Tool Rest DONT DO THIS - Woodturning Video

[@markdicer]

Excellent advice Trent. Thank you. As a novice Turner I have made many of those mistakes. Including throwing a blank because of a bad catch AND snapped my tool rest right off the post. Thankfully I wasn't hurt..well...My pride a bit. Thanks again for bringing these to my attention. Cheers.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Every turner should be watching your videos! Always great information. Thank you!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you kindly, Sawyer! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@dennismorton4688]

just came across this as i just purchased a 14-40 inch wood lathe and wanted to find info to keep me safe etc. so your videos are a great help and i will subscribe

[@michaelmcdermott2178]

Keith, D-Way Tools offers after-market top bars that are easy to affix to the cast iron OEM tool rests, such as from Powermatic. They also provide a how-to video for the conversion, which is very simple to accomplish. MUCH less expensive than buying the whole tool rest. As always, thanks for a great tutorial.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Good to know, Michael. Happy Turning! -Kent

[@That_is_for_me_to_know]

As another safety tip, I always move the tool rest out of the way when sanding. This avoids any chance of catching fingers, sanding block, etc between the job and the tool rest.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great point! I do too and should have mentioned that. ;)

[@geoffwatson6207]

I go so far as to actually remove the toolrest from the banjo and move the banjo out of the way before sanding. But then I may be a belt And suspenders person. 😊

[@zephyr-s]

Wish I saw your comment yesterday, had to learn this one the hard way 😂

[@That_is_for_me_to_know]

@@zephyr-s I also learnt the hard way, suffered a squashed finger that ended up needing a “ butterfly strip” to close it. 👰‍♂️😰🤬

[@johnkorn6698]

Your videos are SUPERB!!!! My practice with keeping the banjo and rail clean comes from when I'm wet-sanding. I put paper towels over it (the rail) and then wipe it down afterwards with oil.

[@brucekiefer2209]

Great information ! I was wondering about proper tool rest height. Thanks!!

[@Jim-bu6si]

Kent- You do a great job of explaining things. I am a retired Industrial Education teacher and still a lifelong learner, so I appreciate the way you describe in detail the tools of the trade. Thank you.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you kindly, Jim. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@markduggan3451]

Great information, I have a toolrest that you can change the rest part and occasionally I don't tighten that as much as I should, it can spin.

[@qapla]

Great reminders and info, Kent. Something to maybe add - some tool rests come with paint on the edge/bar the tool rides on. It is best to remove that paint with sandpaper or a file because the paint will begin to chip as you turn wood. Those chips in the paint will act the same as the dents in the metal you said to remove with a file. That tool rest edge should be clean, straight and smooth and slick.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great point. Thank you for writing and sharing! Happy Turning!

[@mikep.9005]

Thanks for the advice. The one thing that I need to do is flatten the edge of the tool rest. I never thought about how much it would affect the wood. Thank again.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Interesting, Mike. Let me know how that goes. Happy Turning!

[@andrewhopkins7334]

Kent great information thanks. One question I find when using a skew it is better to be cutting above centre. Am I mad or is this an exception?

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Andrew, as I like to say, do what works for you. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@lisafagan9640]

Just began my turning learning and so glad I found your channel!! This video really helped me understand an issue I was having. Heading to your website now! 🙏🏻❣️👌🏻🥂

[@wademackey1098]

One I didn't hear, bit I'm bad at is to never step away from the lathe and leave it running. Still working on that one.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Wade, good point. Be safe and Happy Turning!

[@fryeguy9939]

Good video, good information... We just have to use a lot of common sense with power tools.. Thanks for bringing out the not so common mistake for use beginners.. The Frye Guy..

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Exactly, The Frye Guy! It's always good to review the basics and have a "Common Sense" check every now and then. Happy Turning!

[@henniebasson515]

I know of at least two instances where tool rests actually broke when encountering excessive force. I myself am one of the "perpetrators." And i sometimes tell some of my "students" - if you do have to feel if your workpiece is round - touch it "from the back" so that irregularities push your hand away from the workpiece. Best is - first stop the lathe. Kind regards, and a blessed new year.

[@That_is_for_me_to_know]

I did the same but also snapped the banjo. Expensive incident.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Hennie, Yes, it can happen! Good advice - always err on the side of caution! Be safe and Happy Turning!

[@jimvorheis1137]

Great tips ... as usual.

[@danielgeiger7739]

Great tips. I am "glad" I am not the only turner who didn't tighten the banjo/rest all the way. Another source of roughness on the tool rest is CA glue. Usually chips off easily with a small chisel or even screw driver. -- I have a Laguna 18/36 with drop bed (32") and like to turn large platters from 2-3" planks, up to 22" final diameter so far, so blank around 23-24". The banjo is far extended off the bed, and even at low RPMs, there are tremendous force acting on it. Even taking small cuts makes the whole thing flex. I've been thinking of putting a post underneath the far end of the banjo, to support it against concrete floor. Any thoughts?

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

That’s a great idea, Daniel. I've never considered putting a post underneath the banjo for additional support. Give it a try. Be safe and Happy Turning!

[@jenskrossig6101]

An aditional post is often seen on a lathe with outside turning. You can turn the spindle 90 degrees and have arm for the Banjo la Ing on the outside. The there is a post under.

[@raifharik1454]

Hi Kent. One tip I picked up on AAW, maybe it was Odie, can't remember. But they suggested, for setting rest height, using slices of 1" PVC pipe that you cut open so it's more of a C rather than O. This way you can pop them on and off quickly. With this set up you can have a ring for each of your most frequently used tools. As with many great tips and practices I have yet to try it :) but conceptually it's sound. I'm going to go and try and dig up some 1" PVC and give it a try.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

That's an interesting idea, Raif I'll try it out! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@AHG-Bock]

Thanks for the wakeup call ;) I did a small batch production run the last days, and was constantly struggling with my banjo. Of course I couldn't do anything immediately due to the dust, and over the post turning stuff I forgot about it again. Now I stopped your video, went to the shop, removed tailstock and banjo, cleanend everything and applied some lubricant. So I hope that tomorrow everything will be working smoothly again.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

It's always nice to stop and tidy up everything. I hope you enjoy. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@earljtharp]

I have a Grizzly G0766. It came with a tool rest post of 0.980 so I had trouble finding other tool rests for it. I drilled it out to 1.00 now I can use most of the aftermarket tests as well as the Grizzly rest. I have also noticed that as the gap between the tool rest and the work increases either the tool rest must be moved or I have to change it’s height.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Excellent tip, Earl! It's great to know you can get around that and make the tool rest compatible. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@StuartMcLean-u9o]

As usual, good practical information, even as an experienced turner i realise habits i have devolved that need to stop

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Stuart, It's always a good time for a refresher. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@frankashley3809]

The hardened steel bar is welded to the base and can be damaged if excessive force is applied such as when rough turning a large heavy blank. Visually inspect the welds to ensure their structural integrity,. The epoxy paint can hide defects, so look for cracks in the paint. One alternative is to use a cast iron tool rest for rough turning and save the expensive Robust tool rest for finish work.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Frank, Thanks for sharing the great information. Happy Turning!

[@J.A.Smith2397]

Definitely give it a spin fore ya got the power and yes double check tool test n banjo are locked before as well

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

You got it, JA. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@That_is_for_me_to_know]

I saw an alternative to filing a cast tool rest by using a belt sander. Best if the whole length of the rest fits onto the bed of the sander.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great tip, Thank you for writing and sharing! Happy Turning!

[@tielkgate]

Great information Kent. I don't remember anyone on KZbin explaining the tool rest as in-depth as you did. Thanks for that. I discovered that the word Banjo comes from when a New Orleans machinist was designing the current lathe configuration and was constantly bothered by his little brother to the extent that the machinist finally told him, "Go outside and play with the Band Joe!" Lowell🪕

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Ha! Thank you, Lowell. ;) Happy Turning!

[@mrPauljacob]

Man great video... Its nice to hear the fundamentals in such a clear and thorough presentation. My little jet 12/21 tool rest has gotten horrible at this point. Definitely about to get a new one. But then again, im on the hunt for a big new lathe. Id really like the vicmarc vl240 honestly but i dont have the money. I think im gonna go Laguna 18/36 on sale for now because its alot for the money. Also, it makes no sense to buy a rest thats not harder than the tools. Definitely will be going that hardened tool rest route. Peace and cheers from Texas!!

[@LarsKunMig]

Very useful - thanks Kent! I like your emphasis on safety.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure, Lars. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@jimdoane1362]

Thanks for the safety tips

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure, Jim. Happy Turning!

[@canrooster4003]

I really appreciate your videos. You do a great gob of teaching. Thanks!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for your kind words and Happy Turning!

[@chippychippy8291]

Thank you Kent, love the info, and all the videos!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

You're very welcome, Chippy! Happy Turning!

[@kenbeattie1958]

Thanks, Kent! I learned something from this vid today.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Excellent, Ken! I'm glad you found this helpful. Happy Turning!

[@josephwertner3942]

Good information Kent. Thank you.

[@cobberpete1]

Great Info as usual Kent. Thanks very much. Happy New Year

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you kindly, Joe. Happy Turning!

[@danielalbertin5936]

Thank You for my weekly lesson

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure, Daniel! Happy Turning!

[@thesmallwoodlot433]

Thanks for the reminder! My old shop teacher in middle school always said tool rest thickness + the size of the tool below center for the tool rest, and no more than 3/4 of an inch away from the blank, then hand spin the blank!… then had all the students work on a treadle lathe😂😂😂

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Treadle lathe sounds like a great learning experience! Happy Turning!

[@thesmallwoodlot433]

@ it was, until he was out for medical reasons for the rest of the year, and substitute teachers were qualified to run shop equipment, that left us with pen &paper time!

[@kiowablue2862]

The lathe banjo got its name from the resemblance it bore to the overall shape of the musical instrument. In the picture at the following link, you can clearly see how the overall shape gave rise to the name: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banjo_(wood_lathe) This is the case with older lathes. Modern banjos look nothing like those found on vintage lathes.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing! Well if its from Wiki, it must be. ;) All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@Juneyt22]

I literally asked ChatGPT and here is the answer why it is called “Banjo” according to the ChatGPT and it kinda makes sense😅 The part of a lathe that holds the tool rest is called a banjo because its shape resembles the body of the musical instrument, the banjo. Like the instrument, this component typically has a flat, rounded or elongated base with a “neck” or extension that connects to the tool rest post. This visual similarity led to the nickname, which has stuck over time in woodworking and machining communities. The term is informal but widely recognized among lathe users.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Juney! Happy Turning!

[@Juneyt22]

@@TurnAWoodBowlthank you 😊

[@stephencowper430]

Thanks for the information . I always wondered where my tool rest should be in relation with the tool I’m using

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad to help, Stephen! Happy Turning!

[@AVerdi-bc1hn]

Thank you. I learned a lot

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure, Happy Turning!

[@raymondsmith2868]

I always remove the tool rest for sanding the piece while it is spinning in the lathe. If your hand gets caught in the in-running nip of the work piece and stationary tool rest a really bad injury can occur (like losing a finger). My cuts are not the smoothest so I end up using the 60 grit gouge too much.😀

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Excellent point, Ray! I do the same. Always be mindful of safety, and Happy Turning!

[@chrisjohnston2449]

Great information. Thank you for sharing

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure, Chris. Happy Turning!

[@williambuckley1185]

Good video, thanks Kent. good subject to learn from.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, William. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@DennisMoyer-he6yw]

Great advice as usual. Keep them coming.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Dennis. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@JamesBondDZero7Mi6]

I prefer a cast iron tool rest for roughing. It's a little less shocking to your hands/arms. A hardened tool rest that is clean and polished is definitely preferred for smooth cuts. Also, the tool rest is a hand rest, which is important for some cuts, so keep that in mind when deciding which one to purchase.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge about tool rests, James! That's an interesting strategy. I like it. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@gaboftak]

So,time ago i broke my short tool rest and ordered new longer and also curved one.also i made new short one just from round tubes.You can guess , i hardly use the long and curved one as the short one is very handy to use .....

[@LondonCadance]

I would really love more instruction about how to clean my banjo and track

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Here you are turnawoodbowl.com/wood-lathe-maintenance-checklist-7-areas-to-maintain/ All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@turningwiththewoods]

I wish your description of a scraper and the height referred to the included angle that is formed - i.e. it should be less than 90. That to me is a better explanation in my opinion of why you want the scraper angled downward.😊

[@phatroguedragon]

The term "banjo" for that portion of the lathe likely stems from its shape and function. On a woodturning lathe, the banjo is the part that holds and allows you to position the tool rest. It's typically shaped somewhat like a musical banjo's body, with a stem that extends out to lock the tool rest into place, giving it a rounded, elongated appearance. This resemblance to a banjo may have inspired its name in the woodworking world. It's one of those charming quirks of language that add a bit of character to our tools and trades! - - - So saith CHATGPT.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Oh boy. AI knows woodturning. Thank you for writing and sharing! ;)

[@peterscherle2853]

Good information, thanks 😊

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Peter. Happy Turning!

[@charlesreicks648]

Good video. I am looking for a Banjo that will allow me to use a tool rest with a longer shaft. The locking threads go thru the mounting hole. Now are all 36" lathes the same in replacing the banjo? 1" Dia. The company does not offer a offset banjo. Thanks Tim

[@LewisKauffman]

Thanks!!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure, Chippy. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@matthewlang8320]

Oh yes, I watch RR always pinch feeling the thickness of his bowl while spinning. Another point about adjusting the banjo live. At this time you usually have a tool in your hand. That tool is liable to wander into danger while your eye is on the banjo/tool-rest adjustment. Don't ask me how I know this.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Matthew, Yes, those risky moves are not a good example for sure. Be safe and Happy Turning!

[@brucewilliamson7032]

What is the best face mask and face shild you recommend?

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Bruce, see my Recommended Equipment Guide www.TurnAWoodBowl.com/gear Happy Turning!

[@fishhuntbiker127]

I usually get in trouble when I accidentally touch the wood with the cutting edge of the tool before it's anchored on the rest.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Yup, AHBC! ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqqzonWVj9aHircsi=SUv5oggvGS2Bnu7s Happy Turning!

[@Blah-blah-sure]

As a newbie. I was curious as to why it’s called a banjo myself?

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Well, apparently AI knows. lol See the comment above. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@scottmedori1437]

Can you say oops. One gets complacent after a while. Thanks for the reminders

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Yup, that happens to us all, Scott. Be safe and Happy Turning!

[@michaelogden5958]

Upgrade from cast iron should be (in my opinion) the first bit of "bling".

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Ha! I like that, Michael. I suppose it is "blingy." ;) Happy Turning!

[@BillyWyatt-q2m]

I had a tenon collapse and came off the lathe and broke the tool rest and the banjo.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Wow, must have been a large bowl Billy! Be safe and Happy Turning!

[@dennismorton4688]

im kinda scared to start using my lathe especially if there is a catch lol never operated one before

[@mikemadsen6820]

I watched a video just last week where I saw nearly all your "don't do this" done. I cringed when the turner put the back of his finger on the spinning bowl just above the tool rest. I don't visit that turner's channel anymore. Thanks for this video Kent.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Mike, The old adage, "There's no substitute for experience" is a cautionary one! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@Tim1967-o7j]

You said there is so little said about it.????? Really??? I enjoy your videos but stick to the truth.