ones.

I decided to keep the short ones for when I do demos at clubs - some clubs use the Jet1642 or the newer 1640. (or go to someones shop) If for some reason I don't know what equipment they have, rather than risk it I take long and short post rests appropriate for the demo. I REALLY like those rests and am used to them.

Also, if you have access to metal cutting and welding, you could convert the short post rests into long post. I've built a few rests and it's not rocket science - just need to make some fixture to keep things square and be careful not to overheat and risk warping anything.

Also, if ever unsure about what rest will fit what lathe, you can ask Robust.

JKJ
 
John K Jordan said:
Robust rests with short 1" posts:
I have some Robust rest for my PM3520b and some for the Jet1642 I just gave away.

There may be a good reason to keep the short ones.

I decided to keep the short ones for when I do demos at clubs - some clubs use the Jet1642 or the newer 1640. (or go to someones shop) If for some reason I don't know what equipment they have, rather than risk it I take long and short post rests appropriate for the demo. I REALLY like those rests and am used to them.

Also, if you have access to metal cutting and welding, you could convert the short post rests into long post. I've built a few rests and it's not rocket science - just need to make some fixture to keep things square and be careful not to overheat and risk warping anything.

Also, if ever unsure about what rest will fit what lathe, you can ask Robust.

JKJ
Click to expand...
That's a good point although I do not do any demos.
 
Lots of info at the Robust site.
Scroll down this page a bit until you see this text. Click the links to see all the spec info, and the various lathes their rests fit. If your lathe is not listed, contact them directly.

1000010179.jpg
 
Just got the Robust long post in the mail today and took some measurements with pictures. Only difference is 1 1/4" in length.
DSC02883.JPGDSC02884.JPG
 

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While on the subject of Robust rests on a 3520c, I’ve got a question. I notice that while the PM rest, and also my RoboRest S shaped rest both are easy to adjust in the banjo, my Robust 6” rest requires a whack to break it free after I’ve loosened the locking lever. I could go out to the shop and put a caliper on it, but easier just to post here. Is it possibly a hair larger than 1” in diameter? Any other reason it would need a nudge to loosen?
 
Lou Jacobs said:
While on the subject of Robust rests on a 3520c, I’ve got a question. I notice that while the PM rest, and also my RoboRest S shaped rest both are easy to adjust in the banjo, my Robust 6” rest requires a whack to break it free after I’ve loosened the locking lever. I could go out to the shop and put a caliper on it, but easier just to post here. Is it possibly a hair larger than 1” in diameter? Any other reason it would need a nudge to loosen?
Click to expand...

My curved and straight Robust rests work ok on my 3520b. (I have 4", 6", 9", and 14" if my memory is correct.)

I would definitely check the diameter of the problem rest shaft, examine for any nicks, dents, or scratches, (on the end as well as the middle) and put a straight edge on the shaft and check straightness all the way around. If slightly out of spec, a file might fix it, or holding coarse sandpaper tight around the shaft and twisting might fix it. Or call Robust and ask! Unless something has changed, they have a good warranty. Any problem, they'll prob send out a new one.

I would also check the hole in the banjo, even though the other rests work OK. Do you have an expanding cylinder hone to clean it up if needed?

JKJ
 
John K Jordan said:
I would definitely check the diameter of the problem rest shaft, examine for any nicks, dents, or scratches, (on the end as well as the middle) and put a straight edge on the shaft and check straightness all the way around. If slightly out of spec, a file might fix it, or holding coarse sandpaper tight around the shaft and twisting might fix it. Or call Robust and ask! Unless something has changed, they have a good warranty. Any problem, they'll prob send out a new one.

I would also check the hole in the banjo, even though the other rests work OK. Do you have an expanding cylinder hone to clean it up if needed?
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestions. Just checked both the Robust and PM rest shafts and they are within a 1,000th of each other (probably at my caliper’s margin of error), .996” and .997” respectively. Shaft is straight and the hole is also straight, about .999”. I’ll give emery paper a shot. In the past I’ve lubricated it, and may have tried fine sandpaper as well. It’s not something I can’t live with, but just a minor annoyance.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Just checked both the Robust and PM rest shafts and they are within a 1,000th of each other (probably at my caliper’s margin of error), .996” and .997” respectively. Shaft is straight and the hole is also straight, about .999”. I’ll give emery paper a shot. In the past I’ve lubricated it, and may have tried fine sandpaper as well. It’s not something I can’t live with, but just a minor annoyance.
Click to expand...
If you use a micrometer, which is usually a bit more accurate than a caliper, you'll find all the posts measure .999" If you have one that isn't working for you, there is a probably a burr or nick of some kind on it. As others have mentioned, some sandpaper, say 120 or 180 grit, or a little file work, should clean things up. Also, if you go to our main toolrest page, you'll see selections for various size lathes. Just click on the appropriate button, and all of the rests on the page should fit your lathe - there are some exceptions, and you'll find notes in that regard on the various pages.
 
My rests would some times "freeze up" in the banjo. I turn a LOT of sloppy wet wood. The water seems to run down inside the banjo and the rest can rust up in place, even if I am moving it a lot. Generally, if I turn for most of the day, and come back out the next morning to turn more, it will require some "loosening up". Slick stick, WD 40, 3 in 1 oil, all seem to work fine. Some times a light sanding with 220 or so grit helps too. I don't know if there are banjos and/or tool rest posts that are made from stainless steel. That might solve the problem, but would cost a lot more....

robo hippy
 
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