Converting fixed steady

[John-UK-45]

Hi all

New lathe owner (1940's English Barker 5" x 24") so be gentle with me

Have been getting ready to use it by buying some cutting tools, Dickson toolpost, 4 jaw chuck, but I can't find a fixed steady.

The Barker is a round bed lathe with three round bars. All the steadies I can find are for modern lathes or Myfords i.e. V beds. So I was wondering if I can get a fixed steady for another lathe and convert it for mine.

Basically as long as I can make sure the centre of the steady is true to the centre of the chuck/mandrel I will fabricate two rests for it to seat onto the round bar

Anybody reckon this is possible?

regards

John

[aametalmaster]

I would think you can fab up a steady either with a vee grove plate for the base of 2 pads turned to fit your round bed rails...Bob