I don't know the size to look for right now but I wanted to get plans to be able to tweak them to my needs.What size of a steady rest are you looking for, Tonika? The best are steel bars but I have seen other materials used besides the cast iron ones commonly sold.
Delta 46-765X and it has a 16" swingT-what lathe do you have and what size is it?
Raymond, I am looking to make a steady rest not a tool rest. I don't know a thing about the metal work that I am sure would have to go in to making a tool rest. A steady rest is for keeping a longer piece steady on the lathe while it is turning as longer pieces have a tendency to slip out of true from lack of balance. I am trying to hollow out a longer piece on the lathe and it keeps coming out of true so I figured I would ask to see if anyone had plans for a steady rest to make one as they can be made from wood and skate wheels.Tonika, I am not trying to talk you out of making a tool rest but, have you looked at the modular tool rest system? You buy the post in the diameter and length that fits your lathe and you can buy separate tool rests as you go along. Straight (different lengths), curved and S-curves.
Check this out and do some research: modular tool rest system - Google Search
I use the modular tool rest system and I won't use anything else now.
Thanks Charlie, I may take you up on that offer if i can't figure out the plan that Dee2 sent to meTonika, You have seen my steady rest which is for a 20" lathe. Made from 1" MDF but I would have used 2 layers of 3/4" ply or MDF if I hadn't had the 1" MDF. Looking at attached photos you should be able to scale it to fit your 16". Let me know if I can help out. You may need to take another trip to my shop. Lol.
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