large capacity mini lathe steady rest

[MCRIPPPer]

ok. making a steady rest out of a solid piece without a mill is difficult.

 

[zmotorsports]

Very nice work. Thanks for sharing the pics with us.

Mike.

 

[Surprman]

Nice work. I especially liked your work around for the lack of a rotary table. I'm in the same boat. There are too many other things I would rather buy at this point. I'll definitely consider your set up if I need to mill a curve on something.

Rick

 

[MCRIPPPer]

made some progress. i got my reamer and finished the holes. still waiting on the drill rod. decided to fix one of my "oopses" with a little solder.




heres a mock up using some old crusty 5/8" rod. looks like all the bores line up pretty good!

 

[David Kirtley]

Is there a reason for choosing drill rod or is it just because it comes in accurate dimensions?

 

[MCRIPPPer]

because of the accuracy. and its pretty tough stuff too. its also cheaper than linear rod or shafting material.

i dont plan on hardening it.

 

[David Kirtley]

because of the accuracy. and its pretty tough stuff too. its also cheaper than linear rod or shafting material.

i dont plan on hardening it.

I was cutting some linear rod down and tapping the ends a while back. That was the most miserable stuff I have worked with to date.

What thickness stock did you start with? 1" or is that 1-1/4?

I might have to give one a go once I get caught up on some other projects. Looks like it would really be worth the effort.

 

[MCRIPPPer]

its cut from 1" flat bar.

 

[MCRIPPPer]

finally got my material. will start cutting! stay tuned.

 

[MCRIPPPer]

started making the fingers





milling the bearing slots





milling the slot for the key/nut




completed