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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    QLD
    Posts
    54

    Default New to woodturning - need drive spur/live center

    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!

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    Lke Macquarie NSW
    Age
    76
    Posts
    134

    Default

    Have a look at the selection here Woodlathe Drives & Live Centres - Woodturning 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+.

  4. #3
    Mobyturns's Avatar
    Mobyturns is offline In An Instant Your Life Can Change Forever
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
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    "Brownsville" Nth QLD
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    Default

    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
    The Skew Chisel with Allan Batty - Full Length Video Video | Craft Supplies USA

    You have a couple of good suppliers in Brisbane & the Gold Coast. SE QLD Woodworking Supplies - Woodworking Supplies S/E QLD - About us etc

    Tuition, its had to find better than Rob McKee. ABOUT – RM SCHOOL OF WOODWORKING PTY LTD.
    Mobyturns

    In An Instant Your Life CanChange Forever

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Towradgi
    Posts
    4,835

    Default

    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.
    Pat
    Work is a necessary evil to be avoided. Mark Twain

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    armidale.nsw.australia
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    I agree with pat , buy Vicmarc, buy Aussie....
    Cheers smiife

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Tasmaniac
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    Default

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

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Rosslyn Park, Adelaide
    Posts
    182

    Default

    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

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    QLD
    Posts
    54

    Default

    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.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Glen Forrest, Western Australia
    Age
    62
    Posts
    531

    Default

    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

    Rick

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    QLD
    Posts
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by warrick View Post
    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

    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!

    Cheers,
    Caillan

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