Thread: Spindle steady for lathe.

Originally Posted by The Spin Doctor

If someone were to play with rpms and such they could probably come up with an interesting finishes to spindles similar to chatter work or face plate work, which is essentially a harmonic vibration of a thin tool.

That's already been done by an Aussie turner living in NZ - Alby Hall. Controlled harmonics.

Scooter wheels with led lights for a spindle steady.


IMG_2446a.jpg

looks great how he can turn through the spindle right past the steady and the steady just moves forward a touch.

Click right to see it running in link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CoZt1WEo7AJ/


And this one .

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq7g2kLoC-g/

I think Ill try something like that version of steady .

Rob .

Never seen anyone pull the skew backwards before.

Haven't had the need for one yet, but have contemplated roller blade wheels - softer than plain ball bearings 3 would definitely have better support.

Originally Posted by The Spin Doctor

Never seen anyone pull the skew backwards before.

Take a look at Stevethewoodturner doing it . The shaving ! Its not reverse video either . I think someone accused him of that once . Joking probably.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr0HstQxIGl/

How about this one?

IMG_8016.jpg IMG_8017.jpg

Originally Posted by Fumbler

How about this one?

Thats a nice looking one . I have a cast iron version of that. It’s a bit smaller and I use it on the Woodfast lathe. Carbatec and others sell them . It’s got three arms and ball bearing wheels . I need another larger steady for the Wadkin lathe and want to try out the two wheel or older friction type. Which is why I was asking if anyone had tried them. As well as posting something on forum to add some life to it .
If I ever have the need for bowl or hollow vessel steady that is what I’d be making though . Is that what you’re using it for ?
Rob

Predominantly yes, those longer pesky jobs. Apologies, I should’ve read the post fully.

Originally Posted by auscab

If I ever have the need for bowl or hollow vessel steady that is what I’d be making though.

Rob

I've never felt the need for a steady with bowl or hollow form work and I do all of those outboard anyway... I find that fingers are sufficient to steady any thin work of that type that might start to deflect.

I don't expect you have any need for very thin spindle work in cabinet making, but should you do so, a combination of wheel and string steadies is used by Jean-Francois Escoulen in his absurdly long and thin 'trembleur' pieces... about as far away from production work as you could get!

Video640 escoulen you - YouTube

I have also played around with turning very thin spindles (down to 3mm) by turning them under tension. Once I got the setup and technique right, I found it less of a fiddle than using steadies.

3mm spindle - turned under tension - YouTube

I don't have a need for doing stuff that thin Neil . The turning placed in the glass tube is pretty incredible.
Never thought of a turning being done in tension either. I know reducing the pressure of the tail stock to a minimum can help. In tension though is a interesting thought. Thanks for the links.

Rob

I have a 2 wheel steady for spindle turning, Rollerblade wheels with upgraded bearings having the wheel behind and Finished oak dowel - YouTube works well.

Originally Posted by wood spirit

Haven't had the need for one yet, but have contemplated roller blade wheels - softer than plain ball bearings 3 would definitely have better support.

3 wheels is counter productive on balusters, 2 wheels can be set with the lathe running.

Originally Posted by chuck1

I have a 2 wheel steady for spindle turning, Rollerblade wheels with upgraded bearings having the wheel behind and Finished oak dowel - YouTube works well.

That's looking good.
I have the wheels but just need to get around to fitting them up to the holder on my lathe.

Why did you upgrade the bearings ? Did you wear the first ones out because they are rubbish?
Or did you have the option to buy better when you got the wheels ?

Rob

With the amount of balusters I turn the bearings that came with the wheels are not designed for the prolonged and high rpm so I bought sealed nachi quest bearings from engineering place.

They have worked well with 100's of balusters and other spindle turning speeds up to 1800 rpm , I've been using the same wheels and bearings for 10 years.