Shape of Boxford fixed steady blocks

This topic has 2 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 4 November 2026 at 21:35 by Grindstone Cowboy.

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4 November 2026 at 16:41 #872891
Grindstone Cowboy
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@grindstonecowboy
Lathe is a Boxford Model C bench type.

I rarely use my fixed steady, but whist giving it a clean the other day, I noticed the ends of the blocks that contact the rotating workpiece have little semi-circular depressions. Is this how they are made, or have they just worn like that? And if they are worn, should I bother re-shaping them, and what shape should they actually be?

Final question – what are they made of? Look like steel,are they possibly cast-iron for the self-lubricating properties? The slot in the middle appears to have a cast finish, not machined.

Thanks,

Rob
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4 November 2026 at 17:27 #872911
old mart
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@oldmart
There will be some wear on the tips of the blocks from cylindrical surfaces rubbing against them even when they are lubricated. You could flatten the ends if you wanted to, but that would shorten them slightly. Both of the fixed steadies and the moving one that we have at the museum have original blocks or fingers made from what looks like bronze. I made a second set for the larger fixed steady out of steel with small shielded ball races so as to have a choice of support.
4 November 2026 at 21:35 #872945
Grindstone Cowboy
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@grindstonecowboy
Thanks. I was thinking the wear might tend to force the workpiece slightly off centre, unless great care was taken, and that it might be easier with flat, or even slightly rounded, ends. I guess rounded would work fine as the bearing type are obviously that shape. I think I’d have to reduce the angled “shoulders” a bit as the minimum diameter would be limited by those coming together in the middle.

I’ve seen the brass/bronze type on Myford steadies, but these are definitely something ferrous.

Rob
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Shape of Boxford fixed steady blocks

Shape of Boxford fixed steady blocks

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