I decided to throw together a round bar tool rest for my Delta midi from some leftovers of the hollowing rig project. Didn't have a 5/8" drill bit, so I just filed the end of the post down to a small area of contact and filled in with bead. Not sure if that's strong enough to survive a nasty catch, but probably OK for temporary tryout. I can always weld some gussets on either side.

Anyway I tried it out briefly. So far I really like it. Any advise on using one? Seems like there shouldn't be any difference in use with a traditional rest. If I use this permanently, I will have to get some 5/8" post stock. The only piece I had was rather rusty and had a lot of pits. Doesn't seem to affect performance at this point, but seems like it would be better to have some nicer stock.



BTW it's not bent, or off-center, it's just the camera angle.

Only issue is the fulcrum point is a bit away from where an angle rest would be. Be careful if using 1/4" or smaller tools. I thought if I could bend the metal, it would make for a good bowl rest on the cheap side of doing things. I don't think the fulcrum position would be a problem with a 3/8" or 5/8" bowl gouge.

Works great with a skew, 3/8 spindle gouge, bowl gouge. I can do a much nicer flat planing cut with the skew using this rest, than I can with my standard one. Not sure why.

Less area of contact on the round, and no stupid nicks in it yet!