Shopsmith Forums

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

There are both a live center and a dead center for the tailstock. The dead center does not turn and comes with the SS as a standard lathe accessory. The live center does turn and is available from many sources including the Mothership. The link below has a picture of both the dead center (B) and the live center (C). The SS tailstock has a #2 Morse Taper fitting so any after market center with one will work.

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

When using the fixed cup center (as opposed to a rotating “live” center), you should lubricate the center with wax or soap, so that the workpiece can rotate on the center without burning.

Shopsmith has a version of the classic book Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone available online. It covers just about anything that you might do with your Shopsmith. See the Late Turning section for info on this particular issue.

http://www.shopsmith.com/academy/introduction.htm

And welcome to the forum!

Thank you, I actually just ordered the book.

Appreciate the help,

Brian

Thank you for your assistance,

Brian