About Schmidt Tool & Mfg

Used Schmidt Tool & Mfg. Steady Rests for Sale

Resell CNC is your Simple. Reliable. and Trusted.® source for used Schmidt Tool & Manufacturing R.I.P. steady rests — including full-wrap lathe steady rests, pass-thru heavy-duty steady rests, mill steady rests for vertical machining centers, single-adjust steady rests, swivel-top steady rests, and custom-engineered workholding fixtures. We carry Schmidt Tool models across the full R.I.P. product line, from Series 100 full-wrap and Series 200 pass-thru lathe steady rests through Series 300 mill steadies, Series 400 single-adjust units, and Series 500 swivel-top models. Note: Schmidt Tool & Mfg. of Willis, Texas is not affiliated with SCHMIDT Technology of Germany (assembly presses) or any other similarly named company.

Schmidt Tool & Manufacturing Co., LLC was founded in 1981 by Bill and Gloria Schmidt in Willis, Texas (north of Houston, near Lake Conroe). The company began as a general tool and die, CNC machining, wire EDM, and metal stamping job shop. In 2004, after experiencing a nine-month wait time when trying to purchase a manual steady rest for a new CNC slant bed lathe, the Schmidt family began designing and building their own steady rests. That effort produced the R.I.P. (Rest in Piece) product line, which quickly grew into the company's flagship offering. Today, Schmidt Tool & Mfg. sells steady rests to major machine tool manufacturers and dealers across the United States and internationally. The company remains family-owned and operated, now in its second generation with James Schmidt as Vice President, and manufactures 100% in the USA at its Willis, Texas facility.

Looking to sell your Schmidt Tool steady rest? Resell CNC buys used Schmidt R.I.P. steady rests nationwide: any series, any size, any condition. Free appraisal within 24 hours, competitive offers, and simple logistics. Call (844) 478-8181 or email sales@resellcnc.com.

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Schmidt Tool R.I.P. Lathe Steady Rests

Schmidt Tool's R.I.P. (Rest in Piece) steady rests are manually adjusted workholding accessories designed to support long or slender workpieces during CNC and manual lathe operations. Every unit is fabricated from A-36 steel plate (Blanchard ground), with 4140 tool steel threaded shafts, bronze adjustment nuts, high-load relubricatable roller bearings, and black-oxide corrosion protection. Each steady rest is custom-built to mount on the buyer's specific lathe model, with mount kits engineered for machines from all major CNC lathe manufacturers. Units ship complete with a heavy-duty roll-around storage cart, dust cover, adjustment wrench, and grease.

Schmidt Tool R.I.P. Mill Steady Rests & Custom Workholding

The Series 300 R.I.P. mill steady rests mount directly on vertical machining center tables to support long workpieces during milling operations. Each unit is custom-built to the buyer's VMC table dimensions and workpiece requirements, with clamping ranges from 1 inch through 24 inches. Schmidt Tool also designs and builds custom workholding fixtures for non-standard machine configurations and unusual workpiece geometries. All products are manufactured at the company's Willis, Texas facility.


Founded	1981, Willis, Texas, USA
Headquarters	13967 FM 1097 Road West, Willis, TX 77318
Manufacturing	100% made in USA, family-owned & operated
Best Known For	R.I.P. (Rest in Piece) manual steady rests for CNC and manual lathes
Popular Models	RIP-109, RIP-112, RIP-212, RIP-216, RIP-312, RIP-409, RIP-412
Product Series	Series 100 (Full-Wrap), 200 (Pass-Thru), 300 (Mill), 400 (Single-Adjust), 500 (Swivel-Top)
Industries Served	Job shops, oil & gas, defense, aerospace, heavy equipment, general precision machining

What to Look for When Buying a Used Schmidt Tool R.I.P. Steady Rest

Schmidt Tool steady rests are built from heavy steel plate with hardened components designed for long service life. Used units often retain excellent functionality, but several inspection points determine value and compatibility.

Verify the original machine fitment. Every Schmidt R.I.P. steady rest is custom-built with a mount kit for one specific lathe or mill model (for example, Doosan Puma 700L, Okuma LB45, Mazak Quick Turn, Haas ST series). The mount plate dimensions and bed way profile are unique to the original machine. A used unit with documented fitment to a common CNC lathe commands a significant premium over one with unknown fitment. Schmidt Tool maintains build records by serial number for cross-referencing.

Inspect the roller bearings and adjustment mechanism. Check all three roller bearings for smooth rotation, play, and surface condition. Bearings that feel rough, exhibit flat spots, or show visible wear on the contact surfaces should be replaced. Test the threaded adjustment shafts for smooth travel across the full range. Verify the bronze adjustment nuts for wear. Schmidt supplies replacement roller cartridges, so worn bearings are a serviceable item rather than a deal-breaker.

Check the body and hinge mechanism for damage. On Series 100 full-wrap models, the top half hinges open for workpiece loading. Verify the hinge pins for wear and confirm the top closes with positive alignment. On Series 200 pass-thru models, the upper section removes completely. On Series 400 single-adjust models, test the single-handle mechanism that brings all three rollers to center simultaneously. On Series 500 swivel-top models, verify the swivel arm locks securely in the closed position.

Confirm the clamping range matches your workpiece. The model number indicates the maximum diameter in inches (RIP-109 handles 1 to 9 inches, RIP-212 handles 0.5 to 12 inches, RIP-409 handles 1 to 9 inches). Verify the unit's range covers your workpiece diameters. Larger models (RIP-216, RIP-324, RIP-426) serve bigger workpieces but are heavier and may not fit smaller lathes.

Schmidt Tool R.I.P. Series 100 (Full-Wrap)

The Series 100 is Schmidt Tool's original full-wrap steady rest design. The top half hinges open for workpiece loading and locks closed for operation. Models include the RIP-105 (1 to 5 inch range), RIP-109 (1 to 9 inches, 2,000 lb capacity), and RIP-112 (larger diameter range). Series 100 units fit slant bed CNC lathes, flatbed CNC lathes, manual engine lathes, and VMCs with 4th-axis rotary tables. This is the most common Schmidt model on the used market.

Schmidt Tool R.I.P. Series 200 (Pass-Thru)

The Series 200 pass-thru steady rest is a heavy-duty design where the upper section removes completely, allowing the workpiece to pass through during loading. Models include the RIP-212 (0.5 to 12 inches, 5,000 lb capacity, 328 lb unit weight) and RIP-216 (larger range). Series 200 units are designed for extreme machining conditions, tight-tolerance work, and long-shaft turning operations where maximum rigidity is required.

Schmidt Tool R.I.P. Series 300 (Mill Steady)

The Series 300 mill steady rests mount on VMC tables to support long workpieces during milling operations. Each unit is custom-built per machine. Models range from the RIP-306 (1 to 6 inches) through RIP-324 (5 to 24 inches), with intermediate sizes including RIP-309, RIP-312, RIP-314, RIP-316, RIP-318, and RIP-320. The three-roller design centers and supports the workpiece while the VMC spindle machines from above.

Schmidt Tool R.I.P. Series 400 & 500

The Series 400 single-adjust steady rest features a unique one-handle mechanism: a single turn of the handle brings all three rollers in to center the workpiece simultaneously, dramatically reducing setup time. Models include the RIP-409 (1 to 9 inches), RIP-412 (2 to 12 inches), RIP-415 (6 to 15 inches), and RIP-426 (12 to 26 inches). The Series 500 swivel-top design combines features of full-wrap and pass-thru styles. The top swivels out of the way for workpiece loading rather than hinging open, providing safer operator access on both flatbed and slant bed lathes.

How to Sell Your Used Schmidt Tool Steady Rest

Schmidt Tool R.I.P. steady rests hold strong resale value as American-made, heavy-duty workholding accessories. Series 100 and 200 lathe steady rests are in consistent demand, particularly units with documented fitment to popular CNC lathe models.

Resell CNC buys used Schmidt Tool steady rests: every series, any size, nationwide.

Contact us — call (844) 478-8181 or email sales@resellcnc.com.
Free appraisal within 24 hours, no obligation.
Accept the offer — we handle pickup and logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Used Schmidt Tool Steady Rests

Is Schmidt Tool & Mfg. the same as SCHMIDT Technology?

No. Schmidt Tool & Manufacturing Co., LLC of Willis, Texas manufactures R.I.P. manual steady rests for CNC and manual lathes. SCHMIDT Technology GmbH of St. Georgen, Germany manufactures pneumatic, toggle, and servo assembly presses. They are completely separate companies with no corporate relationship.

Will a used Schmidt steady rest fit my lathe?

Every Schmidt R.I.P. steady rest is built with a custom mount kit for one specific lathe model. Before purchasing a used unit, confirm the original machine fitment matches your lathe's bed way profile, cross-slide height, and mounting dimensions. Schmidt Tool maintains build records by serial number and can confirm fitment for any unit.

Are used Schmidt Tool steady rests reliable?

Yes. Schmidt steady rests are fabricated from A-36 steel plate (Blanchard ground) with 4140 tool steel shafts, bronze adjustment nuts, and hardened roller bearings. The heavy all-steel construction provides decades of service life. Worn roller bearings are the primary maintenance item and are available as replacement cartridges directly from Schmidt Tool.

What Schmidt models hold their value best?

RIP-109 and RIP-112 (Series 100) and RIP-212 (Series 200) hold the strongest resale values because they fit the most common 8 to 12 inch class CNC lathes. Units with documented fitment to popular platforms such as Doosan Puma, Okuma LB, Mazak Quick Turn, and Haas ST command premiums. Call (844) 478-8181 for current valuations.

How do I sell my used Schmidt Tool steady rest?

Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy every Schmidt R.I.P. model from Series 100 through Series 500, plus custom units. Any condition, nationwide. Free appraisal within 24 hours.