Shopsmith Forums

I just acquired an older Shopsmith 10ER, primarily to use the lathe portion. It's been a long time since I used a lathe and was surprised the tailstock was fixed, not live. Any problem using the fixed one or should I invest in a live one? I probably won't be doing a ton of lathe work, but want it to work well. (I'm going to spend a few days cleaning/tuning the unit - seems to be an oldie but goodie.)

Thanks for any advice.

Kwatts
I am not completely familiar with the details of the 10ER mashines but I believe that the tailstock has a removable center as the Mk5 does. It should be able to replace the dead center with a live center. If you are talking about a complete tailstock assembly that moves as in a conventional lathe, then the answer is no. Sliding the headstock performs the same function as the tailstock assembly on a regular lathe. Once you use it for a while it really becomes second nature.
Bill V

Thanks. I see some live centers on EBay that should fit. I understand on this unit the headstock moves, not the tailstock...so your answer was helpful...Sounds like a Live Center is probably worth getting - it's been so long (40 years) that I've used a lathe I just didn't remember the tailstock being a "dead center."

Anyway, thanks for the prompt/helpful reply.

kwatts3349 wrote:Thanks. I see some live centers on EBay that should fit. I understand on this unit the headstock moves, not the tailstock...so your answer was helpful...Sounds like a Live Center is probably worth getting - it's been so long (40 years) that I've used a lathe I just didn't remember the tailstock being a "dead center."

Anyway, thanks for the prompt/helpful reply.

Important 'detail' is it needs to fit a MT2 (#2 Morse Taper) mount.

In my experiment (brand new to turning) with my "dead" center, I put some wax into the hole I'd punched with the center and proceeded to turning. After 15-20 minutes of operation, I could not feel any heat on the center or on the workpiece. Seems good enough for me. Any opinions out there on the advantage of a "live" center?

v/r,

Rick

chipmaster wrote:In my experiment (brand new to turning) with my "dead" center, I put some wax into the hole I'd punched with the center and proceeded to turning. After 15-20 minutes of operation, I could not feel any heat on the center or on the workpiece. Seems good enough for me. Any opinions out there on the advantage of a "live" center?

v/r,

Rick

Depends opon what is being turned, and how much pressure is needed from the spur end. Too much force and it will get very hot. Toilet bowl wax)courtesy of some industrious bees) works, but I apply it to the center all over it(cup especially). Higher speed of the turning workpiece will increase the heating.

All that said, a live center removes much of the need for extra chores during setup.

Human factors leads to not using a dead center once one acquires a live center.

Anyway to put a morse taper in the headstock of a MK5?

desperado wrote:Anyway to put a morse taper in the headstock of a MK5?

Not practically!

desperado wrote:Anyway to put a morse taper in the headstock of a MK5?

One of the limitations of the Mk5 as a lathe. But there are work arounds to this limitation.

chipmaster wrote:In my experiment (brand new to turning) with my "dead" center, I put some wax into the hole I'd punched with the center and proceeded to turning. After 15-20 minutes of operation, I could not feel any heat on the center or on the workpiece. Seems good enough for me. Any opinions out there on the advantage of a "live" center?

v/r,

Rick

If you are planning on any metal to metal contact (Pen Mandrels for example) a live center is required.

Live centers can be had for less than $20 any MT2 mounted live center of decent quality will work, machinist and pen turners swear by 60 degree live centers. The angle allows for clearance of tools where the live center contacts the piece being turned.