Need help with the Lathe

[brianpetrovich]

I just got a Mark 5 and the lathe does not seem to turn right. I am thinking the Tailstock Cup does not fit right. It is very tight and does not turn. Am I correct that it needs to turn as well. If so what type of oil/grease do I use? I don't see to see anything about that in the manual.

Thank you for your assistance,
Brian
Sorry for the duplicate post did not know where best to post this

[rpd]

It sound like you have a dead center, (middle in picture below) they are not designed to turn with the wood, don't over tighten the quill advance, and lubricate the cup with some wax.

lathecentersandfaceplate.jpg (253.38 KiB) Viewed 11631 times

A better option is a live center, which has a bearing so that the point turns with the wood. (item C in the linked page)
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... enters.htm

and better yet (but more expensive) is a live center with more that one bearing, and more options for points.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... center.htm

novalivecenter.jpg (306.23 KiB) Viewed 11631 times

[brianpetrovich]

Thank you!

[roy_okc]

To expound on Ron's post, you would want a live center with a MT2 (#2 Morse Taper) shaft. The links Ron posted have the correct shafts, but you can also get live centers from nearly any wood turning tool seller.