Shopsmith 10E Tailstock / Floating Center Question

Cavediver · Post by **Cavediver** » Fri Sep 20, 2013 10:49 am

In addition to my greenie, I've picked up a model 10E. The tailstock has a fixed-position #2MT. Later tailstocks (from the 10ER?) have a larger hole and a "Floating Center". Are these better than the original, or were they made this way to help cut costs? (Or both?)

This If I can find a speed changer, this one will likely be a full time lathe instead of the greenie I'm currently setting up. If not, I'm considering a variable DC motor conversion. Either way, I'm also wondering about that tailstock, and wondering if I should grab a second, newer version with the floating center, or if I should just leave it be.

Thanks!

heathicus · Post by **heathicus** » Fri Sep 20, 2013 12:09 pm

Cavediver wrote:In addition to my greenie, I've picked up a model 10E. The tailstock has a fixed-position #2MT. Later tailstocks (from the 10ER?) have a larger hole and a "Floating Center". Are these better than the original, or were they made this way to help cut costs? (Or both?)

The "floating center" was added for alignment purposes. With the fixed position, you can't adjust the alignment. The floating center allows that alignment. It was just one of many design refinements through the life of the ER.

This If I can find a speed changer, this one will likely be a full time lathe instead of the greenie I'm currently setting up. If not, I'm considering a variable DC motor conversion. Either way, I'm also wondering about that tailstock, and wondering if I should grab a second, newer version with the floating center, or if I should just leave it be.[/QUOTE]

That's up to you. If the alignment is fine, then why spend the money?