Craftsman Wood Lathe Tool Rest Modification - Machine Shop Request

[Caddis295]

I need some help. I live in the mountains of N. Georgia and access to a reputable machine shop in difficult.

Is there someone in the Garage Journal group that has a machine shop and can increase the ID of a wood turning tool rest support?

I have a very nice Craftsman wood lathe and as my bowl turning skills have advanced, require the need of specialty curved tool rests.

In the infinite wisdom of Craftsman, their tool rest diameter of 7/8" is not standard to the current industry standard of 1" or 5/8" diameter tool rests on the market.

I have attached photos of the tool rest support.

Is my thought process on increasing the ID of the post to 1" off base?

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[Hank11]

This may solve your problem:

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

Multipurpose 932 Bearing Bronze Sleeve Bearing​

for 5/8" Shaft Diameter and 7/8" Housing ID, 1-1/2" Long​

$9.45 each

 

[kyrbz]

Another option would be to buy a 5/8” tool rest and then sleeve it up to 7/8” with a small piece of DOM tube. That way you you wouldn’t have to modify the original tool rest support

 

[niget2002]

I had the same issue with my wood lathe. I found the Robert Sorby tool rests. Their rests are made with removable posts so you can order the correct sized post for your machine.

Doesn't look like it's available on Amazon, but a quick google search shows it at other sites.

Amazon.com

 

[Caddis295]

I had the same issue with my wood lathe. I found the Robert Sorby tool rests. Their rests are made with removable posts so you can order the correct sized post for your machine.

Doesn't look like it's available on Amazon, but a quick google search shows it at other sites.

Amazon.com

Niget…I appreciate the response about Sorby tool rest posts, unfortunately they don’t make one in 7/8".

 

[niget2002]

Niget…I appreciate the response about Sorby tool rest posts, unfortunately they don’t make one in 7/8".

Yes they do. I own one. Click the amazon link. 7/8" post 4-3/4" long.

 

[Caddis295]

Yes they do. I own one. Click the amazon link. 7/8" post 4-3/4" long.

Ok…. This is very nice! Interesting that one did not show up from a google search. I hope they become available soon!

 

[Caddis295]

Yes they do. I own one. Click the amazon link. 7/8" post 4-3/4" long.

Niget, I found one! Tat combined with the 9" curved tool bar should do the trick!

 

[niget2002]

Niget, I found one! Tat combined with the 9" curved tool bar should do the trick!

Congrats! I have a smaller lathe and the length was too long for mine. I cut it down shorter to fit the centerline of the machine better.

 

[rsanter]

Option 1
What they said.
Option 2
Weld up a new toolpost
Option 3
You pay shipping both ways, and I’ll machine the unit out for,you

 

[MushCreek]

Is it just me, or does it look like there is already a bushing in there?

 

[4x4Pete]

Could you drill it out to 1" the get an assortmemt of bushings to suit whatever rest you have? I don't have much experience with wood turning tool rests.