built a steady rest this weekend

[Dennis Nagle]

I was able to make the ring/base plus bottom plate yesterday. I will get the square tubing tomorrow and finish it up.


This thing is HEAVVVVY. You won't think 51lbs is that heavy but lifting it up onto the lathe when needed will count for a workout.


I haven't touched my welder in a year or so and it shows on the welds. You can see where I finally get back in the groove.


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/djnagle/001_zpsfe419895.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/djnagle/media/001_zpsfe419895.jpg.html)


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/djnagle/002_zps08ff006f.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/djnagle/media/002_zps08ff006f.jpg.html)

[Roger Chandler]

Very nice work,Dennis! It should come in really handy for hollowforms, spindles, etc!

[Dennis Nagle]

I've turned a couple HFs that are 2' long. That is why I need it. I am also building a hollowing system. I'll post pix of that when I get started.

[David C. Roseman]

Nice, Dennis. Look forward to your pics of the rest of the project. 51 lbs is just the flanged ring and the mounting plates? Sounds like this will be a beast when finished. What diameter ring did you order? I've been holding off making one of these. Half hoping that the talented Jeff Nicol will have a change of heart and start taking orders again. :)

David

[Dennis Nagle]

Yes, it is just what you see in the pix. The arms and rollers will not weigh that much more. I figure a total of 60lbs when done.

[charlie knighton]

very nice, Dennis......like your shop also

[Jon Lanier]

Very nice! Going to keep everything you turn steady. Now that you got your welding down. You can make one for my Rikon Midi ;-)

[Thom Sturgill]

Looks like you need an overhead winch to move that thing! Not sure what mine weighs (Nichols version) but not that much. What diameter is it?

[Dennis Nagle]

I was looking through old threads and noticed I never posted completed pix of the steady rest. Here it is in all its glory. Heavy as hell but works great.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/djnagle/009_zpsb70ba86e.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/djnagle/media/009_zpsb70ba86e.jpg.html)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/djnagle/008_zps0880af20.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/djnagle/media/008_zps0880af20.jpg.html)

[Jim Underwood]

Cool. Thing works great, eh? I've really liked mine. Now I just need someone to order some durn legs so I can make some money from it... :rolleyes:

And yeah, the thing is quite stout and heavy.

[Michael Kellough]

Looks good! Where did you buy the ring?

[Dennis Nagle]

From mcmaster Carr. Pm me and ill send the plans

[robert baccus]

Wow---have you noticed your land sinking??