Tools Used on Lathes
- The Steady Rest is made by Sherline Products. As the name suggests, it is a tool for supporting pieces as you work on them. The rest has three adjustable brass blades in a holder that you mount on the bed of your lathe. You adjust the blades to the diameter of the work piece, to give support. The rest allows your piece to turn concentrically, which makes it easier to work on. You can fit parts up to one-and-three-quarter inches in diameter in the rest.
- If you try to drill a hole into the end of your work piece without using a center drill, you may discover that the drill wobbles off center. Center drills are rigid, short, broad drills that you use to commence holes. They are also useful for making a conical indentation in the end of a work piece so you can mount it centrally in your lathe. Center drills are available in sets of five for less than five dollars.
- A collet is a small metal chuck that you use to hold bars, tools and other items in place on your lathe. When the outer collar of the collet is tightened, it clamps the work piece firmly. Hardinge makes collets for several present day and archaic lathes. The collets are four inches in length and available in hex, square and round shapes. Further, the company may be able to make collets to your precise requirements.
- Sheffield wood-turning tool maker Robert Sorby claims to produce more turning tools per year than anyone else. The tools are made from M2 high speed steel and have ash handles with brass ferules. The micro turning tools are designed for use on mini lathes. Each tool is 10 inches long. They are available individually or in sets. Set 45 HS has one-quarter inch and one-eighth inch spindle gouges, one-quarter inch round nose scraper and skew chisel and a one-sixteenth inch parting tool.
