New to woodturning - need drive spur/live center

[caillan]

Hi all,

Just bought a lathe this weekend off marketplace (Vicmarc VL850) with a bunch of tools. Really excited to try my hand at a bit of turning, I'm mostly interested in spindle turning for table/chair legs and the like.

The lathe is in really good condition, however is missing a set of drive spurs/live center (otherwise complete). I have the original manual which gives the following specs:

Spindle: M30 x 3.5, MT2, hole dia. 13mm.
Quill: MT2, hole dia. 10.5mm

I'm looking online and see vicmarc make a bunch of MT2 drive spurs & live centers, but am at a bit of a loss as to which would be most suitable for my purposes, am hoping someone more knowledgable could give me some guidance on a good 'starter' set of drive/centers;

- Vicmarc make a 19mm supr drive as well as a "heavy duty" 25mm version - Is there a benefit to going with the 19mm (other than cost and I suppose being able to turn smaller diameter stock?). I've also seen various Steb centres which are being touted as an improvement to the spur drive.
- For live centers I can't decide between a cone or cup center, a quick search failed to turn up much in a way of comparison. Again, Vicmarc make these in heavy and light duty versions.

Any other suggestions, brands/suppliers to look out for are very welcome (I'm in Brisbane if anyone has a good local supplier). I'll be on the lookout for some classes before I get stuck in by myself, so if you know of a good school/instructor let me know!

Cheers!

[doragus]

Have a look at the selection here Woodlathe Drives & Live Centres - Woodturning (https://mcjing.com.au/woodturning/woodlathe-drive-live-centre.html) They are Chinese-made but I've found the quality OK and you can probably afford to try a few at the price. They mail so no prob with your location. For live centre I tend to mostly use the 60 degree cone centre and I have a cheap Chinese live centre set with various "points" that has a longish point that is particularly handy for when you need to work close to the centre. My usual drive centre is four prong about 25mm dia. but I like to use a chuck whenever I can. If I were you I'd buy the cheaper centres and spend the money on a scroll chuck that will set you back $150+.

[Mobyturns]

Seek out Stuart Batty's Seven Fundamentals videos on Viemo as they will give you an excellent grounding on the basics of wood turning. Stuart's father Alan also has a couple of great videos on spindle turning and using the skew.

Tenons Part 2 on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/69018287)
The Skew Chisel with Allan Batty - Full Length Video Video | Craft Supplies USA (https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/Video/123)

You have a couple of good suppliers in Brisbane & the Gold Coast. SE QLD Woodworking Supplies - Woodworking Supplies S/E QLD - About us (http://www.woodworkingsuppliesqld.com.au/) etc

Tuition, its had to find better than Rob McKee. ABOUT – RM SCHOOL OF WOODWORKING PTY LTD. (http://www.rmschoolofwoodworking.net.au/about/)

[Pat]

You could always buy Vicmarc centers . . .

Personally, I use the steb centres, as I find catches to be less interesting and the work holding to be better. I know that they are expensive, but after 15 years of turning, buying quality hurts once and makes turning fun for years.

[smiife]

I agree with pat , buy Vicmarc, buy Aussie....

[artful bodger]

I agree with Pat and Smife.
Support Aussie, buy quality, leave rubbish alone.

[Bauldy]

I really like my Steb centres, I have a couple of sizes.
I do agree that they are expensive and if funds are limited, a scroll chuck is also important and you could get by with a cheaper drive.

You have bought a quality lathe so it does seem sensible to use quality attachments if you can.

Regards

Bauldy

[caillan]

Thanks to everyone for your replies, the consensus seems to be that a scroll chuck is where it's at. I wouldn't say cost is the driving factor for me, definitely agree with the above sentiments about buying quality parts.

It's been really helpful hearing all your feedback, I think I've got an idea of what direction I'm heading now.. I'll pick up a scroll chuck (either VM100 or VM120), steb centre and maybe a set of live centres from Vermec.

[warrick]

Glad to see there is another VL850 owner out there, I have had one for about 12 years and upgraded it to variable speed. It does have it's limitations but does everything that I need. I use a VW120 and a smaller timbecon special for chucks. I also have some steb centres as well as the four prong centres. Good luck with your new purchase.
Here is the post about my upgrade
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/vicmarc-vl850-upgrade-223466

Rick

[caillan]

Glad to see there is another VL850 owner out there, I have had one for about 12 years and upgraded it to variable speed. It does have it's limitations but does everything that I need. I use a VW120 and a smaller timbecon special for chucks. I also have some steb centres as well as the four prong centres. Good luck with your new purchase.
Here is the post about my upgrade
Vicmarc VL850 upgrade (https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/vicmarc-vl850-upgrade-223466)

Rick

Thanks Rick! I came across your upgrade when I was doing some research after buying the lathe. Definitely interested in upgrading to a VFD down the line, but for now gotta learn how to use the dang thing! :D

Cheers,
Caillan