Steady rest bearings

[timbertoes]

about to make the plunge and put bearings on my steady rest.

Want to get it done this Saturday.

Have new 5/8 od x 1/4id bearings. chinese ones. dang it. wished I had learned that when I got them! grrr.

think that size is sufficient or should I go with more beef ? on a 13x40 lathe.

 

[GabbyJs]

I used Fafnir 5/8 OD x 1/4 ID bearings for about 20 different barrel chamberings. I noticed while threading, that I was getting quite a bit of deflection on the last 2 barrels, so I replaced the bearings with identical spares. I think they are a good choice. I have them mounted with shoulder screws onto 3/8" square keystock.

 

[timbertoes]

thanks. I will stay with the size and upgrade the quality as needed.