Best Live Center

[commercialbuilder]

My live center is starting to get hot during use, I have tried to oil it but it did not help. I would like to buy a really good one but not sure who makes or sells them. Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Mike
PS how do you make the header bold, I can never get it look like the other postings.

 

[Ed McDonnell]

The "best" live center for you will depend on what you want to do with it.

For pen making, a simple 60 degree live center would be a better choice. I find the south bend light duty 60 degree centers to offer the best mix of value / performance for me.

For more general turning, a more versatile live center would be a better choice. Something like the Oneway live center which has multiple attachments. I've turned 600 pound columns and 0.5 oz christmas ornaments with mine.

Ed

 

[bgio13]

Bought this one http://penturnersproducts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=3 from johnnycnc at penturnersproducts.com and have been very happy with it. Hope this helps.

Bill

 

[kovalcik]

If you do pens only, I bought a 60 degree live center at woodcraft. I think it was ~$20 but that was a few years ago. If you do boxes, bowls, and other turnings take a look at the oneway live center system (~$130). I have the Jet version and find it very versatile, especially the bull nose cone. I have also seen good reviews on the Nova live center which is a bit cheaper.

 

[The Penguin]

I understand the "Jet version" of the Oneway center is made by Oneway for Jet.

I could have been told wrong.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

I understand the "Jet version" of the Oneway center is made by Oneway for Jet. I could have been told wrong.

I don't think its available anymore though, is it? I haven't seen it anyway.

 

[commercialbuilder]

Thanks for the all the reply, I ordered the south bend from amazon so I will be giving that a try.
Mike

 

[The Penguin]

I understand the "Jet version" of the Oneway center is made by Oneway for Jet. I could have been told wrong.

I don't think its available anymore though, is it? I haven't seen it anyway.

shell out $4K for a new powermatic lathe, and they throw in a free one!

:tongue:

 

[Dan Masshardt]

shell out $4K for a new powermatic lathe, and they throw in a free one! :tongue:

How generous.

 

[kovalcik]

I understand the "Jet version" of the Oneway center is made by Oneway for Jet. I could have been told wrong.

I don't think its available anymore though, is it? I haven't seen it anyway.

The 1642 comes with the "Jet" version, but it is not sold separately. Not sure who makes it.

 

[Wood Butcher]

The Little Machine Shop in Pasadena, CA has a good one and the price and service are relly good. JMHO
WB

 

[wolftat]

My live center has a screw that i remove and pack with bearing grease, may want to check yours for this.

 

[southernclay]

http://www.busybeetools.com/products/LATHE-CENTRE-MT2-CARBIDE-TIP.html

Carbide Dead Center ZLC03016A-MT2


Could these be fine to use as both dead and live centers? Both 60 degrees and carbide tipped

 

[Dalepenkala]

LATHE CENTRE MT2 CARBIDE TIP - Busy Bee Tools

Carbide Dead Center ZLC03016A-MT2


Could these be fine to use as both dead and live centers? Both 60 degrees and carbide tipped

You could use it in your headstock but not your tailstock. Your headstock turns but your tailstock is dead or stationary.

 

[BayouPenturner]

I brought my new 1642 home today and the lice center that came with the lathe looks a lot like my oneway.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

I brought my new 1642 home today and the lice center that came with the lathe looks a lot like my oneway.

. That's because oneway makes it. That's my understanding anyway.