Tail stock removal

[firewhatfire]

I am pretty new to this turning thing(1 month) and seem to be having trouble getting the tail stock to dislodge with the rod. I usually knock out the small center and have to fight with the rest of it to get it out. What do you pro's do. Looking for any tip to make it easier.

Phil

 

[LarryDNJR]

What lathe do you have? When I need to remove the center on my Jet I loosen the locking arm and just crank the handwheel to bring everything back in and it helps to release the center I use.

 

[firewhatfire]

sorry it is a Rikon I picked up at Woodcrafters. I turn it all the way back and try to knock it out with the rod and I miss edge and knock the little center out.

 

[Dana Fish]

What lathe do you have? When I need to remove the center on my Jet I loosen the locking arm and just crank the handwheel to bring everything back in and it helps to release the center I use.

This is the same process I use on my Rikon. Works everytime.

 

[ldubia]

You may have to use more pressure to bring the ram further back in. If the part is lodged in the tailstock tightly, try hitting the handwheel handle with the heel of your hand or turn it really hard. It should knock the tool out of the morse taper.

 

[ed4copies]

Will a larger diameter dowel fit into the morse taper? If so, use a wooden dowel that just fits, then tap it with a mallet.

This will hit the outside diameter of your live center, putting the force on the correct part.

(Yes, I have had the problem you describe!!)

 

[wolftat]

sorry it is a Rikon I picked up at Woodcrafters. I turn it all the way back and try to knock it out with the rod and I miss edge and knock the little center out.

Sometimes the tool being used in the tailstock is too short to knock out using the handle method, just take a peice of hardwood and place it in between the tool and the tailstock and then crank it in. This should pop it out for you. I have also been know to use a flat skew but they can be sharp and dangerous.

 

[firewhatfire]

thanks for the info, will try some of this tomorrow and see what happens.

Phil

 

[nava1uni]

I have a Rikon and the live center and it can be backed out by using the handle. Turn it toward you all the way and the entire live center should just come out. Once you have it out clean out the morse taper with a rag wrapped around a dowel or a taper mate, they have them at Woodcraft. If it is sticking it may be due to dirt. Ed's idea of a dowel should work. Hit it with a mallet rather then a hammer, so you don't damage anything.
I have one live center that has a bolt that threads into it so you can know it out more easily. You could find a bolt that fits and keep it in the end for easy removal.