Fixed steady base

[smashweld]

I’m modifying a fixed steady to suit my lathe, the steady isn’t centred to the base…. would the base be better of pointing towards the tail or headstock? Would make a difference for how close the carriage could get to the steady but I’ve looked at lots of pics/vids and they can be either

 

[Brad93]

your steady should fit between the v & flat ways of the carriage really.

 

[Agroshield]

Your steady should fit between the v & flat ways of the carriage really.

He is asking that if you look at it sideways (i.e. viewed 90 degrees to the lathe centreline), should the body of the steady be central forwards and backwards on its base, or slightly offset either to the headstock side or the tailstock side.

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The connection between the base and body is influenced by the position of the fingers within the body. Look at a Myford or mini lathe one, where the fingers bolt to the face of the steady. That would need a different base/body relationship to one with circular fingers that are central in the body.

The connection is also influenced by the clamping bolt. If the vertical body is solid, the bolt cannot go under it and must be either in front or behind it. If the bolt is central, the body must have a recess or notch in it to clear the bolt.

 

[smashweld]

Yeah that's what I mean, but all I'm doing is making a base for it so it like the tailstock base..it's going to need trimmed so it fits between the carriage, could have it facing either way tho....here it is....

 

[Shox Dr]

The top usually swings backwards, if that's any help.

 

[smashweld]

Yeah...and the locking bolts always seem to be facing the tailstock...found this pic of the same steady...just thinking since I have the option the foot/sticky out bit! would be better the other way so the carriage can get closer, maybe it doesn't matter or I'm missing something



This
Vs this

 

[Agroshield]

..found this pic of the same steady...

That is on a Denford Orac, a CNC lathe that never came with a steady from the factory, so it is in the same situation as you - an adaptation to fit a machine it never was for. Hence, be circumspect about reading too much into that one. In particular, having the hinge at the front is inconvenient.

 

[smashweld]

AHH, actually got mixed up with the pic of the blue one, got it back to front!
Well if allowing the carriage getting closer doesn't matter then having the hinge at the back/lock bolts towards tailstock seems to be the way

 

[smashweld]

made the base/adapter plate from alu flatbar with the table+mitre saw and some 2mm sheet to get the proper height, was going well then the glue holding the pieces together melted when drilling the final holes and things moved, still seems solid enough and lines up so prob leave it at that, maybe re-do the smallest part