The Shop > Tools
Steady rest
Andrew_D:
--- Quote from: Allthumbz on November 12, 2010, 09:48:37 PM ---Looks great- what material did you use for the metal pads on the 3 adjusting feet. Will they have to be lubricated so that the pipe can slide across them?
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--- Quote from: Powder Keg on November 06, 2010, 10:57:28 PM ---3.) The brass is pressed into the 1" threaded rod.
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I've always used a bit of oil on the brass myself...
Andrew
Powder Keg:
Here are some clearer pictures.
I prefer the brass to bearings. It's probably just how I learned to use a steady? I use anti seize to lube the pads with pretty good results.
Andrew_D:
--- Quote from: Powder Keg on November 13, 2010, 11:46:29 AM ---Here are some clearer pictures.
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Thanks for the pics of the base.
I'm thinking of continuing the hexagon across the bottom too, but it looks like you didn't have enough room for that.
My basic plan is to make the bottom part of the hexagon out of 2" solid square, with the rest of the hexagon made from 2" x 1/8" tubing. Then notch the 2" solid to fit the v-ways. It needs to be narrow enough for the carriage wings to fit around it...same idea as the tailstock base really. Then it needs to be high enough that the rest of the hexagon made out of the square tubing can clear the wings.
I will probably also make a smaller version.
--- Quote from: Powder Keg on November 13, 2010, 11:46:29 AM ---I prefer the brass to bearings. It's probably just how I learned to use a steady? I use anti seize to lube the pads with pretty good results.
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I never would have thought of using anti-seize...I'd be worried that chips would stick to it and get caught between the pipe and the brass pads. I read somewhere about a steady rest with a drip-oiler mounted on it to provide continuous oiling of the pads...thought that might be a heck of an idea!
Andrew
Bogstandard:
Actually, bearings are not recommended for when turning metal, they can very easily get shattered by the forces acting on them, and will brinell very quickly indeed. The main place you see bearings being used on steadies is when turning wood, that has more 'give'
Brass or phos bronze is the usual order of the day.
Bogs
John Stevenson:
Or believe it or not hardened steel, the pads on my big TOS are hardened steel, when i first saw them I though what a bad idea but 20 odd years of use and they do get used hasn't scuffed them up at all.
John S.
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