D-Way Tool Rest Top Bar Upgrade

Watch this installation video to see a demonstration on how easy it is to modify your existing Powermatic or other cast iron or steel tool rest by attaching a heat treated M-42 Cobalt HSS steel rod to the top of it. The benefit is a smooth surface that will eliminate the need for filing, polishing, or waxing - it will not dent or ding like your existing tool rest. Top Bars are available in multiple sizes or can be cut to a custom length. Diameter is approximately 3/8". Please check out this product on the D-Way Tools website at d-waytools.com... .

[@hammertimewoodworks]

Awesome! These will be so much better than cast iron toolrests tops and much more cost effective than pre-made hardened steel rests.

[@d-waytoolsboxmastertoollin2220]

Absolutely!

[@Ethan-pb3jq]

I did this some six months ago. I’m not an every day turner but among the turnings I’ve done were some very large, rough and bumpy pieces. No failures and the problem of my tools hanging up on the stock rest are gone. In fact this upgrade is smoother than my aftermarket Robust rests. Very happy with the upgrade.

[@d-waytoolsboxmastertoollin2220]

Thanks for the input Ethan.

[@johnreplinger4627]

I bought a D-Way steel rod in March 2023 and installed it on my Powermatic tool rest following the directions on this video. It was not hard to do and I am happy with the results. I recommend this product.

[@salesaccount1989]

Thank you so much John, appreciate the feedback. Glad to hear it is working out so well for you. ~ Jimmie

[@robohippy]

The first Robust tool rests were epoxied on. If you dropped one on the floor, and it landed on the hardened drill rod, the rod would pop off. I only did that once. Easy to epoxy back on.

[@d-waytoolsboxmastertoollin2220]

Thanks for the info Reed. Hope you are having fun doing your thing!

[@user-ot4mk3hd6j]

I picked one up at the Oregon symposium, took it home and followed the simple instructions. I'm very happy with the results. My tools don't catch anymore, and I can drop the tool handle lower for a better shearing angle. Best inexpensive upgrade I've made to my lathe.

[@jimmieallen5962]

Thanks Pat - appreciate your input.

[@lorriebuxton2041]

Thanx for the idea bought a shop smith recently hated the rest had a broken mac 3/8 extension cut off female end and jb welded it love the rest now

[@jimmieallen4965]

Thanks for the note Lorrie - glad it worked out. Feel free to contact us if you have any other woodturning questions.

[@HodgePodgeWoodWorks]

Well, that seems easy enough...Might as well give it a shot since I don't use my PM tool rest at the moment.

[@staynavytom2963]

Robohippie's comment is reassuring regarding epoxy glueing the bar to the rest. I was wondering if there were other buyers of the rod who could add their endorsements/comments. I have a rod sitting in my cart on D-Way tools shopping center but still a touch reluctant about the epoxy attachment.

[@Ethan-pb3jq]

Did you see my reply above? I’ve done it with excellent results.

[@deyyoung42]

Using isopropyl (or rubbing) alcohol for cleanup of epoxy works just fine. It is not as concentrated as denatured, and it does contain water, but for cleanup that doesn't really matter much. Since these rods are hardened, it seems like you could also make custom scraping tools out them? Sounds like something worth trying out 🤔

[@randalcarter3386]

I have a Craftsman lathe from the 70's, and the tool rests have a 7/8" shaft, so I have very little options to replace them, in fact none that I know of. I decided to try this, and it is a great concept, and quality product, BUT . . . there is one important aspect that is overlooked in this method: How your hand rests up to the tool rest from the bottom side of the tool. My hand used to rest in a curved area comfortably, and now it is up against a the top corner of the rest, and is very uncomfortable. A much better solution would have been a flat bar that provides a comfortable resting point for your hand. I am ditching this idea after spending $30+ on it, and having a local machine shop add a new top edge that allows your guide hand a comfortable resting place for about the same cost. I believe the D-Way Upgrade is a good choice for certain tool rests, but certainly it wasn't for mine. Something that should have been thought out better. Good luck all!

[@crackerjack3359]

Instead of using popsicle sticks I found that a couple of small magnets worked great

[@jimmieallen5962]

Thanks for the feedback. Always have appreciated how the woodturning community reaches out and does what they can to help each other out.

[@VincesWoodNWonders]

That's my screw driver!!!

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Well I know what I will be ordering

[@pjseiber2774]

Would it be possible for a very experienced welder to spot weld it without it warping?

[@d-waytoolsboxmastertoollin2220]

Possibly, but you could end up with the steel being softer in that area. The welding process may damage the heat treating in that spot.

[@barrykeller6345]

If I took it to a welder, could they attach it more solidly? Or are the metals too different for that to work?

[@d-waytoolsboxmastertoollin2220]

No, not if you want to retain the steel's hardness. At every point you weld it, it will ruin the heat treating and potentially warp the rod.

[@Treesapped]

Off topic question: I have the long black lathe handles from Simple Woodturning, what is the round tightener for the set screw called, if you want to order some, that you have one yours? Thanks.

[@d-waytoolsboxmastertoollin2220]

Sounds like you are referring to the Quick Change Knobs sold on our d-waytools.com website (d-waytools.com/quick-change-knob/) - they allow you to position the tool to your desired length of reveal, and allow for quick removal for sharpening.

[@Treesapped]

Thank you!

[@jaysimmons2319]

Suggest that folks wear nitrile gloves when contacting epoxies as allergies to the parts are not uncommon

[@d-waytoolsboxmastertoollin2220]

Good point - PPE should always be a consideration.

[@fishhuntadventure]

3:20 doesn't the tape just burn when you weld it?

[@jimmieallen5962]

Thank you for your comment. There is no welding involved in the tool rest top bar installation - it would ruin the heat treating. JB Weld is an epoxy for metal and provides the adhesion needed to securely attach the rod to your existing tool rest. - Jimmie

[@staynavytom2963]

How does it connect to the original tool rest? Is there a groove in your tool steel that sets over the edge of the original tool rest?

[@d-waytoolsboxmastertoollin2220]

The video steps through the installation using JB Weld for adhesion - there is no physical connection between the rod and the tool rest. Thank you for your note - we have added a side view image (after application) to the product description area on the website. It gives a better view of how the epoxy is applied.

[@markb8954]

Agree. They didn’t quite show the bottom of the new rest & how it’s shaped to sit on the old rest. Given this is an instructional “how to” video, i think they missed Step No 1. I’m guessing there’s a groove cut into the new bar.

[@d-waytoolsboxmastertoollin2220]

@@markb8954 Thanks for checking this out Mark. There is no groove in either bar. The process is basically adhering the two together with JB Weld (long set) on each side.

[@markb8954]

@@d-waytoolsboxmastertoollin2220 Interesting. I would have thought that machining a slight v groove along the length of the new bar would provide a firm position to lock the JB epoxy in. I see now why you first lock it place with a few dabs of epoxy before working on it. Thanks for the info.

[@robertcornelius3514]

@@markb8954 , I agree. It needs a v groove.

[@robertcornelius3514]

By the way, can anyone tell me what that small hole if for on those Powermatic toolrests?

[@d-waytoolsboxmastertoollin2220]

It is for hanging by wire during heat treating to prevent warping.

[@user-ot4mk3hd6j]

The hole in the Powermatic rest is for painting at the factory. D-Way/Boxmaster tool holes is for hanging during the heat-treating process.