Shopsmith Forums

OK, this is not SS. Heck, I don't even know what brand this is. The problem is I have a tailstock live center with a LOT of play in it. Specifically, the center point wobbles freely in the mounting.

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The question is how do I take it apart? Can I take it apart? The only markings on it are the bearing, a 608Z as best I can make out. Anyone have any experience with this type of thing?

From my experience, (and yours is not exactly like the ones I have, but pretty close) these come apart by unscrewing the shaft part from the bearing head, then you can tap out the bearing. Not sure if they all take the same size bearing, but the last one I did used a 6201-zz which is a 1/2"x32x10 or a 12x32x10. (I see them both ways)
They're about $3-$4 each on ebay. It's best to measure your bearing before ordering something just to be sure.

Alternately, buy a new live center $10 and up on Amazon depending on features and brand.

Several less than $20

If the bearing says it a 608Z, that's what it is. A 608Z is a common size, 8x22x7mm.

If it were me, I would do what Terry suggested and not mess with it, just get a new one unless you just like tinkering with stuff like that.

Just FYI this is what the shopsmith version looks like when you take it apart.

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If you are looking for a "better" center then look at the one that shopsmith now sells:

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... center.htm

I got this before shopsmith started caring it and it is great. It has 3 bearings rather then the single etc etc etc. And no it is not going to sell for $10 or $20......

Ed

VXB bearings has that bearing but they list it as a skateboard bearing. I checked my tailstock live center bearings and they are all 6002 bearings. these are a bit larger but they are not expensive. I have a center from my older Delta LA200 lathe which has 2 of the 6002 bearings and the Nova tailstock center system that Shopsmith sold has three of them. Remember, someone had to put the bearing in the thing and it should be possible to replace it.
Bill V

joedw00 wrote:If it were me, I would do what Terry suggested and not mess with it, just get a new one unless you just like tinkering with stuff like that.

Yeah, Joe, that pretty much gets to the bottom of it. I just absolutely hate to throw away anything I can fix and get more life out of. Sometimes even if it costs more than replacing it. I've got a couple of SS tailstock live centers and at least one or two for my mini-lathe. I think this came with the old Ohio Forge lathe I picked up for $20 including the manufactured lathe bench it sits on and the motor.

There is almost as much satisfaction in bringing tools back to life as there is in making sawdust.