Lathe question: Should I use a live or dead center for turning spindles?
I have an old craftsman lathe. This center would be going into the tailstock side. I kinda feel like I need a live center. But I seem to remember that my school’s lathe had a tailstock center with the four teeth on it, and I cant find a live center with four teeth. Am I missing something? Thanks all.
Geez, without seeing your lathe…
I made some candle holders back in shop class. (Years ago; back when mastodons roamed the Earth).
I seem to remember that your live center only needs the teeth on large spin stock. You could use a live center w/a chuck smaller items.
So, facing your lathe, with the drive/motor on the left… you need the teeth driven into the center of your spin stock, on the left, as this keeps it from slipping when you start using your awl/ chipper to work the wood.
On the right side, end; you only need an idler point in the center.
A dead center would possibly get too hot from friction and start a fire like a Boy Scout.
I "googled" the link below. Click on it or Paste it into your browser. It is on Amazon.com
It may help your live center problem… this page shows a center with four teeth.
Good Luck!
July 13th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Geez, without seeing your lathe…
I made some candle holders back in shop class. (Years ago; back when mastodons roamed the Earth).
I seem to remember that your live center only needs the teeth on large spin stock. You could use a live center w/a chuck smaller items.
So, facing your lathe, with the drive/motor on the left… you need the teeth driven into the center of your spin stock, on the left, as this keeps it from slipping when you start using your awl/ chipper to work the wood.
On the right side, end; you only need an idler point in the center.
A dead center would possibly get too hot from friction and start a fire like a Boy Scout.
I "googled" the link below. Click on it or Paste it into your browser. It is on Amazon.com
It may help your live center problem… this page shows a center with four teeth.
Good Luck!
References :
http://www.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-LCENT4-Piece-Center/dp/B000KIECPG