What lathe does this steady rest fit?

[HollowpointParticipant @hollowpoint]

Hi guys

My brother has asked me to help identify this lathe steady for him, as it is surplus to requirements he might as well sell it. I found a few similar, but no exact matches. Anyone know what it fits?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[HollowpointParticipant @hollowpoint]

[Adrian R2Participant @adrianr2]

I don't recognise it but dimensions may help, particularly width of bed and height to centre.

[HollowpointParticipant @hollowpoint]

Posted by Adrian R2 on 05/10/2021 15:49:07:

I don't recognise it but dimensions may help, particularly width of bed and height to centre.

Dimensions are approx. 92mm from the bottom to the centre and the widest part of the dovetail is also approx. 92mm

 

I have an idea of what it fits but I don't want to influence anyones thinking.

Edited By Hollowpoint on 05/10/2021 16:27:38

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Posted by Hollowpoint on 05/10/2021 15:59:08:

Posted by Adrian R2 on 05/10/2021 15:49:07:

I don't recognise it but dimensions may help, particularly width of bed and height to centre.

Dimensions are approx. 92mm from the bottom to the centre and the widest part of the dovetail is also approx. 92mm

I have an idea of what it fits but I don't want to influence anyones thinking.

Edited By Hollowpoint on 05/10/2021 16:27:38

Confirmation, or otherwise, is better than people spending time coming up with possible answers!

[Benjamin DayParticipant @benjaminday94198]

Old Harrison L5?

[HollowpointParticipant @hollowpoint]

Posted by not done it yet on 05/10/2021 21:54:21:

Posted by Hollowpoint on 05/10/2021 15:59:08:

Posted by Adrian R2 on 05/10/2021 15:49:07:

I don't recognise it but dimensions may help, particularly width of bed and height to centre.

Dimensions are approx. 92mm from the bottom to the centre and the widest part of the dovetail is also approx. 92mm

I have an idea of what it fits but I don't want to influence anyones thinking.

Edited By Hollowpoint on 05/10/2021 16:27:38

Confirmation, or otherwise, is better than people spending time coming up with possible answers!

I was hoping someone would recognise it immediately and confirm my own research rather than just take a quick look and agree with me.

But the closest I can find was for an early Raglan little John.

[Lee RogersParticipant @leerogers95060]

Am I missing something here? As a steady it's orientated the wrong way, can't say I've ever seen one like it.

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

I initially thought it could be but all later castings (at least) were embossed with part numbers. Almost certainly was not supplied with a LJMk2.

I expect it would fit a Mk2 LJ, if it would fit a Mk1.

[Clive Brown 1Participant @clivebrown1]

Posted by Lee Rogers on 06/10/2021 08:06:38:

Am I missing something here? As a steady it's orientated the wrong way, can't say I've ever seen one like it.

I wondered if there's a missing mounting plate with a matching dovetail which would give adjustment across the machine axis.

As it stands, the item won't accomodate a very wide range of diameters.

[DC31kParticipant @dc31k]

The paint has not aged well since it last appeared here:

https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=34868

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

It must be me … I thought fixed steadies were typically three-point

.

So if that one travels : how is it mounted on the [presumed Raglan] lathe ?

This makes an interesting comparison: **LINK**

https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=93668

MichaelG.

[Grindstone CowboyParticipant @grindstonecowboy]

I'm guessing it would clamp onto the cross-slide dovetails? Adjusting it so as not to foul anything might be a chore, though.

Rob

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

Compared to Michaels link it looks a little crude / budget for a Raglan made item.

It would fit on the cross slide dovetails if the leadscrew chip cover was first removed.

Edited By Dave Halford on 06/10/2021 09:45:46

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Swing over the saddle for a Raglan LJ is quoted as 6 1/2”. The lathe centre height is 5 1/8”

The ways are 3 1/4” inches apart – I don’t know whether that is taken into account for the quoted swing.

I suspect this OP’s steady exceeds the centre height of a Raglan, so DC31k has the answer – a crude Harrison L5.🙂

[HollowpointParticipant @hollowpoint]

Thanks guys. I think it is indeed for a Harrison L5. Great teamwork! 😃

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