Did I Do the Right Thing?: Live Center

[Frank Ford]

I don't see anything in the item description that specifies that this is a spring loaded live center. Live centers should not be spring loaded. The spring would negate the effect of the center and cause it to push back.

You can use a good heavy live center for knurling.

Maybe not in that description but it is spring loaded. I use a similar one by Concentric, and it's dandy - makes up for heat expansion of the workpiece.

 

[george wilson]

I have a compact little Royal spring loaded #2 Morse taper center that I use a lot on my HLVH lathe for small work. But,it is not the type center for resisting much of a sideways load,like in knurling. It has a slender CNC type center in it that gives more room to get a turning tool all the way to the end of the work. It also slightly increases the distance between centers on my HLVH,which is not a very long lathe.

 

[Splat]

Thanks guys. So I should only use the spring live center on small diameter parts? Darn. I thought it would be a perfect do-all live center but it sounds like I should get a "regular" live center afterall.

 

[Cactus Farmer]

It has been mentioned previously about oil on a dead center. I always use white lead (Oh,horror, it's poison!). It's what the old timers used before live centers were common. I know it's no longer available at stores but I have found a lifetime supply at flea markets and yard sales.
Even if it's hard as flint it can be softened with a little solvent. It was usually made with linseed oil I hear. Any paint solvent seems to work well if given time to work. The normal precautions apply about WL, no eating and wash your hands after being exposed. I do this anyway, the dark sulfur cutting oil is NOT a condiment in my house. YMMV

 

[darkzero]

Darn. I thought it would be a perfect do-all live center but it sounds like I should get a "regular" live center afterall.

Unfortunately there's no such thing. I would definitely consider a medium to heavy duty center & later on if needed an extended nose live center as well as a bull nose (bull nose not so much depending on your needs).

 

[george wilson]

The spring loaded center is not necessarily relegated to very small parts,but should not be used with heavier parts either. It requires a little common sense is all. The tip is spring loaded,and you must recon with how large a load it can sustain without retracting the tip. And,take light cuts.