Steady Rest for Atlas-Craftsman 12 inch Lathe

Depending on your budget, you might try Clausing for original Atlas versions of both types of rest. As of a few years ago these seemed to be available new at less cost than what they usually bring on Ebay. I'm thinking $275 for the steady and $125 for the follower, but could have that wrong.

The Atlas lathes are one of the few types that used flat ways, which would limit your options on substitutions unless you are willing to do some fairly extensive modifications. If that doesn't bother you, versions of each could be made from scratch or you could try modifying the MLA steady casting kit, which was designed for a SB 9" lathe:

Mike

Thanks for the advice. I am going to check into the MLA kits especially as they also have some other accessories that I am interested in. Has anyone ever made on of these? I would like to know the amount of machining needed before I purchase. It is difficult to determine from the description exactly what is needed.

I suggest you build one as a class project. Good intro to the real world challangess of reverse engineering, and shows your students how tools are used to make tools. Many were amazed that you can make tools as they thought you had to buy these at the store.

See

that the 7/16 X 20 all-thread was used simply because I had some on hand from the parallel jaw clamps we made in previous semesters.

If it would be helpful I can provide dxf/dwg of the Emco compact

10 travel rest. Let me know what version you need.

Uncle George

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Check out this page and scroll most of the way down to the "Steady Rest for Metal Cutting Lathe". Appears to be plans from an old Popular Mechanics or the like. I've just cut the ring for this project and am waiting on some bronze bolts that I've ordered. Hope to have it complete in a few weeks (moving slowly).

FORGOT THE LINK!

Thanks for all the helpful links and drawings. I think I'm going to try to build one myself, perhaps using a scrap from a large diameter pipe. I'm thinking about using a small brake drum I have available and sawing off the closed end. My biggest question was attachment to the ways and I think I have that pretty much covered also. Thanks again.

Hi where would fine these plan. I just got 12' Craftsman lathe and I would like to build a steady rest.