This photograph is an example of a 24" swing version Clark Steady Rest. You can customize yours to your desires here.  This one has 8 arms with 6 underneath for heavy projects.  It is the so called 8 arm heavy configuration.  This one comes with the optional Wrap Around base.  It uses a 30" diameter ring and fits 24" swing lathes.  Alignment and attachment plates are made to fit your brand lathe.  It comes in a variety of colors.  In order to select the steady rest you desire, you must select all the options beginning with color and proceeding through all the drop-down menus including gap size, Arm Positions, 12 o'clock Arm Position, and # of Arms.  Please be sure you have ordered the correct items by checking the item in your shopping cart.  VIEW the cart then look at the options ordered by clicking on the + sign next to VIEW LIST OF OPTIONS.

All steady rests are custom made to your specifications in terms of size, color, number of arms etc. LARGE 24" swing lathe rests use a rugged 31 inch diameter ring - 3/8 inch thick steel construction - powder coated for a durable and beautiful finish! 1.25 inch diameter radial arms are aluminum.

The wheels vary in color. Steady rests can come with a 4th tube mounted at about the 1 o'clock position to allow the turner to place the upper arm off center so the arm is out of the way of the laser holder of a hollowing system. Of course, my hollowing system is designed with an articulating and adjustable laser holder to get around this problem. Radial arms move to adjust from 1/2 inch to 23 inch diameter spindles or bowls for final shaping, sanding or hollowing! 1/2 inch mounting plate with recessed attachment bolt. Option of flat plate or wrap around base plate (allows lower arm position).

Let me know what lathe you have and I will create the proper configuration! Smaller lathes use smaller diameter ring structure as needed. I now have a new design for those having a need to stabilize large diameter, heavy (wet) pieces. It uses the Wrap-Around-Base and can have any number of arms. With a more narrow base, the lowest arms can be more underneath the project. The vertical struts have a threaded hole for a 5/8" bolt that can engage the body of the lathe for additional stabilization. Spacing of arms is up to you but evenly spaced is good for projects with voids and 4-6 arms underneath is better for heavy projects.

STEADY REST- please turn safely!

The Clark Steady Rests are an integral accessory for hollowing. Forces exerted by the hollowing system are tremendous. The wood can be much more easily torn from a faceplate or chuck without a steady rest. Any wood-turning task can potentially be dangerous! Proper protection, instruction and experience are necessary. A three arm steady rest is effective for smaller lathes, but I am becoming convinced that more wheels on the wood is better. I believe that a perfectly round block of wood that is well balance will turn smoothly. However, many deal with very heavy, out of balance pieces of wood that actually change shape while being hollowed. More wheels underneath a heavy piece help to distribute the weight. But the steady takes nearly all the pressure off of the faceplate but most importantly the HEADSTOCK of the lathe. There is less vibration when using more wheels when the piece changes shape over time. Change in shape is a major factor that induces vibrations. There is an additional source of vibration realized by Jon Leggett. Leaving a project on the lathe with wheels engaged but not not turning even for a short period produces flats on the wheels. Harder wheels take longer to recover, but running the lathe cures the problem. Apparently this happens to automobile tires too.