Metal-Made Lathe Tool Rests

Wesley Graham, metalworker and owner of www.metal-made.com, sells custom-made tool rests for the lathe.  Made in the USA, all of his products are hand-crafted in Charlotte, NC. Each tool rest consists of a stainless steel post, 1/4″ steel support frame, and 1/4″ hardened steel runner along the top.

If you’ve never used a tool rest other than the one that came with your lathe, then you’re in for a real treat.  Typically the tool rests that come with a majority of lathes (all but the most expensive) are in need of major filing to smooth the top and possibly even adjustments to tighten the up.  After monkeying with mine for over a year and never getting the results I desired, I finally gave up and ordered a few of these tool rests from Wesley Graham.  Smooth sailing ever since!

The hardened tool steel that is used across the top of the rest, and the part that guides the gouge in use, is silky smooth and allows the tool to glide effortlessly across as directed by the turner.  Where my old tool rest would get caught up here or there, these don’t suffer the same problem.

Another cool thing about aftermarket tool rests …. you can get the size you actually need!  My lathe came with a 14″ tool rest … and while nice for larger work, it was not good with smaller items (like turning pens, small bowls, bottlestoppers, or boxes).  With a few different sizes on hand now, I just grab the one that fits most appropriately and slide it in.  It’s a beautiful thing!

Would I recommend these to a friend.  Yes!  I’ve not experienced any issues with them, plus I’m supporting a friend in the business who’s keeping stuff made in America!

More information about these tool rests at www.metal-made.com

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