Hi Ernie:
I am using a 12 x 36 JET Lathe. The tool rest surface is soft and becomes nicked and pitted easily. I file it flat and smooth, but it does not stay that way long. As you know, each nick or pit causes the gouge to cut unevenly when turning a spindle. I have a idea that might improve things. Resurface the rest, then use sticky backed ultra high molecular weight plastic tape to cover the surface of the rest that comes in contact with the gouge. Have you any suggestions? Thanks,
MIKE EDWARDS
Replies
The culprit may be your tools. Most tools such as scrapers, skews and parting tools come with very sharp edges where the shape (usually rectangular) is Blanchard ground. Breaking this edge (lightly on parting tools and significantly on skews and scrapers) will serve dual purpose. The tools will not as readily damage the rest and they will slide over nicks more readily. Heavy buffing to form a radius on the broken edge is even better. Also waxing the rest with paraffin will serve both these ends.
With best regards,
Ernie Conover
Ernie:
Thank you for your response. You offered good suggestions.
Regards,
MIKE EDWARDS
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