Shopsmith Forums

The one on the left is a "live cup" center. What is the one on the right? It is "live" as it has a bearing and it spins. Is it a "60 degrees live center"? It doesn't look like pictures of 60 degree centers I've seen.

It looks like the one I bought from Sears a long time ago. It should have a 60 deg point and is good for supporting pen mandrels. It is considered a live center.
Bill V

heathicus wrote:The one on the left is a "live cup" center. What is the one on the right? It is "live" as it has a bearing and it spins. Is it a "60 degrees live center"? It doesn't look like pictures of 60 degree centers I've seen.

it is indeed a sixty degree live center. it just has a smaller tip than the pennstate version. it is probably better quality too. careful shopping can yield two or even three bearing centers for around $20.00

I have both styles shown and the larger 60 degree version. I tend to use the smaller 6o degree for pen turning. I have found the larger one good for turning larger items. Jim

Over the years the 60° centers have been considered to be more for metal working and ring centers for woodworking. Not a rule of course but the ring center is far less likely to split the wood under pressure.
Any lathe I have ever seen that came with the center built into the tail-stock had some type of ring center.
The mandrel use mentioned is a good application since the mandrel is commonly center-drilled for a 60° center.


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Depending on how long the point is, the 60 degree can self-center in a pre-drilled hole and allow access to the end of the work piece where the cup will be in the way. Do not put too much pressure on the piece as mentioned above, it might split.