Harold Hall
Metalworking
Workshop Set Ups
Travelling Lathe Steady, Setups . Harold Hall
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4
Whilst in most workshops the travelling steady will only get occasional use there are tasks which would be all but impossible without one. That in Photo 1, where a square thread leadscrew is being made, is a typical example. In its absence, then making a temporary mock up is about the only way to go but is far from satisfactory long term.
There are two ways of using a travelling steady, cutter following Photo 2, being the easier method, or, cutter in advance, of the steady Photo 3. Whilst cutter in advance can be used with round bar its main purpose is when machining non round bar where it is the only method. Photograph 3 shows hexagonal bar is being turned. LINK
Because the fixed steady relies on a cut being taken to keep the workpiece firmly against its support arms it is essential that the feed is continuous. Photo 4 shows the effect of the feed being stopped. Probably better seen in the larger view.
All pictures can be clicked on to provide a larger view