Thread: Live centre systems?

I have been using the Oneway center set for 5 years on the 350mm sing Hegner and the 20 inch swing Woodfast. It is a well made set and takes big out of balance bowl chunks in stride. Nicely made, finished, and strong.

I bought a barely used Nova set from a turning school last year for $40, definitely worth that. I have used it a little, bearings seem to be good, lots of variations of centers. Sometimes a bit sticky to knock apart. The finish is a slightly grainy black oxide.

I do like the steel cone for making big ferrules from copper or steel tubing. It is not eaten up like the aluminum one on the Oneway set.

Vermec make a very good system http://vermec.tripod.com/PDFs/Live_Centres.pdf. (No connection just a very satisfied user of their HQ tools.)

I like the suggestions of several of those that have posted. You can make your own live centres with 3 bearings for under $15.00. All it takes is a bit of elbow grease and a few parts from your plumbing store.

I start off with a MT with a 1/2 x 20 TPI stud. Most drill chucks come with one of these. Pick up a 1/2" pipe coupling and a 1/2 to 3/8 reducer.
Guess what the thread is in the 3/8 pipe end of the reducer. Yes, it's 1/2 x 20 TPI. Yes, it's a pipe thread but all you need to do is run your 1/2" tap into it and the taper is gone. Thread this onto your MT and then thread it into your coupling.

Bore the coupling out to hold your bearings. If you use a R6 bearing, it's 7/8" OD and 3/8" ID. add 2.5" of 3/8 shaft, press it all together and you are set.
Because we all turn wood, you now can make what ever type of centre you like, bore a 3/8 hole in it and press it onto your live centre shaft.

If you need more detail, let me know, I will post the whole thing on my site.

I have had the original Nova live centre system for twenty or so years. Great quality and no complaints.

One good thing is the inserts are #2 morse taper so you can add bits to it.

I took the hacksaw to a steb drive centre and now I have a steb live centre.

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Originally Posted by BamBam53

I took the hacksaw to a steb drive centre and now I have a steb live centre.

Or you can buy a Live Steb Centre.


Peter.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

Or you can buy a Live Steb Centre.

Peter.

Peter, I was originally going to buy a live steb centre. One at the guys at the club has one but the bearings are starting to go after only twelve months.

I was a bit concerned about the quality, so I decided to adapt a drive centre to fit the old Nova.

Michael