Offset "j" tool rest questions

[gritz]

I am looking to purchase an offset interior tool rest for better tool control in deeper bowl work on 10 to 16" diameter bowls. I have a Jet 16/42.
So far, I have looked at pricey Robust and Oneway; and less costly EZ Glide and Best Wood Tools. EZ Glide are 5/8 posts and would require an adapter. They just may be too small for my needs. Best has a fixed smooth top bar, an adjustable depth choice and a flip/flop design. The last two have annoying looking protrusions on top. I also wonder if they are stable in use? I didn't link their site, where all the options are shown, because it won't load properly.
Anyone have experience with, bias against, or preference for any of these? Do you have another option I should consider? I've never used a round bar rest and so am a little gun shy.

You will have to scroll in the last link to see the EZ Glide and Best rests.

http://www.turnrobust.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IC_on_AB-400H1.jpg

https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/111/5515/Oneway-11-1-2"-Curved-Tool-Rest

https://www.ptreeusa.com/turn_tool_rest.html

 

[Raymond]

Robert, I use the Modular Tool Rest System and love it. The nice thing about it is that once you have the correct post size, all of the bars will fit any size post. It may be a little pricey going that route but if you ever buy a lathe with a smaller post requirement than all you do is buy the post and use the same bars.

Good luck on your selection.

 

[TENdriver]

Robert, I’d check the 5/8” post versions very closely before ordering. My concern would be that most of the 5/8” post versions are intended for lathes with much smaller swings (think mini or midi size lathe) than your 16/42. Additionally, they may not be robust enough to handle the larger bowl work that your lathe is capable of.

 

[KenOfCary]

Like Raymond I used a modular system. Post and top bars separate. I originally had a MIDI lathe with a 5/8" post and when I upgraded to the Powermatic I just bought a new 1" post and the tops all worked fine.

Here's a selection of Nova brand modular tool rests at Klingspor - they can ship to your location.

https://www.woodworkingshop.com/search.aspx?q=nova+tool+rests

 

[walnutjerry]

Have you checked out Penn State offerings? I bought the set of 3 with 1" posts, a 6". a 12" and the curved. The 2 straight rests are round bar and the curve is a flat bar. I've had no problems using them on my Powermatic 3520. You learn to use what you have. Here is the addy for pennstate tool rests-----they have a variety at reasonable prices I think. https://www.pennstateind.com/store/lathe-tool-rests.html

 

[gritz]

Thanks Ken, I was sure enough of them that I bought the Nova 12" modular last week.
Now I'm looking for a curved "innie" for deeper bowls...not so sure on those. Thats my reason for asking for advice.

 

[gritz]

Thanks Walnut Jerry, but I had such a bad experience with Pennstate on my final DC pipe order a few years ago that I stopped buying from them.

 

[gritz]

TENdriver, that is eezackly why I'm asking folks for feedback.

 

[gritz]

Thanks Raymond, which mfr. did you buy?

 

[mkepke]

FWIW, I had this set from Penn State and would not recommend. I bent one of the curved rests the first week of use on a catch in the bottom of a bowl. The rest bent but the 1/2" shank tool didn't. I figure the steel is soft.

In comparison, my factory Delta (straight) rest has had the same bowl duty for several years without an issue.

https://www.pennstateind.com/store/CLTSET1.html

-Mark

 

[gritz]

Thanks Mark, That's the kind of feedback I'd hoped for. My cast steel Jet rest works well but it collects a few annoying dings that need filing occasionally. In my minds eye I can see a piece of tool steel that stays smooth and slick as my best choice.

 

[Raymond]

Thanks Raymond, which mfr. did you buy?

Robert Sorby via online, if I remember correctly.