Axminster Robust Tool Rests

[transatlantic]

Axminster are now selling the Robust tool rests. I find this style a lot more comfortable. Not a fan of the tube style.

https://www.axminstertools.com/robust-comfort-150mm-6-tool-rest-with-30mm-post-107374
Quite pricey though! ... Nova also doing something similar at far more reaosnable prices.

https://www.turners-retreat.co.uk/4-modular-tool-rest-bar/p3797
Shame neither of them do 25mm though

 

[Sideways]

Hmmm.
No availability showing on Phil Irons'website.
I wonder if something has changed? I think the prices through Axminster are higher.
https://www.philironswoodturning.co.uk/lathes/robust-comfort-toolrests

 

[Democritus]

Look the business. The you tube video with Robo hippy shows the development of them. Really impressive. But...how can they be worth what Axminster are asking? I thought the Sorby modular rests were pricey, but these take costs to another level. My pocket money won’t stretch to these.
D

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Up to 200mm you can buy small section hss round bar for next to nothing - it can't be that difficult to scrape a small hollow in a cast iron tool rest and epoxy one to to it. I've thought about it before but not got around to it.

 

[Adam Pinson]

I snapped the stock rest that came with my Nova Comet , bang, head clean off.... went to our local metal worker man and he made me a replica in mild steel, slightly longer rest and a little crude but way stronger than the rubbish i had before, only cost 20 euros too... bargain

 

[transatlantic]

Up to 200mm you can buy small section hss round bar for next to nothing - it can't be that difficult to scrape a small hollow in a cast iron tool rest and epoxy one to to it. I've thought about it before but not got around to it.

you'd have to scrape away all the top section too to get something similar. But yes, if you didn't care about getting the same shape, I suppose you could just do that.

 

[bobajobob]

Made these a couple of years ago using cheap HSS from Amazon. Half hour with angle grinder and small chainsaw file. Just one fail when clipped by chuck but easy re-glue. Works really well.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

you'd have to scrape away all the top section too to get something similar. But yes, if you didn't care about getting the same shape, I suppose you could just do that.

View attachment 92905View attachment 92906

Easy enough to alter the original shape if you want a narrower top.

 

[transatlantic]

Made these a couple of years ago using cheap HSS from Amazon. Half hour with angle grinder and small chainsaw file. Just one fail when clipped by chuck but easy re-glue. Works really well.

Nice! How did you get such a perfect straight line along the top?

 

[Paul Hannaby]

The selling point of the Robust rests is that they have a hardened steel edge so they won't get dents and nicks.

 

[bobajobob]

Nice! How did you get such a perfect straight line along the top?

If I remember correctly, used a metal edge to guide the grinder to rough out, then filed. Very important to use a cylindrical file (chainsaw sharpening style) of the same diameter as the inserted HSS rod to get a perfect seating and establish a 50% of circumference contact. I'm of an age when we were taught metal work and how to use a file at school!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

The selling point of the Robust rests is that they have a hardened steel edge so they won't get dents and nicks.

Yes. But you can buy HSS round bar for a few quid and make your own.

 

[Lonsdale73]

Yes. But you can buy HSS round bar for a few quid and make your own.

Clearly a business opportunity for you there

 

[Paul Hannaby]

Not everyone has a welder...

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Not everyone has a hundred quid for a toolrest ...

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Well, here's my quite robust toolrest.

 

[minilathe22]

Oneway seem to sell some similar quality tool rests, some of them are from stainless steel, and alot cheaper.