3D Printed steady rest for my Levin Lathe

[LittleWatchShop]

Got this idea from other stuff I had seen.  Have not done a live test yet.

The holes in the square stock drilled with my Levin using a four-jaw chuck to hold the piece.

Square stock cut with a Dremel.

Square stock fine tuned with my Sherline Mill.

Holes for grub screws drilled with the Sherline Mill.

Those extra screw locations were intended to hold a washer that locked in the square blocks, but I decided to just glue them in.

[Michael1962]

Nicely done. Looks good. Be cheaper than a bought one. More satisfying as well.

[SwissSeiko]

Was using the lathe to drill the holes in the square stock just an excuse to use the 4 jaw? I would think the mill would be easier. Although, if I had a 4 jaw I would use it every chance I could...

[LittleWatchShop]

26 minutes ago, SwissSeiko said:

Was using the lathe to drill the holes in the square stock just an excuse to use the 4 jaw? I would think the mill would be easier. Although, if I had a 4 jaw I would use it every chance I could...

Well, reasonable question.  I am more experienced with my lathe than I am with my mill.  Centering on the mill is a skill/technique I have not yet refined.

[SwissSeiko]

15 minutes ago, LittleWatchShop said:

Well, reasonable question.  I am more experienced with my lathe than I am with my mill.  Centering on the mill is a skill/technique I have not yet refined.

If you don't have a DRO, it takes way too much time to center. Looks like you made the right choice!