Air Follower Steady Rest

[akjeff]

Would somebody please explain the point of this steady rest? I can’t see a benefit.

It's more correctly a follow rest, as it's attached to the apron and travels with it. I suspect it would do a good job limiting deflection and vibration when your half way down a rifle barrel( or any long work piece, but these seem to be commonly used by gunsmiths). And since it's self adjusting, will stay in contact with tapered work pieces.

 

[Winegrower]

And since it's self adjusting, will stay in contact with tapered work pieces.

Thank you, AJ. That is terrific. I’ve gone from I don’t get it to I need one in lightning quick time.

 

[Dave Smith]

Thanks for your input on this, you and tjb may be right since the wall thickness on these cylinders are pretty thin, the wall thickness is probably no more than .035 - .060".

Either way, I think I would be better off using 1" bore cylinders just to be on the safe side, and the rod diameter appears to be a bit larger as well and that should help in terms of rigidity.

Thanks again!

Joe

Joe,
they used spring return cylinders and be sure you use non turning shaft cylinders. one that the shaft could turn would not work for this application. Dave