Hi Bill

Stock used is usually square or close to it, now if you take a piece
of steel pipe that's able to slide on there, you'll need a stove bold
with a nut for each side on both ends.
So after drilling and tapping 8 holes, (4 on each side) slide the pipe
on, install the bolds with the nut already on it, now adjust the bolts
until the pipe is centered, then use the nut as a lock nut to prevent
the bolts from moving, place the steady and start turning.
The problem with what the other Leo is suggesting is that every piece
of lumber used, has to be the exact same of the one used to make the
shims, and the problem with the one I suggest is it is time consuming,
for you will have to centre the pipe every time, but they can work,
being able to turn without these "crutches" would be the best way, but
I digress.

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo

On Jan 27, 12:16 pm, Bill in Detroit wrote:
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.Arch ... I'm trying to envision this assist; is this made with three
bolts or three at each end (six total)?

Bill

--
Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure that there is one
rascal less in the world.
Thomas Carlyle (1795 - 1881)http://nmwoodworks.com

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