Abstract: A tool rest, for attaching to a lathe or wood turning apparatus, in which a pillar for is mounted rotatable about a first vertical axis and has a first horizontally-projecting arm and further has a second horizontally-projecting portion rotatable about a second vertical axis which may be coincident with or spaced horizontally from the first vertical axis. In use, the tip of a cutting tool is rested on the horizontal arm the tool is also rested on the second horizontal portion where it is firmly held in place by the user.