Another Nichols Steady Rest Build

[Ryan Mooney]

That came out real nice Jim. Thanks for detailing the build.

[Jim Underwood]

You're welcome. Hope it helps someone.

I just looked at that other thread, and realized that it took me 5 months to complete this project from start to finish. Wow.

[Brad Adams]

That's a fine looking steady rest. I built one like it about a year ago. One thing I noticed with mine was that it is kinda noisy in use, does yours make a lot of noise while turning? It seems like the noise from mine comes from the wheels.

[Dennis Nagle]

Don't want to think what size lathe would need one that big. I'd need a winch just to move the steady rest.

I use as chain fall over my lathe for the steady rest and big logs.

[Dennis Nagle]

That's a fine looking steady rest. I built one like it about a year ago. One thing I noticed with mine was that it is kinda noisy in use, does yours make a lot of noise while turning? It seems like the noise from mine comes from the wheels.

Those wheels should be very quiet. If they are used, the bearings might be bad or need a bit of grease.

[Jon Nuckles]

I saw urethane scooter wheels on the Lee Valley website yesterday for about $2 each, if you are looking to replace yours. Very nice build, by the way. Puts my plywood steady to shame.