Making a steady rest

[TomG]

Hey Darren,

Not sure how I missed this when it was first posted, but it looks like a fun project.

It will definitely be one substantial steady rest when finished!

Tom

[DaveH]

Nice size - looking good - like the bottle jack

DaveH

[Mayhem]

Thanks guys. If it all works out OK, I'll be making one for my friends 10" lathe.

[Mayhem]

A couple of shots of it in place (yes, I know it is the wrong side of the saddle!). This was just a test fit after filing the base to fit. I also sorted out the clasp.

   
   

[EdK]

It's coming along nicely Darren. That is one big steady rest for sure.

Ed

[Bill Gruby]

Very nice Darren. The three layered body is a good concept. The hinge lie is perfect. After all that work the telescoping tubes will be easy for you, Glad everything is comming together.

"Billy G:

[Mayhem]

Thanks guys!

The telescoping tubes are on the list Bill but will need to wait until my mate's lathe is repaired, as my chucks will not grab stock that small. However, I could grab his 3 jaw in my 4 jaw. I did think about swiping the ones off of yours next month but then I remembered you welded them into place! I'll have to get measuring and drawing I guess.

[TomG]

Looking good Darren.

You have trouble holding small stuff, I have trouble holding big stuff. Looks like we both need a second lathe.

How are you planning to attach the telescoping tubes to the rest?

Tom

[Mayhem]

Thanks Tom, you are welcome to come and use my lathe at any time. You may need to help me rebuild the feed drive though but it will be fun!

I'm thinking of adding two 12mm plates (one either side) of the locations for each tube and then drilling the through hole. The would give me a block of steel 60mm wide by 50mm deep to play with. I haven't figured out the dimensions of the tubes yet, as I'm a little unsure of what would be considered appropriate for the size (18" ext. diameter / 14" int. diameter).

I'm open to suggestions though.

[TomG]

(08-19-2012, 09:29 AM)Mayhem Wrote: Thanks Tom, you are welcome to come and use my lathe at any time. You may need to help me rebuild the feed drive though but it will be fun!

I'm thinking of adding two 12mm plates (one either side) of the locations for each tube and then drilling the through hole. The would give me a block of steel 60mm wide by 50mm deep to play with. I haven't figured out the dimensions of the tubes yet, as I'm a little unsure of what would be considered appropriate for the size (18" ext. diameter / 14" int. diameter).

I'm open to suggestions though.

You are welcome to use mine as well, but it might be cheaper to just buy a lathe rather than a plane ticket.

I would start with the bearings you intend to use for the rollers and design the tubes to suit.

Tom