Trying to find a 12" tool rest for the lathe. Just getting around to using the new/used jet I have and realized this morning six inches doesn't do it. Any ideas anyone? Thanks for the help.

had a flash of an idea...Frank

thinking since the desired height is adjustable

you could go to a auto parts store
and buy one of those magnetic tool holders
that are 12 inches or so long and just attach it
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/ravenob1/magnetic.png

I can see that magnet screwed onto the tool rest...plug spinning ..tool in hand, thinking of the first cut..hand drops a hair..magnet catches the tool..tool point grabs the plug ...bang goes everthing...frank ducks for cover an says screw this and puts everything up for sale.

find some 1" angle iron..cut it to lenght..get a pc of round rod/pipe to fit your holder...drill said angle on one side in the middle so your rod goes into the hole...have it zapped together....think mine cost 10.00 to do.

I drilled and tapped a pair of 10-32 in my original rset.. then drilled a length of aluminum angle , counter sunk the panhead screws... I had everythging hanging around cost me nothing

with a 5/8 inch post this means the tool rest locking casting is NOT very strong... if you get a bad catch in hardwood out near the end of the rest you might fracture the casting... the longest tool rest available for mini lathes that is of good quality is the Robust 9" tool holder.... but Grapenuts idea is a good one... just be careful and get a good weld at the junction:
here is a link for the Robust tool from Craft Supplies in Utah..


Robust Comfort Tool Rest - Woodturners Catalog - Woodworking tools and supplies specializing in woodturning. (http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Lathe_Accessories___Tool_Rests___Robust_Comfort_To ol_Rest___robust_tool_rest?Args=)

or you can buy one from here..Solid Bar Tool Rest Set for Mini Lathes: 3-Piece 5/8" Post & Top Set at Penn State Industries (http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CLTSET58.html)

I may call Jet. They have a 10" rest, but all of your suggestionswere greatly appreciated. Cut some stock for Eely's this morning and I don't want to move the tool rest to do both ends, so whatever I order will be done later ths evening.

you guys have obviously not tried to even budge one of those magnets
as it requires all of your strength to take them off a metal surface.
But of course it cannot be a curved surface or rough bumpy finish