Tailstock Center

rwm

rwm

Robert
H-M Lifetime Diamond Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Messages
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Why do some tailstock centers have an asymmetric grind like this:
1692721566811.png

It is typically seen with tailstocks for rotary tables. I don't see the advantage over a regular center like you would see on a lathe?
 
Well there you have it. I never thought about that! Thanks!
 
So, do you position the clearance ground side up/toward the cutting tool?
That would make sense to me. But every time I see an image of these, they have the clearance side downward toward the table (Like the above pic).
Any reason they're always shown like that?
 
Mill Lee farm said:
So, do you position the clearance ground side up/toward the cutting tool?
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Yes ! The cut away always to the cutter .As long as the center is ground less than half way thru it will center the piece . Any more than half way it won't center and the part can flex away from the cutter whatever it may be . Think of a shaft in a hole . If you grind half the shaft away it can move . Less than half way thru the shaft is still locked in the hole . ;)
 
Asm109 said:
You would right after you bury your cutter into the center. Not that I would know anything about that. No not me.
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No , me either ! :grin: These centers are ideal for cylindrical grinders as the wheel must come completely off the tailstock end of the piece . When grinding large shafts the wheel will break down on each side . It may only be a tenth or 2 , but when you're tolerance is +.0002 / -.0000 it matters !
 
I'd like to think that someone came up with the idea before they inadvertently modified their center.....

I have one of these but haven't needed to use it yet. I've found that rotating my QCTP gives me the clearance I need. So far: but having it in my back pocket is a good thing. One thing I've wondered about w/regard to it is lubrication. Seems to me that the lube would go away pretty fast.
 
We had tubes of " center saver " .
 
I have a similar tailstock that I got with a 8" Vertex rotary table. It has slots where the bolts go through and the center is concentric ground. One thing I am thinking of modifying on is to add a screw jacking system to help get the center at the correct height and parallel to the base. Not sure if anyone has done such a thing.
 
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