I'm getting ready to make a small steady rest and follow rest for my lathe to use turning small shafts from .5 up to about 1.25 inch diameter. This will not be hogging work, but fairly delicate. I'm thinking of using 6061 aluminum for the main body because its fairly inexpensive and real easy for me to cut. I also think that any wear to the parts will be very minimal so don't have much concern there for Aluminum. I envision rough cutting the parts out of flat stock or plate to about 1.5" thick by 5X8" and 5X4". But I wonder if I'd be better off using cast iron or steel? Is there any damping or vibration advantage to using the heavier, more dense materials? Or any other reason to use a given material?
Your thoughts appreciated.
Your thoughts appreciated.