What is a screw center used for?

[McVic]

I used my 10ER as a lathe for the first time last night. The results were as you would expect.
While sorting through my accessories, I came across a screw center. Is it used on the headstock or tailstock or are they obsolete?

Thanks,
Vic

[JPG]

The screw center is for turning small parts and allows not using the tailstock. Definitely not obsolete.

FWIW I can think of nothing relative to a 10ER that is obsolete. Some recent improvements, but that does not make older versions obsolete.

[chapmanruss]

Vic,

Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

Congratulations on your new to you Shopsmith Model 10ER.

The Lathe Screw Center is not at all obsolete and a 4th version is still sold today as part number 505601. Very little has changed to the Lathe Screw Center over the years. It started out with 1/4" set screws which changed to 5/16" set screws then the black protective coating was added and now has a larger diameter base. Not too long ago I used a Lathe Screw Center to make a replacement knob for a dresser drawer.

Just like the Lathe Screw Center many current accessories that connect to the Quill's Spindle can be used on a Model 10ER. Not all current accessories will work on a Model 10E or 10ER though. It is possible some of the accessories with your Model 10ER are newer than the tool itself. One way to tell about the Arbors, Spindles, Chucks, etc. is what set screw they have to attach them to the Spindle. For the Model 10's they were generally set screws needing a 1/8" or 3/16" Allen Wrench. When the Mark 5 came out in 1954 all possible set screws changed to ones needing a 5/32" Allen Wrench. The black protective coating on accessories began in 1964.

As you get to know your Model 10ER better you may have more questions. Feel free to ask them here.

If you want to know more about the Model 10's find the topic Shopsmith Model 10's What When and Where in the Community section and at the link below.

viewtopic.php?t=23647

Lastly, as I always recommend, if you didn't get an Owner's Guide with your Model 10ER you should download a PDF copy available through this Forum site.

[McVic]

Cool! Thanks guys!

[nuhobby]

There is a whole mindset to lathe turning, in which you keep the exact same center mount method through as many steps as possible. The Screw Center in fact enforces this mindset more than a scroll chuck would do. It can be enjoyable to think through the steps when crafting a turning.

[RFGuy]

I have seen a few YT vids with lathe experts who use a screw center. Not mentioned is that it is incredible fast to remove and reinstall a workpiece using them.

[chapmanruss]

Just a maintenance item for the Lathe Screw Center. If the Wood Screw used for it needs replacing for some reason it is important to get the correct size replacement. It uses a #12 x 1-1/4" long flat head wood screw. Using one that is smaller (#10 or smaller) in diameter will place the screw point off center. A slightly shorter or longer Wood Screw could be used if needed for a particular project.

The picture below is the original (version 1) Lathe Screw Center on the left (part numbers 127-1X & 12 276) and version 3 (part number 505601) on the right.

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Lathe Screw Centers.JPG (245.49 KiB) Viewed 60538 times

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Version 2 (part number 12 276) would have the same size set screws as version 3 but without the black protective coating. The current version (version 4, P/N 505601) has the larger diameter base as seen below.

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505601_current.jpg (47.73 KiB) Viewed 60538 times

[dylanbar]

It's not obsolete and is still commonly used today for spindle turning, especially when working with rough or small stock.

[RFGuy]

Shopsmith justed posted a video with Jim McCann demonstrating how to turn a small wood vase using the screw drive center. Thought seeing this might be of interest for this thread...

[chapmanruss]

RFGuy,

Thanks for posting the video. That is a great example of using the Lathe Screw Center. A bit after the 13-minute mark Jim is using the Tailstock Chuck Arbor with the Drill Chuck for adding the center hole to the vases. I like Jim's comment about drilling with the Drill Bit stationary as opposed to normal drilling. It shows why the Tailstock Chuck Adapter is a helpful accessory.