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All lathes have two 'ways' which support the tool rests. The steady rest sits on the ways and a combination of screw threads, blocks and tightening nuts holds it firmly in place. The procedure takes only a minute.
The M5 (mark 5) is an improvement over the M4. The main improvements of the M5 are:
-One size provided with spacers to suit all lathes to suit batch production (by Ken).
What do I need a steady rest for?
Our how to videos show a few examples, but here are some examples:
- Anything longer than your lathe that you would still like to turn.
- Spindles which are long and so bounce around in the middle, stopping you turning a good finish, or perhaps even snapping under the stress.
- Deep bowls that are at risk of catching and hence jumping off your chuck (and flying across your workshop!).
- Anything which would benefit from extra support closer to the area you are turning.
Will you be making any other sizes of steady rest?
Yes if there is demand, please email if you have a request.
Can I get replacement wheels/bearings for my steady rest?
Yes, we use industry standard skateboard wheels due to their incredible performance, economies of scale and availability. However, we do not anticipate any wheels or bearings requiring replacement...ever.... but very simple to replace them if you have an accident with a flying chisel or something.
It is made of wood not metal, is it strong enough?
We could make you a metal one for three times the cost, but you wouldn't benefit and neither would we.
The rests we have designed have held up to everything we have thrown at them and we stake our reputation on their durability.
The rests have now been upgraded from Red/whitewood pine to Oak, but not for increased strength (although oak is 50 % stronger and twice as hard) but for better not free stock and well oak it is pretty.
The wheels seem loose, should I tighten the nuts?
The wheels spin best when the lockable wheel nuts are not crushing the bearings. We recommend tightening the wheel nuts until they touch and then loosening slightly just until the moment the wheels spin freely after a little push.
