Looking for a live center like George's

[thewishman]

Reading the library article, "Crafting a Fountain Pen Grip Section" and I want to find a live center like the one George uses (he doesn't have a PM address, or I would have used it.) He mentions that he cut his down.

I found this:

Medium Duty Extended Nose Live Center ZLC L03002-MT2

The stats show it is .94" where it meets the larger diameter of the body, so your tool rest could get up to 1/2" from the center, and the nose is 1.65".

Am I missing anything important, or does this sound like a good substitute?

 

[edstreet]

https://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=1592&category=

https://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=1189&category=

 

[mredburn]

ON SALE!- LIVE CENTER SET,MT2,7 TIPS, LATHE, MACHINIST | eBay

 

[lorbay]

I think I read somewhere that he made or altered this one him self. If you have a oneway style live centre it's real easy to make your own. I have made several different ones for mine.

Lin.

 

[Katya]

Hmm Mike-
Why is your suggestion a better one? I'm looking into tbc and have been wanting a live centre.. would I really need all these other accessories for doing advanced pen making?

I'd like to know what you think about tbc and live centres..
many thanks
Catherine

 

[edstreet]

I do TBC, never use a mandrel. Currently I am using the one I posted but any of these will work good for that.

 

[brownsfn2]

If you order from zlivecenter let us know how they are. I almost ordered from them but got a look a like from Grizzly instead. Would love to know if they offer a good product.

 

[thewishman]

Thanks for the links. I didn't explain myself as clearly as I thought I had. I have a couple of nice live centers and am looking for one that will allow my tool rest to get close to my work for really small pieces. Mike, your linked tool looks good.

 

[mredburn]

I personally use an mt2 long nose live center for most my work
NEW MT2 LONG NOSE LIVE CENTER MORSE TAPER#2 TRIPLE BEARING WATER PROOF FOR LATHE | eBay

 

[Mike of the North]

You could use one of these.
Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Machinery, Tools and Shop Supplies
or one like this it is called a CNC center.
Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Machinery, Tools and Shop Supplies
Search for CNC live center and you may find more options.

 

[airborne_r6]

I personally use an mt2 long nose live center for most my work
NEW MT2 LONG NOSE LIVE CENTER MORSE TAPER#2 TRIPLE BEARING WATER PROOF FOR LATHE | eBay

This is the exact same center from the exact same seller as the one linked in the op, except when you calculate shipping in at both sites it is $10 more expensive buying through ebay than direct from the seller.

 

[Haynie]

Wayne, I have noticed that on several items. I think people go straight to ebay imagining it is going to be a better deal, without looking for the original seller. Happens a lot with Camera accessories.

 

[jasontg99]

This is the one I use. It is ridiculously smooth and quiet. MT2 live center [MT2LC-SBG] - $64.00 : Penturners Products!

Jason

 

[Lenny]

For getting close to your work, when TBC, nothing beats the custom tool rest made by Rick Herrell. (IAP member: rherrell)

 

[InvisibleMan]

For getting close to your work, when TBC, nothing beats the custom tool rest made by Rick Herrell. (IAP member: rherrell)

Yep. A good live center (any of those posted look good to me) and a short tool rest from Rick any you're all set.

 

[edstreet]

I have been considering the short rest he makes but I also need a bowl rest as well.

 

[PTsideshow]

I just got this set from WC on sale. NOVA LIVE CENTRE SYSTEM
It comes with a Miniature Extension Centre This item is designed to support thin work or small, delicate turnings.
The diameter of the stem is 1/4" so this centre can double as a 1/4" pen mandrel.
:clown:

 

[watch_art]

speed

I see a lot of these for sale are rated to 3000 rpms or so. Haven't seen any for 4000 which is what my Delta can turn. Are there any rated to that speed?

 

[wizard]

I use this for really close work on sections:

H7962 Precision Long Nose Live Center - MT2

along with a 2" long tool rest from John Goodin (johnnycnc)

 

[alamocdc]

I have one like this, Chris.

Medium Duty Live Center ZLC 03002-MT2 - Z Live Center

But I think it cost me more than that from Little Machine Shop.

 

[thewishman]

Thanks for the advice. I got this one today:

CNC Precision Long Spindle Live Center ZLC S07002-MT2