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.