Steady Rest and outriggers

[georgetroy]

I have been turning a series of segmented vases with and with out lids to be added later. I use outriggers on my tools extensively, I find they really help reduce torque and with arthritic hands you need all the help you can get. In order to use the outriggers and the Oneway steady rest I have to put it on the back side of the project instead of front. I have also discovered I can not tell the difference in the effect. Results are still less vibration and wabble tendency. You can also go a little faster and harder if you really want to do so. In the photo you will see my 18"x25" Robust lathe, Oneway steady, Al Basham 5/8" outrigger setup, John Lea tool with outrigger and a John Jordan hook tool with outrigger. I though this setup might be of interest to those who want to do some in the middle hollowing and semi-hollow forms. I do have a Kelton setup and some more heavy duty hollowing tools not shown. For convenience the Remote contol is a godsend. GT

 

[Jeff Jilg]

Nice setup George. Looks very stable. How snug do you make the steady rest against the wood?

Isn't that outrigger on top going to cause a catch when you turn on the lathe? 😀

 

[georgetroy]

Jeff the outrigger on top is just for picture taking purpose.LOL The tools I'm showing is the ones I used in this semi hollow form vase. I adjust the wheels normally just like I always do and tighten the wing nut. Like I said it works and I get the best of both worlds. I thought maybe I would get questions about that steady rest and that's one reason I posted. The other is if you are not using outriggers you may have missed a tool aid that will make turning more of a pleasure instead of an arm wrestle. GT

 

[Ron Warman]

Steady rest

George,
Have you taken the steady rest away and seen if you really need it for a piece that small? Maybe the reason you feel no difference by turning the rest around is it isn't doing anything?

Ron

 

[georgetroy]

Ron I don't need the steady rest all that much. The wood is segmented maple and that is tougher than regular solid wood. The glue reinforces all joints and makes it more subject to a hard and soft effect. Walnut would not do it as much. If I try to get in a hurry or don't pay attention it is just like any other turning, it will jump up and bite you. The steady rest helps hold down vibration. I think the forces counter act each other. That little piece is still sticking out about 10"-11" from the headstock. So at the tool rest you will have about 12". It is a vase, for a bowl much of the time a steady rest is not necessary. Thanks for checking on me. I sure wish we had the Turn About Wood to get together again. GT

 

[georgetroy]

Steady Rest & tools-Part II

Back again with the backwards steady rest, also showing some more outrigger tools. I mounted the steady on the Vicmarc 300 this time and again results were satisfactory. Showing a Walnut Urn with staves and rings. Size of urn approx. 8" wide by 12" high. To be added will be a lid. Various ways to do this. Outriggers shown are maxed out. To turn longer it's Kelton time. Even with the steady on the back side it must counter act the forces on the left. Steady as she goes. GT