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STEADY & FOLLOWER RESTS

Short, rigid workpieces mounted in a chuck can typically be

machined without additional support. Long, slender workpiec-

es need support near the cutting tool. There are two options for

this: 1. A tailstock center (usually a live center), or; 2. A steady

rest, Figure 3-17. This is often used in combination with the

saddle-mounted follower rest, Figure 3-28.

The tailstock center can be used with any size and shape of

workpiece (such as non-symmetrical castings), but it may ob-

struct the turning tool for facing operations, and it also may

disallow drilling or tapping with a tailstock chuck.

On the other hand the steady rest does allow face turning and

tailstock chuck operations; however, it can only be used if the

outboard end of the workpiece is circular and centered on the

lathe axis with practically zero runout.

The step-by-step procedure for setting up the steady rest de-

pends on personal preferences. Some users start by xing the

steady rest casting on the bed, then mounting the workpiece

in a chuck (or between centers); others set up the workpiece

rst, then install the steady rest on the lathe bed. Either way,

the region of the workpiece under the steady rest ngers must

run true, and the ngers must not apply any o󰀨-axis loading.

To set up the steady rest, loosen the three hex nuts, inset pho-

to, then back out the thumbscrews to spread the ngers be-

yond the workpiece diameter. Tighten the nuts just enough to

allow the thumbscrews to push the ngers inward. Fully tighten

the nuts when the ngers are gently touching — but not de-

ecting — the workpiece. Apply oil frequently at the contact

points while machining.

The follower rest helps prevent exing of the workpiece by pro-

Figure 3-28 Follower rest Maximum diameter 1 in.

Figure 3-27 Steady rest Maximum diameter 1-1/2 in.

viding support directly ahead of the cutting tool, Figure 3-29.

It is secured to the saddle with two 8 mm socket head screws.

Precision matthews PM-1022V User Manual

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