Shopsmith Forums

I have a Tailstock Live Center (505602) that I purchased from Shopsmith about 2 years ago. While I like turning, I have not used the center more than 10-20 hours at most in that time.

I was turning some handles for some 6-in-1 screwdrivers to give as gifts this Christmas when I found I had a problem with one end of the turning becoming off-center slightly as I turned. it seemed to wobble. I narrowed the problem down to the live center. There is quite a bit of side play with the point of the center.

I was wondering if anyone else had had a similar problem. It is fairly easy to remove the bearing frome the housing, but I have not tried to remove the "center" insert from the bearing. I could try to replace just the bearing.

As near as i can tell the bearing is marked: GMB 8201R8

Al B

Sorry no one has responded, Al. Wish I could help, but no experience in that area.

I had a look at my SS live center. The bearing number is 6201Z there is also a group of 3 letters, SST. If you know of a place where you can purchase bearings you may want to check that number as well.
Holding the whole assembly in my hands I could wiggle the point of the center a very small amount, but that really isn't a valid test as there was no force pressing against the bearing as you would have when in use.

Before you replace the bearing, have you carefully checked for correct alignment of the centers in the head and tailstock, (with the headstock tightened on the way tubes)?

You may notice when you move the quill forward with your spindle piece, and put pressure on the tailstock there is some flex, depending on how much pressure you apply.

Would be interesting to know how you resolve this issue. I have only recently begun to turn on my Shopsmith, and learn more each time I try something.

Hi;
I have replaced the bearing in a live center once. If you invert the bearing with the point of the center facing down and support the outer shell of the bearing with small pieces of hardwood you can press the point out of the bearing using a small bench mounted drill press.
Make sure that the tailstock is tight in the casting and that the lock is secure and also that the eccentric center in the tailstock is also not loose.
Early tailstock castings had only one set screw for holding the eccentric in place while later ones had two set screws.
Keep us posted.
Bill V