Smithy Midas 1220 XL - Manual (Page 57)

Steady Rests - Steady rests mount on the lathe bed (Figure 11.14). Clamped over the
ways, they provide three bearing surfaces. These surfaces bear down lightly but rigidly
against the surface of the shaft and keep it from moving out of the line without
interfering with the operation.
To set up a steady rest, first center the work in the chuck and true it up. Then slip the
steady rest into position and tighten it to the bed. With the bearing jaws clearing the
work, close the top of the rest and tighten the locking screw. Now, with the lathe
running, adjust the three bearing jaws to touch, but not push, the workpiece. Finally, test
again for alignment, making sure the axis of the workpiece coincides with the axis of the
lathe. Otherwise, the end will not be square and the surfaces and boring will be untrue.
The tips of the jaws are bronze and require lubrication.
Figure 11.14 Steady rests mount on the lathe bed and provide three bearing surfaces
Follow Rests - Long or slender shafts that are apt to spring out of have a slight ground
taper and alignment by the thrust of the cutting tool often require a follow rest
expanding collar (Figure 11.15). Follow rests mount on the carriage of the lathe and move
with the tool, backing up the workpiece opposite the point of the tool thrust. They have
two adjustable supporting jaws, one holding the work to keep it from climbing up on the
tool and the other behind the work to counter the thrust of the tool.
Note: Take great care in adjusting the jaws of rests, as they must form a true axial
bearing for the work and let it turn freely but without play.
Figure 11.15 Follow rests mount on the lathe carriage and move with the tool.
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Setting Up with Centers, Collets, and Chucks