Steady rests…
Looking to expand the variety of my turning projects, deep hollowing absolutely requires some method to support the work extended from the lathe chuck… Here is one example that provides a significant amount of support using a set of roller blade wheels.
Like most projects I take on it all begins with a simple sketch, typically on the surface of my table saw extension.
Based on this drawing and available material I began the project by purchasing the wheels, T-track, and some knobs.
Built for a Jet lathe with a 14″ swing, I estimated a 2″ wide frame would be sufficient, to this I also added the diameter of the 70 mm wheels (2.75″). These dimensions dictated an 18.75″ outer diameter and a 16.75″ inner diameter. When threading the wheels to the T-track I used two nuts as spacers allowing the wheel to overlap the frame when fully retracted providing even more working space when setting up.
The base is custom built to meet the profile of your lathe bed. In my case the outboard horizontal boards were intended to provide a little extra support. Honestly, it appears they were not necessary.
For the frame, I began with two 3/4″ pieces of plywood that were 18.75″ square. In each I cut a dado sized for the T-track through the center from perpendicular sides.
Once glued, I precisely marked the center, frame dimensions and locations of joints from the frame to the base, being careful to ensure that the center point of the circular frame would match the lathes swing of 14″.
After being glued and screwed, the frame was cut and dry fitted to the base. Holes were drilled from under the base into the frame ends. The frame was then glued, screwed and additional support in form of 3/4″ plywood block were mounted in front and behind the frame footing both for and aft.
Holes were drilled through the center of the base on both ends for bolts attached to cleats which grip the underside of the lathe bed.
The steady rest in use has been ideal, providing ample support even for aggressive cutting against the inner wall of a hollow turning.
In retrospect, the one thing I would suggest doing differently is to offset the frame towards one end of the base. As it is, the lathe’s tool rest banjo sits a little too far from the shorter hollow turnings to provide ideal tool support.
