My DIY Lathe Steady Rest

www.AsWoodTurns...
After using my new steady rest turning the travel mug, many viewer requested more information about the steady rest. So here we go.
It's make from Baltic birch plywood with layers glued together as necessary for thickness. The wheels came from a pair of roller blades I purchased at a local thrift store.
It works fine except I'd like to be able to more my tool rest closer when the steady is near the end of the workpiece. I think it can be much closer. But before I modify the base, I'd like your ideas.
I used 1/4 inch hardware. I will be doubling the nuts to prevent them from loosening.
I will appreciate all comments and suggestions for improvements. Thank you in advance.
Enter your email at www.AsWoodTurns... & I'll let you know when the next woodturning project video is ready.

[@billy19461]

I was watching one of your videos where you are using this steady rest. I stopped and did a search for your build. Thanks so much ❤️!

[@AsWoodTurns]

Glad it was helpful! BTW There are links in the description but you found it with or without. :) Alan

[@peterstenabaugh3041]

Beautiful design Alan, thanks for sharing. I already have a steady rest made out of steel etc but only with 3 wheels. I'll definitely be building one of this style. One suggestion would be to use some 1/4-20 threaded furniture inserts instead of those crappy T nuts...... way better and more secure.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Good tip. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

For something that thin, only use one side of the steady. I tested a std plastic pen just fine. At that diameter any 3 or 4 wheel system would choke. But 2 wheels are ok.

[@joshblumenthal4873]

Alan, I just saw this steady rest in another of your videos and looked for this. Thanks. I made the type that goes around, but I can see the advantage of your design. I'll bookmark this for future use.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Yep. it still works for me. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Has potential. How would you propose anchoring the upright? It cannot protrude thru else it will hit the lathe ways. It's growing on me if this can work. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

If I understand you correctly, you are working the upper pivot portion that has the wheels. One would have to project one way; the other the other way so that when they're mounted opposite, they're in line. Do I have your picture in mind? Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

I'll check to see if there is room for a bolt of some sort when the pivot piece tips over flat. I still would like the 2 halves identical if possible. What about a wider slot only in the bottom part of the horizontal piece. In this slot could be a captured nut/block to secure the post working with a cam or wedge. Top part of slot still the same as before. Thinking... Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Glad you enjoyed it. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

You've got the idea. I like projects where I can benefit as well. Thanks for commenting. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Something like "carpe diem". A lot of things stop us from doing new things that really should not. And, a little training will go a long way to a quick start. Thanks for commenting. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thanks for noticing. Alan Stratton

[@Marcusstratus]

That is, really quite brilliant. I especially appreciate the fine adjustment screw

[@AsWoodTurns]

Be sure to watch the update for an important improvement. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Mike you're always too kind . but I appreciate your support. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Something to think about. I made a 20" lathe mounted sanding disk of aluminum. I'm not as comfortable working AL. Something more to learn. Thanks for commenting. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Sounds like a possibility. Thanks for the suggestion. Alan Stratton

[@donbomer5630]

Awesome Allan! I will make the improved version. Thanks for sharing...

[@AsWoodTurns]

Great You are welcome Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

But only if you need it for spindles or bowls! :) (what else is there?) Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Your are welcome. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you for the compliment. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Good luck with all those thin spindles. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

You're so welcome. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Hope it all works for you. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you Carl. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

You're welcome. Put it to use. Alan Stratton

[@johnmay3266]

Nice Allen. I need a steady rest and don't have budget approval to purchase; >$200. Will be looking seriously at making one like yours.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Super - just make sure you watch the followup video. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

You're welcome. More coming... Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

You are welcome. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Any currency that translates to more you can spend on other necessities - like tools. :) Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

You're welcome. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Grazie Livio. Se il mio legno erano più pesanti userei il tuo Lunetta Particolare. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Probably not. My shop is cramped and not that well organized. I'd rather spend time at the lathe than refining the shop layout. But if you have a question, let me know. Alan Stratton

[@kenburnette1121]

Very helpfull!

[@AsWoodTurns]

So glad! Alan

[@MrJuanfelipeayala]

Te felicito:PERSONA MUY ALTRUISTA I congratulate you: VERY PERSON ALTRUISTIC

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you for watching. Alan Stratton

[@dmaschy599]

I need all the information I can get.

[@AsWoodTurns]

This one require study and adaptation to your lathe. My I suggest watching this and the other videos again. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you so much for using a T-Nut - your back will thank me later. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Yep, then there's money for that new gouge you have your eye on. Alan Stratton

[@gyulasarkozy1973]

Hi Mr. Stratton! I like your steady rest, and I would to like build one for me! Can You send the plan for me? Thanks, Gyula

[@AsWoodTurns]

+Gyula Sárközy if you check the update I made to this video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/h524eJSnh6iJm8U it gives good pictures. The design must be customized to individual lathes. Alan

[@gyulasarkozy1973]

+As Wood Turns Thanks your answer!

[@AsWoodTurns]

Just don't get so involved in making jigs that you forget to turn something nice. :) Alan Stratton