Eric R Snow wrote:

On Sat, 4 Dec 2004 18:42:42 -0500, "Jack Hayes"
wrote:


I purchased a fixed steady on e-bay and have used it (on a Standard Modern
11") several times for none critical jobs. But now I would like to know how
to properly center a work piece so that the center at the steady is in line
with the spindle center. In most cases the work piece would be held in the 3
jaw chuck and of course the other end supported by the steady.

Jack


Greetings Jack,
I used to do a lot of steady rest work. The parts needed to be
accurate so the setup was critical. One thing I did was add an oiler
so there was a constant flow of oil to the pads on the steady. This
kept them cool besides lubricating them. So, here is one way to get it
really on center. Put the shaft in the lathe and indicate the outboard
end so that it runs dead true. Then, use two indicators, one on the
top of the shaft and the other at 90 degrees to the first. With the
lathe OFF turn the adjustment screws until the pads contact the shaft.
You will see the indicators move slightly. Adjust the steady rest pads
until you have the desired pressure and the indicators still read
zero. A less accurate way, but much faster and probably more use to
you is to get the outboard end running true with a center in place.
Then, with the shaft spinning, bring the pads into contact carefully
with the shaft. You will feel them making contact if you take care. If
the shaft runs out even a couple "tenths" and the pads are brought
into contact slowly enough you will feel the momentary contact. If you
have measured the runout beforehand you will then know just how much
more to turn the screws. Good luck!
Eric R Snow,
E T Precision Machine

Would it also work to get it into the steady, mount the indicators to
your cross-slide and run it up and down the bed while checking the
indicators?

--

Tim Wescott
Wescott Design Services
http://www.wescottdesign.com