Model Engine Maker

General Category => Chatterbox => Topic started by: smithdoor on December 14, 2016, 04:20:22 AM

Title: How to machine a square shaft in a steady rest
Post by: smithdoor on December 14, 2016, 04:20:22 AM

How to machine a square shaft in a steady rest
Title: Re: How to machine a square shaft in a steady rest
Post by: crueby on December 14, 2016, 02:22:47 AM
Clever. Did you have the ring rotate with the shaft, or did the shaft rotate inside the ring?
Title: Re: How to machine a square shaft in a steady rest
Post by: philjoe5 on December 14, 2016, 05:14:38 AM
I've seen other versions of this and they're called a "cat head"

http://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-lathe-cathead

Phil
Title: Re: How to machine a square shaft in a steady rest
Post by: smithdoor on December 14, 2016, 04:09:03 PM
The ring is a lite press fit square shaft I also use for to dialing the 4 jaw

Here closer view

Dave



 
Clever. Did you have the ring rotate with the shaft, or did the shaft rotate inside the ring?
Title: Re: How to machine a square shaft in a steady rest
Post by: smithdoor on December 14, 2016, 04:13:30 PM
I have used the cat head in pass
Takes time to setup and I avoid using the cat head if I can
The ring simple and is fast to make and use
For chucking in a 3 jaw just split the ring in one spot. Center the square shaft ever time.

Dave

I've seen other versions of this and they're called a "cat head"

http://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-lathe-cathead

Phil
Title: Re: How to machine a square shaft in a steady rest
Post by: DTR on December 14, 2016, 05:01:38 PM
Clever, I'll have to remember that one. Thanks!
Title: Re: How to machine a square shaft in a steady rest
Post by: philjoe5 on December 14, 2016, 05:00:01 PM
Thanks Dave.  I can see your method is simpler than cat heads I've seen.  I'll have to try your approach some time.

Cheers,
Phil
Title: Re: How to machine a square shaft in a steady rest
Post by: PStechPaul on December 15, 2016, 05:36:27 AM
For a piece of square stock 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4". or 1", you might be able to use a square drive socket. For other sizes maybe a 12 point deep socket. Another idea might be a piece of plastic stock pressed over the square piece, maybe using heat and melting it to fit.
Title: Re: How to machine a square shaft in a steady rest
Post by: Brendon M on December 15, 2016, 10:21:52 PM
Interesting ideas, thank you :)
Title: Re: How to machine a square shaft in a steady rest
Post by: kev on December 16, 2016, 01:48:19 AM
whenever I get to that last 1/2 inch of brass or ally that you cant do anything with I bore it out to a standard size, trim it and slice it, I have a small box full of split collars for holding Squares or even rounds when you dont want to mark the surface
Title: Re: How to machine a square shaft in a steady rest
Post by: PJW on December 16, 2016, 11:30:57 AM
thank you for that tip, one I will remember!!
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