machining a shaft

[brtlatjgt]

Probably a 100 ways, but when mfg. a shaft say 5 to 6 foot long how do most of you go about it? Is it best to do it all between centers with steady rest? Or do you rough it out more quickly by chucking on it and doing it in halves? Material wants to bow when going from larger o.d. down to smaller.
This particular shaft had a head of 3" od about 1 1/2" long and then turned down to 3/4" for remainder. Suggestions?

Thanks

[Mazaholic]

If your trying to make a shaft with a 5 foot turnback of 3/4 dia.
I'd say get a 5 foot 3/4 rod,weld it to a 3 1/4 dia piece of material..chuck on the 3/4 thru the chuck and turn the 3 1/4 part down to 3 " use a left handed tool to finish the weld.

[DareBee]

Yep weld the flanges on and machine them afterwards.

There are also too many variables that you have not covered in your post.

If it is a utility shaft not to be run over say 2-3000 RPM max just indicate it up true BOTH WAYS and it will be perfect.

If you need high RPM or other special requirements you need to decide accordingly.