Joe Pie follow rest

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fcs

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I was watching this Joe Pie video in which he makes a phelonic follow rest for machining (threading) a long thin rod: Extended small diameter threading using a DIY follow rest. This looks like something that I could use. Has anyone made this or something similar? Even with a live center some long, thin pieces flex in the middle.

Edit: Phelonic looks pretty pricey. Any ideas for alternatives.
 
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Could use whatever material you have on hand (or can get cheap) with a phenolic insert where it contacts your part.
 
Phenolic is "tough as a gut" but easy to work with, at least in the canvas or linen grades and is good for non marring qualities.
 
I think I remember @Richard King 2 telling me phenolic used to be used on machine ways. Nowadays turcite is used.
 
fcs said:
I was watching this Joe Pie video in which he makes a phelonic follow rest for machining (threading) a long thin rod: Extended small diameter threading using a DIY follow rest. This looks like something that I could use. Has anyone made this or something similar? Even with a live center some long, thin pieces flex in the middle.

Edit: Phelonic looks pretty pricey. Any ideas for alternatives.
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I picked up some phenolic sheets 2 years ago (before this video first came out) for some other applications, and then planned to use the leftovers for one for my mini lathe; however, like a number of other projects I haven’t started on the follow rest. Phenolic isn’t cheap, a 1/2” x 11” x 15” sheet (Leecraft BK-1) is currently $41 from Amazon, but “only” $33 at Woodcraft (used to make zero-clearance table saw inserts). Having consulted in the composites industry I can confirm that the price is reasonable for what you get: it’s a complex process with multiple steps and potential for making scrap.
 
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Speaking from personal experience, if it is worth selling and making into a product it is worth buying, I bought it in 4 X5 ft sheets, Just because it is a hobby use, it is not necessarily too expensive; man up!
 
Here is a great web-site where you can learn about Phenolic and all plastics. You can also go to "ask an expert" and get your answers. If you buy Phenolic, wear a protective mask, safety classes as machining it is hazardous. https://www.tstar.com/
 
Phenolic is made with phenol and formaldehyde. Both precursors are quite toxic. That said, it's pretty safe in its solid form -- Bakelite was a tradename for the stuff, and it was used to make all kinds of things like combs, jewelry, buttons, kitchenware and children's toys.

It's one of the first (if not THE first) plastics that found widespread use, back in the early parts of the 20th century.
 
Hazardous? I do know that it smells pretty bad when machined ---- I used a lot of it for bottling machine change parts.
 
Lately, I made a set of saw guides for Sturgeon's Mill for the 5ft diameter circular saw. the mill is a historic preservation project, it has been in its present location since 1924 and ran commercially until 1964, and re opened some years back for public viewing on four weekends per year. I operate three steam engines that run everything, the largest runs the saws is 30 HP and is 11" bore X 16" stroke. See SturgeonsMill.org
The mill is located near Sebastopol, Ca.
 
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