Thread: 3 point Steady

Don't know what that GPW one is like, but there are heaps of hime made designs on this forum. Do an advanced search on "steady" in the title comes up with heaps to look at

Don't over tighten the tailstock.It can induce a bend as the work gets thinner and have this effect.Try steading it near the middle by hooking a finger over the shaft as you are turning.You may need to use a glove.
Ted

Originally Posted by turnerted

Don't over tighten the tailstock.It can induce a bend as the work gets thinner and have this effect.Try steading it near the middle by hooking a finger over the shaft as you are turning.You may need to use a glove.
Ted

Hi wolfie,
I am with ted,,, if you are turning on a mini lathe
I wouldn, t think you need a steady,,,, just my 2 bob, s
worth,,,,

Hi Wolfbunny,
+1 for ted and smiife agree about not over tightening the tailstock it does tend to create distortion in the length of a spindle,I have turned a lot of spindle's and never used a steady just my hand. If you do need one and I am sure there are job's that would warrant one, as dai sensei states there are many types described here in the forum.
Regards Rod.

Ditto what the others have indicated.

The pinkies are the best steady.

If you hold too tight it gets hot , back of.

If you push too hard on the wood with the tool pinkies get too hot, back of.

Some of the issues you are facing with chatter could come down to forcing a dull tool to cut. Very sharp tools that permit taking delicate cuts helps to remove chatter - plus the things the others have said. On a standard length bed on a mini to midi lathe my preference is no steady at all, as they are more hinderance than help to me.

Hi All
Thanks for your responses.
I believe my tools to be sharp but my technique would probably come under question by many!
BUt nonetheless a few more hours of practice and patience using pine and while I wouldn't say I'm a pro I managed to do a few to a reasonably happy standard. Now if I can repeat that again this weekend I'll be happier!
Using the skew is hard enough but now with the craw technique geez elevated levels of concentration required!
I did have one experience with the tail stock too tight and the wood squealing like a wailing ghost!
So for the time being I've decided to endeavour without the 3pt steady

For spindle/balusters to 30 mm I use this 2 wheel steady made from ply wood, the bearings need to be replaced due to running at 1800 rpm but that works for me, not everyone's preferred choice!