Shopsmith Forums

Do lathe drive centers wear out and not grip, or am I not mounting it correctly?

Are you cutting a "cross" in the driven end? I like to use the band saw to cut a crossing set of kerfs so the drive center has something to grip. Just make sure they are centered ....

You have imbed the prongs on the drive center all the way as far as they will go. The band saw method as Dick describes works well or if you don't have a band saw pound the drive in with a mallet to get the pattern and use a chisel to deepen them. Also if the piece is greater than three inches in diameter consider using a faceplate.
Paul

I do have a bandsaw and will try the trick that was described. I'll get a photo of the drive center to further the discussion.

Thanks.

I cut an X on the end of the stock with a hand saw, and then drill a tiny hole in the center of the X so it seats all the way into the cut grooves.
The harder the wood, the more it matters.

Gary
The hole in the center of the X is required in harder woods. If you drive the center pin without drilling the hole you will most likely split the stock especially if it is a small diameter
Bill V