Anyone ever make or buy a steady rest for turning thin stuff on a ShopSmith? I make chair spindles on my SS and generally I use a spoke shave to “almost” dimension then using 4 different sand paper grits till I get it to the final point. I have never used cutting tools to make spindles………… maybe a steady rest?
Wicked Decent Woodworks
(oldest woodworking shop in NH)
Rochester NH
” If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy……..yessa!”
Replies
I have used steady rests but lately I have had success using a different technique. I got a heavy canvas glove, orginally designed to pick up hot fireplace logs. I covered the palm with a little carnuba wax. I then use this glove to support the back side of thin turnings. Works great and you don't feel the heat from friction cause the glove is insulated. I've made pool cues and thin turning with good results. I sand off any remaining wax before applying the finish.
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