Tool Rests for Woodturners

I explain the ins and outs of tool rests for wood lathes. I review how to safely use one, how to maintain it, why you might want to consider adding another one to your tools, and what are some the considerations in your choice to make or buy one.
The Woodturning Store is a great source for tool rests. I earn a small commission from any purchase www.thewoodturningstore.com/l...
Check out my website for demonstration handouts, downloadable copies of articles I have published and other useful woodturning information at MikePeaceWoodturning.com

[@davejohnson9495]

Another excellent tutorial thank you. I was about to get a round bar type rest but your comments have pointed me to another direction. I liked the advice regarding the sliding of your finger as a guide along the rest. Having only recently started woodturning, I am finding these videos invaluable and I loved your little "catchphrase" "If you don't have a problem, don't go looking for a solution". Brilliant .

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Dave. Folks that like to mess with things like to mess with things. Keep it Simple Sam.

[@billk.5891]

Thanks for all that information. Much appreciated.

[@eegaugh]

Good advice and I liked the tip about using a segment of pipe to make a tool rest.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks 👍

[@mhaz49]

Excellent summary, Mike; especially for new turners who may think they need every tool and accessory available.

[@RickTurnsWoodturning]

Good video, Mike! And thanks for mentioning my DIY toolrests videos!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

RickTurns Happy to provide the info to our fellow turners. I have not tried silver solder but have seen it done and it is incredible.

[@treforparry4054]

Thank you so much for making that video. As a 'newbie' I learned a lot! I bought a very old worktop mounted lathe that came without a toolrest. I have made one and it works but it is fiddly and time-consuming to adjust. Your video gave me a lot of new ideas. Thanks again.

[@peddoctex]

Thanks Mike, being a beginner and watching lots of videos it’s nice to have good basic information, so many videos skip the basic, very important aspects of turning that are invaluable to a beginner. I made a LOT of mistakes before I found this and other channels that teach a newbie what to do and, just as important, what NOT to do.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Great to hear! Stay safe my friend.

[@AJsWargaming]

Nice info Mike. Thanks for making this.

[@pcorlis]

Lots of good information, thanks. Paul

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

pcorlis Thanks for sharing my video.

[@eegaugh]

I'm still looking for some 4" pipe"! - but following your advice have made a box turning rest with an asymmetric tee shape, the idea being that the shorter arm of the tee would be stiffer for shallower boxes. I am an amateur machinist and opted to screwcut the end of the post to hold the rest. Initial results are very promising.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Sounds great!

[@Bramsshed1913]

Hi Mike , Good info and a good heads up on checking for dints and remedy in the tool rest for a smooth cut. Cheers Bram

[@WoodFrontier]

Thanks for sharing, I have the issue you mentioned with a tool rest that is to long for small pieces. -Todd

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+Wood Frontier If you turn more than bowls you have to have at least one short one.

[@faustojosemxavier2896]

all these r old show me nrw

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

That was harsh. Do you have some specific suggestions?