Ball Bearing "pads" on the Sherline steady rest.

[bchaps]

I have seen photos on this forum of individuals who have made their own modifications using Butterball bearings. Are you aware of anyone making this or something similar commercially as an "adapt-a-kit"? Thanks, Bill

 

[the 3rd dwarve]

Bill,

The easiest way to add rollers to your steady rest is to drill and tap the existing arms to accept the right size shoulder bolt for the bearings you want to use.

D`

 

[bchaps]

D... Thank you. Looks as if this is my only option...not finding anyone making it. Bill

 

[bruce linde]

im working on just that this week. here 's an article from sherline:

https://sherline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tip_039.pdf

and here are the bearings i got from amazon:



and here's someone on the forum who made similar:

Sherline's Steady Rest With Ball Bearings

A modification I made on Sherlines Steady Rest was to add ball bearings to the finger ends. Attached are photos of the three different sizes of bearings from small, 6 mm diameter, (see it on the tip of my finger), 8 mm, and 13 mm. There are several advantages to using bearings, there are no...

mb.nawcc.org

 

[Old Rivers]

I have seen photos on this forum of individuals who have made their own modifications using Butterball bearings. Are you aware of anyone making this or something similar commercially as an "adapt-a-kit"? Thanks, Bill

Here's my effort.

I used 1/4" OD ball bearings:

Bill

 

[bchaps]

Here's my effort.

I used 1/4" OD ball bearings:

Bill

View attachment 739574 View attachment 739575 View attachment 739576

Thanks Old Rivers... This is an optimal design. I presume you also have a milling machine to do the slotting cut. It also appears you used steel bars in place of the brass supplied with the Sherline steady rest. I'm trying to visualize how it can be done with a drill press and lathe along with hand tools.

 

[Old Rivers]

Thanks Old Rivers... This is an optimal design. I presume you also have a milling machine to do the slotting cut. It also appears you used steel bars in place of the brass supplied with the Sherline steady rest. I'm trying to visualize how it can be done with a drill press and lathe along with hand tools.

Bill,

I used 1/4" square W1 steel bar, as I had some on hand.

I used my lathe to turn the ends, make the bearing slot and drill the bearing axle hole. I held the workpiece in the carriage mounted tool holder. Only thing I used the mill for was radiusing the ends (although this could also be done with a file).

Bill