Kevin your right , with a 1/2' or bigger gauge we do have enough
leverage, and the little bit of extra distance in that case does not
make a lot of difference, but like the other Leo said , it makes a lot
of difference if you use real small tools, the problem I find with all
this is, steel's just to springy, but I can't have my cake and eat it,
so since I make my own tool rests, I make them either thick or wide,
just to minimize that, my 1" round bent tool rest still likes to start
vibrating under some conditions, I certainly would not go for anything
lighter, unless it is only to be used for small turnings, the cast steel
does have a real advantage over steel in that regard, down side is its
scores easier and might break on us, as far as keeping safe, just stay
on your side of the tool rest G.
Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo

Millers wrote:

George wrote:

Remember - a round rest automatically places your fulcrum farther from
the
work than the traditional - wonder why it's the traditional -
quarter-round
type. I hate to give leverage I don't have to give.

I've never worried about the slight additional distance, but what I do
mis w/a round rest is the ability for my hand to 'hide' behind it. The
nova rest is a couple inches of flat which I can use as a guide as I
cut, and more importantly as a fence for my hand to stay behind . I
especially like that security when turning natural edge bowls. I know
if I'm hehind the 'fence' my hand is safe. With a round bar it's less
obvious where the safety zone is since the wings on a natural edge bowl
sorta disappear when up to speed.

Maybe it's just a perception thing, but I've always figured if something
doesn't feel safe, it is inherently less safe than something that does...


...Kevin