Even experienced wood turners sometimes lay their tools temporarily on the lathe bed. If the tool falls, Murphy’s Law kicks in, and the tool lands on its sharp edge. After watching a gouge hit the concrete floor during a turning demonstration, I decided to find a way to hold tools more securely.

I found a tray from an old lap desk (the kind with a pillow underneath) that even had a cup holder, but you could use any stiff 3/4-in.-thick sheet material. I screwed a magnetic tool holder to the top for the turning tools. Then I drilled some holes for various chucks, a screwdriver, calipers, etc. The holes also are a convenient way to hang the tray on the wall when not needed.

To attach the tray to the lathe, I drilled through one corner of the tray and installed a knob with a threaded rod that engages a T-nut in a wood block. The block engages the rails of the lathe, and turning the knob tightens or loosens the block. Size the tray to fit your lathe and needs. Mine is 12 in. by 24 in.

Drawings by Jim Richey

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