Question on spur drive center

rdavidp · Post by **rdavidp** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 10:49 am

I have tried to search, but have not had any luck in finding my answer to the following question. What is the largest size diameter spindle that can safely be turned on the Shopsmith standard 4 spur drive center? I am using a live center on the tail stock.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 10:55 am

rdavidp wrote:I have tried to search, but have not had any luck in finding my answer to the following question. What is the largest size diameter spindle that can safely be turned on the Shopsmith standard 4 spur drive center? I am using a live center on the tail stock.

Anything that does not slip!;)

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 11:03 am

[quote="JPG40504"]Anything that does not slip!]

I'll add sixteen inches in diameter.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 11:05 am

What JPG and Bob said. I have turned 14 inches with the spur drive.

rdavidp · Post by **rdavidp** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 10:18 am

Wow, so as long as the spur drive center is in the wood properly and a live center in the tailstock, the spur center will turn anything that can fit on the Shopsmith. I would imagine that a long and wide spindle would be a very "interesting" turning experience none the less.

rpd · Post by **rpd** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 11:25 am

rdavidp wrote:Wow, so as long as the spur drive center is in the wood properly and a live center in the tailstock, the spur center will turn anything that can fit on the Shopsmith. I would imagine that a long and wide spindle would be a very "interesting" turning experience none the less.

This link Wood turning a log on a Shopsmith has been posted here before but I think it was before you joined. He is using a faceplate not a spur center but as you say "a very "interesting" turning experience".

Like the Estate lawyers say, where there's a will there's a way.]

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 11:31 am

Remember, the the larger the diameter, the slower the speed on your machine.

Always test your mounting by hand turning before you apply power.

Always test your mounting at the slowest speed possible under power, staying out of the line of fire, should the mount fail.

Wear all your safety gear and be mindful of the turning, Don't get so wrapped up in the art that you lose your sense of safety. Big stuff is fun to turn, but you have to be aware of what is going on whenever it is turning.

rdavidp · Post by **rdavidp** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 1:15 pm

terrydowning wrote:Remember, the the larger the diameter, the slower the speed on your machine.

Always test your mounting by hand turning before you apply power.

Always test your mounting at the slowest speed possible under power, staying out of the line of fire, should the mount fail.

Wear all your safety gear and be mindful of the turning, Don't get so wrapped up in the art that you lose your sense of safety. Big stuff is fun to turn, but you have to be aware of what is going on whenever it is turning.

Of course I have the smaller face plate, but just curious to the largest size a spur center could handle. I also was able to order a Speed Reducer from Shopsmith and actually receive it the same week I ordered it. It sounds like a few others had to wait quite some time after ordering their Speed Reducer before receiving it.

reefmespla · Post by **reefmespla** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 2:36 pm

Hey,

New guy here, based on the weight and speed of the Shopsmith the spur should hold anything that can be safely turned. Diameter capacity will be a function of length, weight, and balance. Do not expect to be safe with a 10" diameter piece 20" long that is out of balance on the other hand you might be fine with a well balanced 15" diameter piece the same length. As with anything the answer is "it depends" and will come with practice and experience.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 9:44 pm

reefmespla wrote:Hey,

New guy here, based on the weight and speed of the Shopsmith the spur should hold anything that can be safely turned. Diameter capacity will be a function of length, weight, and balance. Do not expect to be safe with a 10" diameter piece 20" long that is out of balance on the other hand you might be fine with a well balanced 15" diameter piece the same length. As with anything the answer is "it depends" and will come with practice and experience.

Good Reply:)

And Welcome!!!;)