TURNING BETWEEN CENTERS

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JOEHILL7

Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
61
Location
HENDERSON, NV
I have read many posts re: turning between centers, but no info as what you need to do this or where to purchase needed equipment. As I turn only using a mandrel. What will I need?
drive ctr.. where to buy and type?
bushings? ect?
Thanks for any help
Joe
 

NewLondon88

Local Chapter Leader
Joined
May 15, 2008
Messages
5,077
Location
Claremont NH
Your lathe might have come with a live center. This is a cone that will
freely rotate. You'll also need a dead center ,which is a cone that will
NOT rotate. The dead center is your drive center. Your usual bushings
might work, but it is better to get a set made for this, as they are
usually chamfered to match the angle of the live and dead center
so you don't get movement. Some members in this forum make them
and offer them for sale.

You'll need the centers to have the same morse taper as your
lathe. Most mini lathes use a #2 taper, some use a #1. Larger lathes
might use a #3 morse taper.

There are some members here who sell them and most tool suppliers
will have them. I usually try to buy here first.
 
Joined
Oct 18, 2008
Messages
274
Location
San Antonio, TX, USA
I have read many posts re: turning between centers, but no info as what you need to do this or where to purchase needed equipment. As I turn only using a mandrel. What will I need?
drive ctr.. where to buy and type?
bushings? ect?
Thanks for any help
Joe

Joe,
I am in a similar situation to yours. I am looking to begin turning between centers as well.

I ordered a drive center and live center from John, he has been very helpful. These are the centers mentioned above. Here is the link to his sale: http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=37595

John used to make bushings will be making bushings designed for turning between centers again sometime in the future, and I hear they are very good to work with. Until he begins making them again you can use the bushings you already have for every kit (Jr. Gent, Cigar, ect.) with the exception of a slimline pen. For slimlines you need the custom bushings I mentioned above.

I hope that helped a bit,
Good luck
 
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