Delta lathe tool rest base help

[Ken Werner]

My son, Ben, just showed me the tool rest base which cracked when he had a catch. This is for our old Rockwell lathe. The tool rest base has a 1" opening for the post.

1. Can this be welded?
2. Anybody have an extra one they'd like to sell us?

Thanks,
Ken

[John Hart]

I was advised against welding when this happened to me....although, yours doesn't look as bad. I'm no welder...so I really don't know. sorry.

[Brad Hart]

This is time for a new rest, weling this one would work for a while but serious strain of another full on catch could break it again and be dangerous. You can order delta rests from craft supply and packard and that should work out just fine though they are a bit price $75. Alternately look on ebay they are less common but whole lot less expensive.

if you do any spindle turning I would have it welded and save it back for times when you might want to use a double rest. It would take far less strain in that kind of situtation.

[Jeff Horton]

Ouch! Packards has the newer style rest for $75.

Ebay is a joke on these. They go for over a $100 most times for the same thing. If shipping wouldn't eat my profits I would buy them from Packard ad sell them on Ebay.

[Rob Bourgeois]

Get a new one with the cam lever lock. I would sell you mine exactly like it if I had 75 to not have to deal with a wrench every time I wanted to move it.

[Pat Salter]

yeah, go to Packards, got one and it's GREAT!

[Ken Werner]

Thanks to all,

Found a welder who did the repair for $15. But your advice about strength sounds reasonable. I'll look at Packards.

Ken

[Lars Thomas]

I'd weld it and call it a day. If you are concerned about the strength, put a pipe-clamp around the collar.

[Jim Ketron]

A good Welder with the correct rod and technique for welding cast iron can fix that and it will be just as strong or stronger than is was brand new.
There are a few extra steps that you have to do for cast iron. not getting into that subject on this post but it can be done with good results!