turning with out a mandrill

[aggromere]

What do you use in the headstock of the lathe to hold the bushing when you turn with out a mandrill. I have a 60 degree live center in the tail stock that I got from johnny cnc. (it's a great product, get one). I tried putting a live center in each end but you end up going very very slow at taking off wood or the blank with stop spinning.

 

[ldb2000]

You need a "Dead Center" . It's a solid metal bar with a 60 degree cone shape and a MT taper on the other end . Like this .

Dead Center like the one I purchased from Landfilllumber here in the classifieds ,
Johnny CNC also sells them

 

[penhead]

This thread should help:

http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7319&highlight=mandrelless+turning

 

[mostangrypirate]

I have a dead center MT#2 drill chuck that can hold some of my bushings until I can get a 60 dead center. it works.

 

[ldb2000]

Guys , Dead centers are NOT expensive . Victor (Landfill lumber) sells the HSS version for $7.00 and JohnnyCNC sells the carbide tipped ones for $13.50 . There is no reason to make due with anything else . Sorry to say Paul , that most drill chucks have as much runout as a slightly bent mandrel .

 

[johnnycnc]

Hi Peter,
what JohnP and butch said! dead center.
You can email me any time if you have questions about this,
no problem.

 

[bassfishingpro]

how do I get a 60 degree Dead Center?

how do I get a 60 degree Dead Center? I have looked up the names listed and didn't see them. any help would be appreciated

John

 

[BLLEHMAN]

Go to www.penturnersproducts.com and get the carbide tipped one, its worth the couple of extra bucks