Follower Rests (Lathe)

Follower Rests (Lathe)

Category: Machine Shop

Summary: Supporting long workpieces during turning.

Follower rests are a type of lathe accessory used to support long, slender workpieces during turning operations, preventing them from bending or deflecting under the cutting forces. Unlike a steady rest, which is fixed to the lathe bed, a follower rest is mounted on the lathe carriage and travels along with the cutting tool.

Function: The follower rest provides continuous support to the workpiece directly behind the cutting tool, minimizing vibration and deflection as the tool moves along the workpiece. This is particularly important for operations like:

    * Turning long, thin shafts.

    * Threading long workpieces.

    * Any operation where the workpiece is prone to bending.

Mechanism: It typically has adjustable jaws or fingers that make contact with the workpiece, providing a stable support point that moves in sync with the tool.

Advantage: The key advantage of a follower rest is that it provides support close to the cutting point, which is where the workpiece is most vulnerable to deflection.