Quest -- A Good Steady Rest

[Bill Gruby]

Hello all -- My lathe is a Jet 9X20. Yes it is Asian in origen, but that's where the similarity ends. I bought it at a garage sale in 7 seperate boxes. There were parts for everything imaginable in there. It took 3 years to get it to where it is now. Nothing on it is metric anymore.

So in starting a new project, a 1/6 scale P&W 1830 Radial Engine I found the steady rest inadiquate for this build, it was too small. Off we went looking for a better one. Not to be found that could be adapted. Off to the drawing board (See Below)

Over the next few days I will show you the whole build of this Steady Rest. From start to finish it took 100 hrs. Hope you enjoy this build.

"Billy G"

[Bill Gruby]

It all started here with a small mock up of the ring hinge. Then it was metal time 7" dia. 1.125 thick, 2 pcs.

"Billy G"

[lazylathe]

OOOH!!!!
I liked this thread the last time i saw it!!!
I am sure it will not disappoint again!!

As always your work is top notch Bill!!

Andrew

[Highpower]

The theater is full Bill. Let's start the show!

[TomG]

Way to go Bill. I was wondering when you'd get around to posting this.

Tom

[Bill Gruby]

The centers were then hogged out on a CNC machine by a friend in the trades. 5" was taken out. These rings are 7075 Aluminum. You need two because of the overlapping hinge, it is an integral part.

"Billy G"

[Bill Gruby]

Here is where we show the non-believers. I fabricated this rest on my 9" Jet. Also I do not own a milling machine as yet. Here you see one of the rings being faced to 1" thick.

"Billy G"

[Bill Gruby]

Next it was time to split the rings. Center was marked and the line remarked .500 below that. This gives you the overlap for the integral hinge. Next the hinge was cut into each ring, one male one female on each. Remember I said I didn't own a mill, well these were cut on my table saw with a blade that was custom ground to cut aluminum.

This should hold you for now as there is much more to see before this is over. LOL

"Billy G"

[ETC57]

Good thread,

thanks Bill, I'll be looking for more.

Jerry.

[Bill Gruby]

Now a base would be needed. Wood again came to the rescue. #1 is the mock up for height. Bottom of ring would be marked here then cut. Once cut the distance from the flat to the bed was measured. #2 7075 mount cut to size.

"Billy G"