Robust Steady Rest Modifications

[Steve Doerr]

Confronted with the challenge of using my Robust steady rest, my Bosch camera system, and turn large diameter hollow forms, I decided that I needed to modify my steady rest. So, I began to dream and make plans for the re-design. After deciding on the design modifications I had one of my turning friends that knew how to weld help me out. The modification, which reminds me of the Millennium Falcon, now allows me to turn those larger diameter hollow forms and still use my camera system. The attached picture shows the modification along with a hollow form that has a 13” diameter along with the clearance for the camera.

 

[DON FRANK]

Steve, why didn't you just raise the arm that holds the camera so it goes over the top of the hoop? Does it wiggle too much if it is that high?

 

[Brent@TurnRobust]

Hey Steve, that looks like a creative and well made solution. Just for the record, that is an older Robust steady rest and we've changed our design since you purchased that one.

 

[Steve Doerr]

Don, there are two reasons for not raising the arm with the camera: 1) it puts the arm at the very top of the existing vertical post and the tip of the camera would still slightly touch the steady rest, and 2) as you said, it would create a lot more vibration creating a great deal of uncertainty in creating a consistent wall thickness in the turning.

Brent, yes, mine is one of the original ones you built. I know now you are making the arms to where they can be rotated at different location of the outer rim. One interesting point, when I ordered my steady rest, I specifically asked for you to move the arm locations to the 1, 5, & 9 clock locations. That has worked great for me all of these years. My AB is also still going strong after 11 plus years. Thanks for creating and building great turning equipment.