What do you use for a short steady rest?

[Cherryville Chuck]

I’m curious what other members use for a steady rest when turning short small things like chisel and file handles. I made one years ago by welding a 1” bolt to a short piece of square tube.

[HandyDan]

I have done similar using round stock.

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I actually made the banjo too.

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I have also used heavy angle on top too. The angle is better since the round top rest didn't have an offset and was hard to get close to a thin turning. Don't have a picture of those on hand.

[Cherryville Chuck]

I like the bar idea. I didn't foresee one issue when I went with the tube and that was being able to lever the chisel up and down on it. It's easier to slide along than the stock knife edge rest that came with the machine but that's it's only advantage.

You could take a 3/4 or 1" wide flat bar and weld it to the side of the post too I would think. You'd just need to make certain to get it at 90 degrees to the post. That would get you right against the turning if you wanted.

[HandyDan]

I have a metal lathe and after I decide what to use for the post I put it in the lathe and square the end. I did get my first one out of square.

[Cherryville Chuck]

The home made banjo is a good idea too. I think I've seen a plan for one out of plywood before. Long turnings are another issue. It's nice to have a long steady rest for those but it needs 2 banjos and posts to work well. Angle iron would work well for a long rest. Nice and stiff without being too heavy.

[Nickp]

Great idea...!

[DaninVan]

A midget?

[Stick486]

A midget?

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