Thanks: 0
Likes: 0
Needs Pictures: 0
Picture(s) thanks: 0
Results 1 to 1 of 1
-
4th August 2022, 08:00 PM #1Most Valued Member
- Join Date
- Aug 2015
- Posts
- 4,432
Cheap option for a travelling rest on a model C
I have had my little lathe for 38 years and during that time I have often toyed with the idea of buying a Hercus travelling rest. However apart from the ever increasing cost, there has always been a lack of availability.
It also occurred to me that the set over in the manufacturer's steady, suited a lantern style tool post and may not make machining on either side of the steady pads an easy task and anyway, I use a 4 way tool post, which would make things worse (I think) It should be noted that I have never had in my hands or seen in the flesh a "real Hercus steady".
About a month ago I suffered a sudden bout of enthusiasm and decided to have a go at making a workable option. So I knocked up a wooden model to establish size, heights, fixings etc and to work out if it was going to be worthwhile.
I thought it would be better for me if I made it of steel and then I could weld it. I wanted to use 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch plate. I did not want much material
so I got a 200 x 200 x12mm baseplate from Edson and a piece of 3/4 plate c/w some 7/16th brass hex bar courtesy of Mick Moyles in Sydney.
Using the wood model as a template I made up the base frame using a bandsaw, MIG and a drill press
I mounted the bracket up and marked centres on both sides of the 3/4" vertical plate, Using the centres I marked up horizontal and vertical axis for the support pads, which were then drilled and tapped to 3/8" unf. I machined up 2 x support pads from the hexagonal brass bar to suit
The hardest part of the whole thing was removing the waste from the 3/4 upright plate. I have not got a mill so it was short love affair with a 125mm grinder, a drill, a hammer and chisel. Its character building work
So now the thing is finished bar a little bit of welding. Its certainly not a style icon.
The tool can work either side of the support pads by adjusting the compound rest. It is quite solid. It will take work up to 42mm diameter
I finally have a travelling rest
Attached Images
- IMGP1145.jpg (262.7 KB)
- IMGP1146.jpg (224.9 KB)
- IMGP1147.jpg (218.3 KB)
- IMGP1148.jpg (212.1 KB)
- IMGP1149.jpg (248.4 KB)
- IMGP1150.jpg (191.2 KB)
- IMGP1151.jpg (245.5 KB)
- IMGP1152.jpg (208.6 KB)
- IMGP1153.jpg (186.5 KB)
Read the full thread at metalworkforums.com...
-
4th August 2022 08:00 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
- Join Date
- Always
- Posts
- Many
Similar Threads
-
Cheap Scottish option for a travelling rest on a model C Hercus
By MWF FEED in forum THE HERCUS AREAReplies: 0Last Post: 1st August 2022, 08:50 PM -
Another short video of the steady rest project up and running in the Hercus C model
By MWF FEED in forum THE HERCUS AREAReplies: 0Last Post: 9th June 2022, 09:50 PM -
Here is a short video of a steady rest idea for my Hercus C model lathe
By MWF FEED in forum THE HERCUS AREAReplies: 0Last Post: 23rd May 2022, 02:30 PM -
Nice cheap wax finish option - homemade
By ScottvB in forum FINISHINGReplies: 5Last Post: 26th December 2011, 08:15 PM -
Travelling steady for a B model Qualos
By Metmachmad in forum METALWORK FORUMReplies: 34Last Post: 2nd September 2011, 11:49 PM