Customize Your Own Clark Steady Rest

Built to your exact specifications, our custom steady rests are precision engineered and manufactured to fit any wood lathe perfectly.

Another satisfied Clark Steady Rest customer

Why choose Clark Woodturning Tools?

A Clark Steady Rest for every project

Customizable, heavy-duty/durable, and self-aligning Clark Steady Rests make the hollowing experience much more comfortable. Choose one for a lifetime of smooth, low-vibration woodturning. Great for spindles, bowls, vases, and hollow forms.

Buy a Clark Steady Rest for big lathes and big projects!

Turn to the maximum diameter, weight, and length capacity of your lathe.

Ours does it better!

Clark Steady Rests are very strong because of the angle iron!

All Clark Steady Rests are bent round from 3″ x 2″ angle steel for a very strong tool. Angle iron resists vertical and horizontal forces much better than flat designs. These rests are very resistant to vibration and movement even with large and heavy projects. Of course they can’t be beat for small jobs either!

Choose lighter weight 1/4″ or heavier 3/8″ thick steel. Even the largest sizes in 1/4″ are quite strong and handle large projects well.

The standard for 12-16″ swing lathes 1/4″ thick.

Larger steady rests have the option of either 1/4″ for weight reduction or 3/8″ for strength.

Clark Steady Rests are very strong because of the “Wrap Around Base!”

The base fully welded and integrated into the ring for additional fixation.

This base design preserves the ability to turn the maximum diameter on your lathe.

The wings have 2 horizontal screws to brace the rest against the lathe body. The turner puts a wooden spacer between the screws and the lathe body to protect the lathe paint and bridge the space.

The base plates are 1/2″ thick and 3″ wide; they do not flex.

Clark Steady Rests are very strong because the arm positions are welded!

Welded arms eliminate the possibility of movement or vibration under stress. We feel this is better than adjustable positions.

The arms are strong Aluminum (1.25 Inch diameter) and do not flex.

The wheels are automatically aligned square to the wood by the flats that are milled onto the arms.

Our new thumb screw allows you to quickly pre-position and align all the wheels against the wood by hand.

Then each arm securely locks in place by tightening the set screws with an Allen wrench.

Customized Clark Steady Rests

Tailored to your preferences, including color, size, and arm configuration. Any size rest Clark Steady Rest can be boosted up to mount on a larger lathe.

Durable construction

Thick metal and carefully engineered design ensure strength and stability. Welded arm positions for security.

Automatic alignment

Easily attaches to your lathe. Effortlessly aligns with the lathe. Secured arms and wheels, reduce vibration for smooth and precise woodworking.

How to configure a Clark Steady Rest

Understanding Swing for sizing a Clark Steady Rest

The full sized Clark Steady Rest is bent to a diameter 6″ larger than the diameter of the largest project that can be mounted on the lathe. That maximum project size is called “swing”.

For instance, a 20″ swing Powermatic lathe would use a 26″ diameter ring to clear 3″ wheels. A 20″ swing lathe has a 10″ spindle height off the lathe bed. This extra steady rest ring diameter size also makes room for the hollowing system laser/video system.

Usually we know everything about the woodworking lathes on the market. You will specify the brand and model plus the width of the bed gap when ordering. Lets discuss gap later.

Decide the number and position of arms/wheels

When you configure your Clark Steady Rest, you will be able to choose from all the available positions and number of arms with wheels.

Select from an odd or even number of arms from 3 up to 8 arms. The choice is up to you. All 3 arm versions will have the positions evenly rotated clockwise to put the 12 o’clock arm at 1 o’clock.

An even number of arms will not have a 12 o’clock arm. An odd number of arms will have a 12 o’clock position. So with and odd number, there is an option to install an additional 1 o’clock position to clear a laser/video camera.

A few turners with large lathes doing projects with many voids or defects have asked for 15 arms… How could that be you ask? With fewer wheels, the project will normally vibrate slightly so voids, punky spots, or holes in the wood can catch a wheel and break the wood. This episode is much less likely to happen with more wheels.

Why are more arms smoother and safer?

Since even dry wood will warp as it is hollowed, it will become out of round. When more wheels contact the project your experience will be smoother.
Remember, voids/holes in the wood can catch a wheel and break your project. Hard wheels seem more likely to cause breakage.
12-16″ swing size steady rests do well with 3 or 4 wheels.
Larger rests, 18-22″ swing, 4-6 wheels.
24-25″ swing, 6-8 wheels are good.
Even 3 arms on an large steady rest can support the load of a large project but more arms and wheels definitely give a smoother hollowing experience.

Alignment plate

We include an alignment plate which screws onto the base. The steady then automatically aligns 90 degrees to the bed when the attached plate drops into the gap.

Alignment plate

We include an alignment plate which screws onto the base. The steady then automatically aligns 90 degrees to the bed when the attached plate drops into the gap.

Don’t base your purchase on the wheels – Any wheels can be used!

Here is one of our rollerblade type wheels. It uses a 1/4″ screw. An axel for stability is included. Hardware (screws, bolts, washers, and lock washers) is included.

Our wheels are firm but not hard. Softer wheels absorb vibrations better. Harder wheels may be desired but tend to cause more to the wood. Some damage is difficult to avoid even with soft wheels.

Why consider a Booster?

Desire for a small project steady rest for a large lathe.
Plans to purchase a larger lathe later and want to protect your investment.
You can’t lift a large steady rest.
12, 14, 16 or 18″ swing steady rests can be boosted to fit a larger swing lathe. Check out our booster

Ready to order!

Clark Steady Rest

Starting at $375

FAQ

What are the specifications of the steady rest rings?

Our steady rest rings are crafted from steel, either 3/8″ thick or 1/4″ thick. They are made from 3″ x 2″ angle iron, ensuring durability and stability. All bases are wrap around design to provide an additional bolt against the lathe body for additional support. Alignment and Attachment Plates for your lathe are included.

Realize that if you have a large lathe but only want to do smaller diameter projects, you can select the smallest version with 3 arms and 1/4″ thickness with a booster for a lightweight and smaller solution! Yet that small steady can fit on a 12″ desktop lathe as well.

If you have 2 lathes, such as a 16″ Jet and a 25″ robust, the 16″ Clark Steady Rest could fit both lathes! In fact a 12, 14, 16, or 18 could fit on any larger lathe…

What are the features of the steady arms?

The steady arms are made of 1.25″ diameter aluminum and feature a double flat milled section for precise positioning. They are securely held in place by set screws, providing stability during woodworking tasks. We now include aluminum thumb screws so a wrench is not needed. Setscrews are included as well.

What customization options are available for steady rests?

You can customize your steady rest based on your lathe’s swing size, color, and number of arms and positions to optimize performance for your specific woodworking needs. In addition we have a Booster so a small steady can be used on a larger lathe. There is also a 1/4″ thick option to create a lighter weight version of the steady rests. Let us know if you would like a version with more positions than arm. The Robust version comes with a spanner brace to engage the wraparound bolt since this lathe does not have a place for contact.

Customer Projects

Mike Stall

Sugar Land , TX United States

"The Clark system works very well. Today I finally set mine up and hollowed a small vase about 13 inches deep. Because of the laser and the super high quality steady rest this is the thinnest vase I have ever made!"

Jonathan Leggett

Chesterfield , VA United States

"This is a super hollowing system. If you want the very best experience hollowing then this is the only system. Keith has engineered and produced a system that when used properly is nearly vibration free. When you plan on spending the day or week hollowing, you may as well enjoy it!"

Randy Anderson

Memphis, TN United States

"I have your standard rest built for a 16" lathe and recently moved up to a Laguna 24" lathe. The Clark Steady Rest Booster allows me to continue to use my existing steady rest on this larger lathe and still use it on a smaller machine without the Booster if needed."

Mike Nicholson

Houston, TX United States

"These tools are next level!"

Randy Anderson

Memphis, TN United States

"The new Clark Steady Rest Booster is a very solid mount and easy to use. Great solution and protects the investment I made in your steady rest."

Tools / Accessories

Steady Rest Booster

$85.00

ZA Attachment Plates

$15.00

ZA Alignment Plates

$15.00

Z Bondhus Ball End Allen Wrench

$12.00

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Customize Your Own Clark Steady Rest

Why choose Clark Woodturning Tools?

A Clark Steady Rest for every project

Turn to the maximum diameter, weight, and length capacity of your lathe.

Ours does it better!

Clark Steady Rests are very strong because of the angle iron!

Choose lighter weight 1/4″ or heavier 3/8″ thick steel. Even the largest sizes in 1/4″ are quite strong and handle large projects well.

The standard for 12-16″ swing lathes 1/4″ thick.

Larger steady rests have the option of either 1/4″ for weight reduction or 3/8″ for strength.

Clark Steady Rests are very strong because of the “Wrap Around Base!”

The base fully welded and integrated into the ring for additional fixation.

This base design preserves the ability to turn the maximum diameter on your lathe.

The wings have 2 horizontal screws to brace the rest against the lathe body. The turner puts a wooden spacer between the screws and the lathe body to protect the lathe paint and bridge the space.

The base plates are 1/2″ thick and 3″ wide; they do not flex.

Clark Steady Rests are very strong because the arm positions are welded!

Welded arms eliminate the possibility of movement or vibration under stress. We feel this is better than adjustable positions.

The arms are strong Aluminum (1.25 Inch diameter) and do not flex.

The wheels are automatically aligned square to the wood by the flats that are milled onto the arms.

Our new thumb screw allows you to quickly pre-position and align all the wheels against the wood by hand.

Then each arm securely locks in place by tightening the set screws with an Allen wrench.

Customized Clark Steady Rests

Durable construction

Automatic alignment

How to configure a Clark Steady Rest

Understanding Swing for sizing a Clark Steady Rest

The full sized Clark Steady Rest is bent to a diameter 6″ larger than the diameter of the largest project that can be mounted on the lathe. That maximum project size is called “swing”.

For instance, a 20″ swing Powermatic lathe would use a 26″ diameter ring to clear 3″ wheels. A 20″ swing lathe has a 10″ spindle height off the lathe bed. This extra steady rest ring diameter size also makes room for the hollowing system laser/video system.

Usually we know everything about the woodworking lathes on the market. You will specify the brand and model plus the width of the bed gap when ordering. Lets discuss gap later.

Decide the number and position of arms/wheels

When you configure your Clark Steady Rest, you will be able to choose from all the available positions and number of arms with wheels.

Select from an odd or even number of arms from 3 up to 8 arms. The choice is up to you. All 3 arm versions will have the positions evenly rotated clockwise to put the 12 o’clock arm at 1 o’clock.

An even number of arms will not have a 12 o’clock arm. An odd number of arms will have a 12 o’clock position. So with and odd number, there is an option to install an additional 1 o’clock position to clear a laser/video camera.

Why are more arms smoother and safer?

Since even dry wood will warp as it is hollowed, it will become out of round. When more wheels contact the project your experience will be smoother.

Remember, voids/holes in the wood can catch a wheel and break your project. Hard wheels seem more likely to cause breakage.

12-16″ swing size steady rests do well with 3 or 4 wheels.

Larger rests, 18-22″ swing, 4-6 wheels.

24-25″ swing, 6-8 wheels are good.

Even 3 arms on an large steady rest can support the load of a large project but more arms and wheels definitely give a smoother hollowing experience.

Alignment plate

We include an alignment plate which screws onto the base. The steady then automatically aligns 90 degrees to the bed when the attached plate drops into the gap.

Alignment plate

We include an alignment plate which screws onto the base. The steady then automatically aligns 90 degrees to the bed when the attached plate drops into the gap.

Don’t base your purchase on the wheels – Any wheels can be used!

Here is one of our rollerblade type wheels. It uses a 1/4″ screw. An axel for stability is included. Hardware (screws, bolts, washers, and lock washers) is included.

Our wheels are firm but not hard. Softer wheels absorb vibrations better. Harder wheels may be desired but tend to cause more to the wood. Some damage is difficult to avoid even with soft wheels.

Why consider a Booster?

Desire for a small project steady rest for a large lathe.

Plans to purchase a larger lathe later and want to protect your investment.

You can’t lift a large steady rest.

12, 14, 16 or 18″ swing steady rests can be boosted to fit a larger swing lathe. Check out our booster

Ready to order!

Clark Steady Rest

FAQ

Realize that if you have a large lathe but only want to do smaller diameter projects, you can select the smallest version with 3 arms and 1/4″ thickness with a booster for a lightweight and smaller solution! Yet that small steady can fit on a 12″ desktop lathe as well.

If you have 2 lathes, such as a 16″ Jet and a 25″ robust, the 16″ Clark Steady Rest could fit both lathes! In fact a 12, 14, 16, or 18 could fit on any larger lathe…

Customer Projects

Mike Stall

Sugar Land , TX United States

"The Clark system works very well. Today I finally set mine up and hollowed a small vase about 13 inches deep. Because of the laser and the super high quality steady rest this is the thinnest vase I have ever made!"

Jonathan Leggett

Chesterfield , VA United States

"This is a super hollowing system. If you want the very best experience hollowing then this is the only system. Keith has engineered and produced a system that when used properly is nearly vibration free. When you plan on spending the day or week hollowing, you may as well enjoy it!"

Randy Anderson

Memphis, TN United States

"I have your standard rest built for a 16" lathe and recently moved up to a Laguna 24" lathe. The Clark Steady Rest Booster allows me to continue to use my existing steady rest on this larger lathe and still use it on a smaller machine without the Booster if needed."

Mike Nicholson

Houston, TX United States

"These tools are next level!"

Randy Anderson

Memphis, TN United States

"The new Clark Steady Rest Booster is a very solid mount and easy to use. Great solution and protects the investment I made in your steady rest."

Tools / Accessories

Steady Rest Booster