Lathe Steady Rest Functions & Use

What are the functions of a lathe steady rest?

Machining is the most commonly used method of making metal details where high accuracy and surface finish quality are required. When it is necessary to obtain components that are solids of revolution, the turning operation is used. It consists in loosening the material with the use of a turning tool moved along the axis of rotation of the workpiece, as a result of bringing it closer to it or moving it away, as well as using both of these options. To obtain the right results, however, you will need not only the right lathe, but also the right equipment. One of the necessary accessories may be a steady rest or following rest for a lathe. Let’s find out why it will be useful and check what you should know about it.

Why is the use of steadies lathe necessary?

In order for the turning treatment to be possible, the objects subjected to it are fixed in between the lathe centers and the driving plate, or in the jaws of the lathe chuck. During the operation of the device, however, such a system may not guarantee a sufficiently high rigidity of the workpiece, which will result in the formation of vibrations and deformations (deflections) under the influence of cutting forces. With their greater intensity, there may be a loss of coaxiality and collinearity of the turning axis and the axis of rotation. This happens especially when the length of the element or its weight is slightly greater. Therefore, supports as steady rests are used to limit such phenomena.

What are steady rests?

The purpose of using a lathe steady rest is to provide the workpiece with an additional fulcrum to prevent turning inaccuracies. Depending on the length of the workpiece, fixed rests are used (steady rests), which are mounted on the lathe bed guides, which stabilizes its position in relation to the material, however their use limits a bit the range of movement of the tool. Another type are movable lathe steady rest, which are installed on the longitudinal support of the lathe, so they move during turning, maintaining a constant distance from the working tool.