Safety question for the lathe

[Lykle]

OK, so I am turning a 55m diam stainless steel shaft, 60 mm long, using a normal 3 jaw chuck.

Say I keep the 55 mm diameter, at what length do you think I should start using the steady rest for working on the face?

Basically, do you have a kind of rule of thumb as to when you need to support the work?
I suppose it depends on the material used etc, but in general?

[sparky961]

The rule of thumb I've always gone by is 5xD as an absolute maximum, and I'd be taking very light cuts at the maximum.  3xD is probably more reasonable, provided you have a good grip on the piece.

I'm sure opinions will vary, but a lot of it is knowing your machine's capabilities and using some uncommon sense.

[Lykle]

Thank you, that is exactly what I was looking for.

I think I will stay close to the 3 or max 4 times the diameter.
Feels safe.

Thanks again.
Lykle