SLIDE-REST

An apparatus adapted to a turning lathe for carrying the tool, and which by means of screws is made to move or slide along the frame of the lathe so as to bring the tool succe ively to the different parts of the work. The advantages obtained by the slide-rest are extremely important, particularly in reference to the construction of machinery, where extreme accuracy is requisite, both in respect of the size and form of the work. The tool being fixed to the rest, and adjusted by screws, its distance from the axis about which the work revolves can be regulated with the utmost precision, while a degree of steadine is secured which is altogether unattainable when the tool is simply held in the hand. [s. 1421]