Steady rest design parameters

[Hayes Rutherford]

I don't think you are missing anything and make perfectly good sense.

I have 25" swing and felt as you do that there was no need for a steady that could accommodate that. I built mine so it will do 16" which should be plenty for my needs. You just need to make the bottom legs taller.
steady rest.jpg

[Brice Rogers]

Hayes, your steady looks pretty rigid. Nice going.