Woodturning - My DIY Steady Rest Is Still Steady

www.AsWoodTurn...
Several years ago, I researched steady rests for my lathe. A steady rest resists lateral pressure that may push the wood out of alignment or even out of the chuck. It works great on long spindles.
After making my steady rest, I revised it so that I could bring the tool rest closer to the steady rest. The original steady rest and the wide banjo on my lathe forced each other to be further away.
A revised base solved that problem. A tricky knob box reduced the need for a wider base. The knob box enabled my steady to be adjustable at right angles to the turning axis.
My revised steady has stood the test of time. I have not felt the need to change it again. There are minor improvements that could be made to make it prettier but would not change how it functions.
I have been asked about measured drawings. However, the steady rest should be customized for different lathes since axis height, bed gaps, bed thickness, bed width and turning styles all vary.
In this video, I am showing the principles involved with my steady rest. Once you understand the principles, you can adapt it to your lathe and style. I would appreciate hearing back what you have done to improve this design.
Previous Videos:
Update To My DIY Lathe Steady Rest • Update To My DIY Lathe...
My DIY Lathe Steady Rest • My DIY Lathe Steady Rest
Enjoy!
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[@niklar55]

😊👍
A few years ago, I made a closed spindle steady which worked quite well, but had some problems.
The main one was that adjusting three wheels to contact exactly was a bit fiddly and time consuming.
That device along with my workshop, and every tool and machine I owned, was recently destroyed by fire, so I'm gradually replacing my tools and machines.
I got on line to search for other people's efforts.
I had in mind floating self aligning wheels, so when I came across your version, ''Eureka!''👍
It's always nice to have a well made version as inspiration.😃
My first observation is, that if the central clamp was also sliding, then one of the steadies could be fixed, and would simplify the construction, and the alignment process. The saddle would be pushed onto the work, and that would stop it protruding into the standing area.
Then the central clamp tightened, and the rear steady brought into contact and fixed.
I'm also wondering if the fixed steady could be sprung to ensure constant contact, if there is any ovality.
The 'spring,' could be just a rubber block, which would be self damping, although the rubber wheels may be sufficient.
Finally, I don't understand the necessity for the thumbscrews, perhaps you would clarify this.
Thanks for your time.
.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Very interesting comment. I am intrigued by the concept fixed end and shifting the end stand inward. I've been thinking about a new revision using an 80/20 3"x1" extrusion for the base. However, I have a problem with cutting a max 10" slot in the 80/20. Unknown whether it would tolerate the slot. But, assuming it would tolerate the slot, then how to clamp it to the lathe ways? Option A: a plate and knob under the ways and have to reach under the lathe to cinch; Option B: a bracket under the ways that wraps up and around the 80/20 to have a single knob on top; Option C. Similar to B, a bottom bracket and a top bracket with a bolt on each side and cinch the two knobs.
It is not practical to carry on a dialog via these comments. So please email me at [e-mail]

[@glencrandall7051]

I have plans to build a different type steady rest. It is what I would call a "ring" type using only three wheels. Now that I see yours I may adjust my direction. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay healthy.

[@AsWoodTurns]

I was also initially attracted to the ring style. The pair of wheels on each side has somewhat of a pinching action. That is what shifted me to this style.
Alan

[@ValioMadre7]

You just saved me $350 bucks. Steady rests are way too expensive for me, and for most of my wood turning friends. I make most of my turning tools on account of the high prices. Mine turned out basically like yours, but not as pretty, but functional. Thanks for sharing.

[@AsWoodTurns]

You are welcome. I also like to make tools because I then understand them and can adapt them if necessary. Making them keeps my budget available for tools I cannot make.
Alan

[@jackthompson8019]

Many years ago, I built a closed design which has worked many times for me. I can see some advantages with your open design. Great video.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thanks for sharing
Alan

[@LewisKauffman]

Thank you for the additional information on your steady rest. I can see the "open" design has many advantages.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Glad it was helpful!
Alan

[@tomcoker9882]

Thanks Allan for the walk through. Now to locate a “Round2It” and make mine. Cheers, Tom

[@AsWoodTurns]

Your "Round2It" is playing hide and seek with you. :)
Alan

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Very well engineered, Alan.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you Mike
Alan

[@lv_woodturner3899]

Interesting design. I made one of the ring style. If I had not already made one, I would consider using this design.
I have never worked from plans, so just seeing the parts would be sufficient for me to figure out the dimensions for my lathe.
I would consider a spring to hold the wheel assembly against the thumb screw just so it does not flop around when not mounted.
I do not like thumb screws, so I would use a plastic knob which accepts a hex bolt.
Thanks for the video.
Dave.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Good point. I'd probably use the knob now also. The could be a nice addition. Mine does flop but never in use.
Alan

[@richardchiswell6517]

Love the design - thank you

[@AsWoodTurns]

Glad you like it! Richard
Alan

[@bryanchaney2572]

Something like this will be a game changer, I had one that a guy made that I bought the lathe from, however the way it was made I have to move the tailstock out of the way and the steady rest to move the tool rest on opposite sides of the bed. Very annoying. This design will allow me to remove it while not having to remove the tailstock.

[@AsWoodTurns]

That was an important design criteria
Alan

[@JamesRousseaux]

Great guide. Thank you

[@AsWoodTurns]

Glad it was helpful!
Alan

[@bradwiebelhaus7065]

Nice design.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you! Cheers!
Alan

[@germainrioux945]

very good. I like it much,,,

[@AsWoodTurns]

It works!
Alan

[@stuartscott9646]

Something very similar is on my "tuuduu" list.

[@AsWoodTurns]

So, the question becomes... How long is your "tuuDuu" list?
Alan

[@stuartscott9646]

79 years long! ;-)