New to turning, new to the forum, advice appreciated

[Turningnewbie]

Hi guys,

I've recently purchased a union graduate lathe, just the pedestal, I don't have the bed and tail stock etc
Initially I just need to turn on the faceplate, I'm wanting to round off a stave drum shell inside and out.
I've had a few near misses as my diy tool rest isn't up to the job. In all honesty I didn't appreciate the importance of a stable tool rest - I now do!
Due to the diameter I want to turn I can't fit the manufactures in or outboard rests so I've been looking at making a free standing rest. ( I can't really justify buying one of the versions made by jet or Axminster at the minute, in case I can't do what I want to do)
Whilst researching the topic I've seen a lot of posters stating they wouldn't use a free standing rest and that it needs to be attached to the lathe.... Why is this? Is it incase the lathe rides towards the tool rest or vice versa? If both the lathe and the rest were bolted in position would this work, or is there another reason the rest should be mounted to the lathe?

 

[flh801978]

If you could bolt your pedestal to a large sheet of say 12mm-20mm steel then make a free standing rest and place that on the sheet you should be ok as relative movements will be the same

but just try it first on the floor you have...make sure that the pedestal is firm...no rocking at all...can you bolt pedestal to the floor?
Can you make a free standing rest? out of scaffold poles?
Ian

 

[Phil Pascoe]

"I've had a few near misses as my diy tool rest isn't up to the job." Nor probably are your tools. Nor probably are you. Can't you find a club to join and get some practice in on something smaller to start with?

 

[Turningnewbie]

Thanks for the replies.
The lathe is bolted down, but it was stable anyway. I could bolt down a tool rest, just wanted to check if there were any other reasons why the rest and lathe should be connected.

I've been practicing on small stock for a while but that's using the outboard attached tool rest. I don't have any issues there. My tools are fine. I, obviously lack experience and am looking into clubs etc but also think I need to sort the tool rest

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

It's all about reducing vibration, that's the enemy of the turner. Anything you can do to avoid vibration is a good.

You do need to take the hint from Phil and be aware of the safety aspects. You're clearly taking some personal risk with your approach so be careful!!