Travelling stay (left) and fixed stay, serial number 1253
Above: the type provided as standard with most B series lathes, the disk is fitted with wire gauge holes which can be rotated into place.
Fixed and Travelling stays.
On the left are the two stay's or to use the more modern term "steadies" which were provided with my B2, the one with the circular aperture is intended to be fitted to the round saddle and support the work in front of the tool. A travelling stay was a standard accessory included with almost every Pittler lathe
According to Pittlers catalogues this type of travelling stay is listed as usually being supplied for the larger C3 lathe although once again this one differs from the catalogue picture even though it was factory fitted and is numbered 1253.
The fixed stay was bolted directly to the bed and didn't move, It can also support thin lengths of work held between centres but also hold the opposite end of a long workpiece held in the chuck so that the end can be machined. It was listed as an extra cost and this one was clearly factory fitted as it bears the same serial number 1253.
A rare uncatalogued type of travelling stay is shown below left and fitted to the saddle ring on the photo above.
Without doubt it is made for the Pittler B2, possibly a special order or experimental piece. It is made from high quality hardened and polished steel.