November 28, 201213 yr There have been several times I wish I had a center steady for my Jet mini. One was when I made a knitting needle. Jet don't sell one and I couldn't find one. So I looked on the web and got some ideas. I then proceeded to make my own. The prototype worked so good that I need go no further. The biggest problem I had was finding some wheels. Most small wheels are made of plastic and have no bearings. I located some model airplane wheels at a hobby shop that had aluminum centers and they will probably last me a very long time.  I have it set up here in the photo for demonstrations and picture purposes only. I have a project in mind where I will give it the full checkout. I like it.
November 28, 201213 yr wow I like it too, I want one LOLAnther thought would be skateboard wheels or the smallest wheelchair wheels (skateboard wheels being probably much cheaper of course).Charles NichollsSite Hostnicholls61@att.netProud supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project, Homes For Our Troops and the NRAhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/nichollswoodworks
November 28, 201213 yr Nice looking center steady Ron. I've got plans for one but just haven't gotten down to making one. I like yours, very straight forward construction.Most of the shop made ones I've seen use inline skate wheels. The bearings are made to withstand heavy loading and faster RPMs. Sometimes you can get a pair of used ones at the thrift store. Online you can get wheels with bearings in a package of 8 for $30.00, some retailers will sell them individually. Some bike shops sell the wheels as well.www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops
November 28, 201213 yr Man that is a neat piece of engineering Ron, great job on the build, the fit and finish look superb.John MorrisThe Patriot WoodworkerProud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops
November 28, 201213 yr Author These wheels are slightly bigger than a nickle, which narrows down the choices. I have seen some small race cars that have hard rubber wheels with bearings. I will keep my eye out for such a car at garage sales. The hobby shop I went to had a large assortment, but the ones I got were the ONLY ones that small and they were less than $3 each.
November 29, 201213 yr Sweet!This is at the top of my "Next Jig To Make" list. I really like the way you braces the wheel holders. Â Was thinking about using roller blade wheels but holding small diameter turnings may be a problem for them.Lew Kauffman-Wood Turners Forum HostTime traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!
November 30, 201213 yr Author I used my jig today  to support a piece on the tail stock end when I cut it off. It went very smoothly and I was able to cut, sand and finish the end. The only problem was that the rubber tires made a black mark that I had to sand off and refinish.Doing that was no big deal, but I still am looking for better wheels. If I were to build another for my mini, I wouldn't make it a strong with large pieces. I realize now that it wasn't necessary for a mini, but a larger lathe would require more strength and bigger is better. Overall I am pleased with it and intend to use it a lot.Lewis Kauffman said:Sweet!This is at the top of my "Next Jig To Make" list. I really like the way you braces the wheel holders.  Was thinking about using roller blade wheels but holding small diameter turnings may be a problem for them.Lew Kauffman-Wood Turners Forum HostTime traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.