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Steady rests

Joined
Jul 19, 2018
Messages
1,686
Likes
2,077
Location
Ponsford, MN
A recent post on the "Photo Gallery" of a first try at using traditional tools had commented that he probably needed to get a steady rest so I thought a thread for other turners to post photos of homemade or manufactured steady's. The one in the photo is my favorite because it has an open side so it can be installed with the work piece between centers. The main frame was cut out of 3/4" aluminum plate with a wood cutting band blade. The only part that required the attention of a machinist was the fit between the frame and the base.IMG_0867.JPG
 
Joined
Apr 11, 2014
Messages
424
Likes
420
Location
Dallas, TX
Before buying a "size large" you might check out www.theokspindoctor.com. You will enjoy dealing with Keith Clark.
You might think the mass of his large steady rest is excessive - it probably is until you really need it.
You'll find a short video of me using his steady-rest and hollowing a 32" dia "very out of balance" mesquite log that is now Planet Mesquite.
 
Joined
Apr 9, 2010
Messages
83
Likes
18
Location
Allen, TX
+1 on John Tistdale's recommendation for the spin doctor steady rest. If you are a big enough horse to pick it up and mount it on your lathe (mine is for a PM 3520) you will never find anything that it won't handle. Living in a Dallas suburb, I drove up to Oklahoma City to pick mine up. The Clark's have an interesting shop. Dad is a an Anesthesiologist and a full time tinkerer. His son, a OU grad, is the grunt that puts the things together. The shop is a mish-mash of projects form several disciplines and rather disorganized. The products that they put out are well made and seriously over designed unless you are wanting to go to war in a Sherman Tank.
 
Joined
Mar 20, 2018
Messages
61
Likes
108
Location
Ontario Canada
Keith,
Do you have any other pictures or details on how you modified your stead rest from oneway,
Thanks
Bob
Bob, I took a piece of 1 in square aluminum tubing, and trimmed one end of it so that it fits in the slot of the One-way bowl steady. Then I ran a piece of 1/2 inch threaded rod down the middle of it. I used a piece of 1/4 inch aluminum plate to mount a roller blade wheel. To use it, I mount it on the lathe bed so that it is square to the bed, and the two front wheels are in contact with the form. Then I slide the back post so that the rear wheel is against the piece and I tighten the threaded rod to lock the post in place.20200515_201253.jpg 20200515_201237.jpg 20200515_201208.jpg
 
Joined
Feb 16, 2008
Messages
125
Likes
79
Location
Norristown, pa
Keith,
That looks like a great idea, think I got all the parts to adapt that. I guess that the third wheel should line up with the center of the front two.
Thank
Bob
 
Joined
Mar 20, 2018
Messages
61
Likes
108
Location
Ontario Canada
Keith,
That looks like a great idea, think I got all the parts to adapt that. I guess that the third wheel should line up with the center of the front two.
Thank
Bob

Yes that's what I did. I used a stack of small washers between the plate and the column to shim the wheel out until it aligned with the front ones. Height wise I set it at lathe centre.
 
Joined
Feb 16, 2008
Messages
125
Likes
79
Location
Norristown, pa
AddedWheel.jpg WholePic.jpg
Yes that's what I did. I used a stack of small washers between the plate and the column to shim the wheel out until it aligned with the front ones. Height wise I set it at lathe centre.
To avoid any copyright law suite( ha ha) I used your excellent idea with sleight mod with available material.
Thanks for idea. Just have to try it out. Seemed to work with 10" walnut bowl. It will max out at about 10".
 
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