Hand turning rest for metal lathe

[mklotz]

A metal lathe isn't much use for wood turning; it's too slow although with good hardwood some simplistic work can be done. Nevertheless, there are times when turning details on fine model work is more easily done with hand-held gravers in a manner similar to the way wood turners work.

To do so requires a rest. I built this ugly contraption to hold the wood turning rest from the Unimat at the correct height to work on the metal lathe. An aluminum bar spans the ways and is locked in place with a plate under the ways. The rest itself is adjustable in both height and angle.

Although not used often, it works very well when needed.