South Bend 9A Steady Rest

[Manderioli]

I am currently trying to turn several components from a 5" OD aluminum bar. The bar is currently 12" long. In the past I have cut the bar into small 1/2" slices to machine the components. However, the constant mount/dismount of component to machine all the features can create out of round features.

I would like to machine as many features from the end of the bar to keep the features concentric and also minimize waste. I do not have a independent nor cross slide steady rest large enough. Are there available steady rest to accommodate a 5" OD workpiece?

 

[dlane]

Some folks make there own steady rests, you might try searching for diy steady rests

 

[markba633csi]

That's probably bigger than the stock steady can handle- time for a home brew version

 

[Ben Nevis]

The SB steady rest is only good for 3 inches. Looks like you will have to make one yourself. If you are only doing a few pieces, you might get away making it out of Baltic Birch plywood.