What is a "cat head"?

[Nelson]

What is a "cat head", and why would it be preferable to a 4-jaw chuck to use?


Nelson

 

[lazyLathe]

I may not describe this correctly...

The one i know is used in a steady rest.
A tube you slip over the workpiece that is secured to the work with bolts around the works circumference.
Very useful if something is way out of round.
It can be used to center the work accurately while you turn down one end.

Andrew

 

[wa5cab]

Well, learned something new. I was going to answer that it's a type of winch that does not store the working cable on a drum.

Robert

 

[Scopx]

Wa5cab-I'm with you on the description. I have only heard it used on shrimp boats where a motor(hyd in this instance) is rotating an open spool that line(rope or cable) is looped around to assist in pulling.
I can not address the 2nd part of question.