Face Plate, Fixed Steady and Travelling Steady – Construction and Uses

In the ITI Turner trade, proper support and holding of workpieces are essential for accurate machining. Along with chucks and centers, accessories such as the face plate, fixed steady, and travelling steady play an important role in handling irregular and long workpieces. This chapter explains their construction, functions, and uses in detail.

Face Plate

Introduction

A face plate is a circular metal plate mounted on the spindle of a lathe machine. It is used for holding large, irregular, or odd-shaped workpieces that cannot be held in a chuck.

Construction

• Made of cast iron or steel
• Provided with radial slots
• Central hole for mounting on spindle
• Slots used for clamping workpieces

Function

• Holds irregular-shaped workpieces
• Provides secure clamping using bolts and clamps
• Allows machining of large components

Uses

• Machining irregular jobs
• Holding large castings
• Offset turning operations

Advantages

• Versatile and flexible
• Suitable for large workpieces

Limitations

• Time-consuming setup
• Requires careful balancing

Fixed Steady (Steady Rest)

Introduction

A fixed steady is a support device used to support long and slender workpieces during machining. It is mounted on the lathe bed and remains stationary.

Construction

• Rigid frame made of cast iron
• Three adjustable jaws or fingers
• Base for mounting on lathe bed
• Locking mechanism

Function

• Supports workpiece at a fixed position
• Prevents bending and vibration
• Maintains alignment during machining

Uses

• Machining long shafts
• Heavy cutting operations
• Precision work

Advantages

• Improves accuracy
• Reduces deflection

Precautions

• Lubricate contact points
• Adjust jaws properly
• Ensure correct alignment

Travelling Steady (Follower Rest)

Introduction

A travelling steady is a support device that moves along with the carriage during machining. It supports the workpiece close to the cutting tool.

Construction

• Mounted on carriage
• Two adjustable jaws
• Rigid body structure

Function

• Supports workpiece near cutting point
• Moves with cutting tool
• Prevents vibration and deflection

Uses

• Turning long and thin workpieces
• Precision machining

Advantages

• Provides continuous support
• Improves surface finish

Precautions

• Proper adjustment of jaws
• Use lubrication
• Check alignment

Difference Between Fixed and Travelling Steady

Application in Turner Workshop

In the Turner trade, face plates are used for holding irregular jobs, while steadies are used to support long workpieces. These accessories ensure proper machining and improve accuracy.

They are essential for handling complex and large components.

Importance

• Improves machining accuracy
• Prevents vibration
• Ensures safety

Conclusion

Face plates, fixed steadies, and travelling steadies are important lathe accessories used for holding and supporting workpieces.

Understanding their construction and uses helps trainees perform machining operations efficiently and safely.

In conclusion, these accessories play a vital role in achieving precision and quality in the ITI Turner trade.