Dave like Arch said
Arch you where faster on the draw here, I was going to suggest the
same/similar idea, of the pipe to have the steady roll on, at least
initially, also I'm not to impressed with the Sorby steady, a home made
one with the larger inline skate wheels would be a big improvement I
think rather than those little hard wheels they use.
As for the choice of wood the Canada poplar is growing all over in NW
europe, and should be available also The Sycamore (Plane tree over
there) and yes several Maples are also a common tree, just try some to
see what works for you, but first improve the hardware.

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo

On Jan 26, 9:27 am, (Arch) wrote:
Hi Dave, Please don't turn if you are taking any anti depressants or
mood elevating beverages for your incipient depression.

It may not matter with balusters, but with very thin long rods, goblets,
etc. driving the blank with a chuck instead of a spur seems to help
prevent bowing. probably by compressing longitudinal fibers.

You've gotten some much better tips, but since you have already bought
the Sorby steady rest you might like to make a 'turtle' to use with it.
Nothing more than a short piece of black iron pipe, say 2 in. length X 2
in. diam. Drill and thread 3 holes around the circumference for three
3/8 or so bolts to bear against the middle of the wood blank. Adjust the
bolts to center the blank in the pipe and lock the bolts with two nuts
each. Then let the Sorby rollers ride on the round pipe avoiding the
bolt heads. Turn an adjacent section of the blank to round, remove the
turtle and use the steady while completing the baluster. Hope my
description isn't too confusing.

Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter

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