Shopsmith Forums

What am I doing wrong? Is the tailstock pin supposed to turn too?

DrTomServo wrote:What am I doing wrong? Is the tailstock pin supposed to turn too?

There are two types. A dead center that does not turn and a live center that has a bearing in it and does turn. The center that comes with a SS is a dead center. You will get some burning. Wax or paraffin will help. Also don't tighten the piece between the centers too tight. Best solution is to get a live center. They are on eBay all the time or you can get a new one from the mother ship.

I turned spindles for years while using a dead center.

My first turning looked just like yours! Smokey isn't it?

I used beeswax to rub down the wood and the dead center. Have not had any burning since but there is usually a little wax melted into the wood. If there is a little extra length to the spindle, this is no problem and can be sawn away.

Concerning pressure from the quill: You need enough to keep the drive center in the wood and the tail center must make GOOD contact.

Nice timing! Lathe accessories are the current special.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/specials/7DU783.htm

Mike