Spindle steady

[Tom Miller]

I didn't want to hijack Whaler's post about a walking stick, but it reminded me that I started such a project after I got my bed extension for my Jet mini. The project ended when I realized I couldn't go on without a spindle steady.

I've seen them around for over $100, but thought I could make a good one with Rollerblade wheels.

Has anyone here found one for more like $50? Has anyone here made one?

Thanks,
Tom

[Jim Boyd]

I made one with the rollerblade wheels. I use it for bowls and vases. Works really well. I'll try to get some pics this weekend.

[Whaler]

Tom

That fits right in with my post on the walking stick.
I will be bolting on my bed extension and will also need a spindle steady.

Jim

I am anxious to see the pictures.

[Jim Boyd]

Here are a couple of links to some better than mine.
http://www.hdv.net/tips/Making%20a%20Steady%20Rest.htm
http://www.detroitareawoodturners.org/steadyrest.pdf
I based mine on the one in the second link.

[Tom Miller]

quote:Originally posted by Jim Boyd

Here are a couple of links to some better than mine.
http://www.hdv.net/tips/Making%20a%20Steady%20Rest.htm
http://www.detroitareawoodturners.org/steadyrest.pdf
I based mine on the one in the second link.

Yeah, that second one looks like the ticket. Did you use just the roller bearings like they did? I assumed I'd use the whole 3" skate wheel. Any reason not to?

If I use the 3" diameter wheels I don't think I could fit four, but it seems 3 should be enough.

Thanks for the links!

Regards,
Tom

[gerti]

I seem to remember David Marks used one of his own design. Not sure if it is described somewhere.

Gerd

[Ken Massingale]

I have this one from HF, it's 20 bucks.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=4092

ken

[Tom Miller]

quote:Originally posted by Ken Massingale

I have this one from HF, it's 20 bucks.

Hmmm, for the price of the roller blade wheels....

But aren't the metal bearings directly on the wood a problem? I guess not, at least nothing you couldn't sand out. Would roller blade wheels offer any improvement?

$20 is a good price just for the stand, though. And one could always add the roller blade wheels with a little re-engineering.

Thanks for the link, Ken!

Regards,
Tom

[LarryG]

Tom, are you reading the "neat site" thread in this section? One of the pics on the site that is linked to there has a picture of a homemade center-steady, similar to the one David Marks has used on WoodWorks.

In the same picture is a Powermatic lathe that I'd LOVE to have in my shop. "If I had his lathe and he had a feath--" ... well, you know.

[Tom Miller]

quote:Originally posted by LarryG

Tom, are you reading the "neat site" thread in this section? One of the pics on the site that is linked to there has a picture of a homemade center-steady, similar to the one David Marks has used on WoodWorks.

In the same picture is a Powermatic lathe that I'd LOVE to have in my shop. "If I had his lathe and he had a feath--" ... well, you know.

That steady is what caught my eye right away. (Oh, yeah, and the lathe. [8)]) I guess I should design for a dual use spindle AND bowl steady.


Regards,
Tom

[Jim Boyd]

quote:Originally posted by Tom Miller

quote:Originally posted by Jim Boyd

Here are a couple of links to some better than mine.
http://www.hdv.net/tips/Making%20a%20Steady%20Rest.htm
http://www.detroitareawoodturners.org/steadyrest.pdf
I based mine on the one in the second link.

Yeah, that second one looks like the ticket. Did you use just the roller bearings like they did? I assumed I'd use the whole 3" skate wheel. Any reason not to?

If I use the 3" diameter wheels I don't think I could fit four, but it seems 3 should be enough.

Thanks for the links!

Regards,
Tom

My bad! It was the first one[]

[Tom Miller]

quote:Originally posted by Jim Boyd

My bad! It was the first one[]

Whew, that was close! I almost started making it this year!

So, did you use the roller blade wheel or just the bearings? It seems like the 3" wheels would need to be turned down to 2" or less. Any comments on doing that?

Thanks,
Tom

[Jim Boyd]

quote:Originally posted by Tom Miller

quote:Originally posted by Jim Boyd

My bad! It was the first one[]

Whew, that was close! I almost started making it this year!

So, did you use the roller blade wheel or just the bearings? It seems like the 3" wheels would need to be turned down to 2" or less. Any comments on doing that?

Thanks,
Tom

I used the full wheel. The bolts are in slots so the wheels can be adjusted holizontally. This allows for fitting about any size bowl that I can get on my 12" HF lathe. I'll definately be out there in the morning and get a pic or two.

[Jim Boyd]

A simple affair using oak and all-thread. I also use large washers for spacers under the bottom 2 wheel bar. This pic shows where I had a couple of mini mill clamps and washers.

This second pic shows the slots to adjust the wheels for different diameter bowls.

[Whaler]

Jim

Thanks for the pictures.