I always admired John's idea for an improved head steady and finally got around to making one myself according to John's design. $5.00 in materials (with a lot of left-over steel strap) and a bit of labor and it was done. Even though my father was a refrigeration contractor and pipe-fitter, I never became a good welder, in fact, right now I'd say I'm a lousy welder using a lousy welder ("it's a poor workman who blames his tools"). No way was I going to let you guys see this thing before a lot a grinding followed by painting, and still its rough, but it's installed and fits well. In the picture it's sitting on a piece of the rubber gasket material I used to make the bush. It was a bit too thick, so thinned it down using an orbital sander. Not having a lathe, I bought the center tube from the local hardware store, really, about the perfect size, except I wanted a closer fit around the bolt, so I lined the sleeve with some shim material.
I am going to name this personal bodge "The CJ Special" (for Chaterlea John). I know it's not up to his quality of craft, but it takes all kinds.
Richard L.