Thread: Live centre sets

So far I have had no problems with my Nova Live Center.
The threaded insert is my favorite. Turn what ever size you need.
1<SUP>st</SUP> pic. What you need. A 5/16 t-nut, a 5/16 bolt, your wood.
2<SUP>nd</SUP> pic. Blank rough cut and bored. Head of the nut ground off to about the diameter the the T-nut shaft. Leave just enough that the bolt won’t go through.
3<SUP>rd</SUP> pic. Hammer into the blank. You will need a piece of pipe or something else to go around the bolt in order to not booger it up driving the T-nut in.
4<SUP>th</SUP> pic. Mount to the lathe and turn to your desired shape.
5<SUP>th</SUP> pic. Some of the centers I have made. The ones with the rubber balls are great for the necks of bud vases, ect.

You can also make a friction chuck with a t-nut to fit in your scroll chuck. If you need a friction chuck to finish turning the base, just use the same ones and screw them into the headstock chuck. Cover with foam or leather if necessary to protect the wood.
Mike

Just as a follow up, I finally bought a live centre set yesterday. Was all set to order the MultiStar set from the UK but had held off because of all the flight, and therefore airmail, disruptions due to the volcanic ash cloud.

Decide to pop in to The Woodsmith in Croydon yesterday and they had 2 of the Sorby sets in stock. Was quite impressed with the quality and range of inserts, and the price was a pleasant surprise as well. So I bought a set.

Will do a review on it once I get acquainted with it.