13 best live centers
Live centers are essential components in the realm of machining and metalworking. They play a crucial role in providing support to workpieces during various machining operations. These devices are particularly important in applications where precision and accuracy are paramount. Here is some information about live centers:
Purpose: Live centers are primarily used in lathes and similar machining equipment. Their main purpose is to support the non-rotating end of a workpiece while it is being turned, milled, or otherwise machined. This support helps reduce deflection and vibration, resulting in better surface finishes and dimensional accuracy.
Components: A live center typically consists of several components, including a body or housing, a rotating spindle, bearings, and a conical or pointed tip. The bearings allow the spindle to rotate freely within the housing while supporting the axial load.
Types:
- Standard Live Centers: These are the most common type and have a standard, pointed tip designed to support a wide range of workpiece materials.
- Bull Nose Live Centers: These have a broader, flat tip, which is more suitable for supporting softer materials or workpieces with delicate surfaces.
- Interchangeable Tip Live Centers: Some live centers allow for the tip to be replaced with different styles to accommodate various workpiece shapes and sizes.
Bearings: High-quality live centers often use precision bearings to ensure smooth rotation and minimal friction. This is crucial for achieving precise machining results.
Materials: Live centers are typically made from materials like hardened steel or carbide to withstand the wear and heat generated during machining.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including lubrication of bearings and checking for wear, is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of live centers.
Applications: Live centers are used in a variety of machining operations, including turning, grinding, drilling, and milling. They are particularly useful when working with long or slender workpieces that are prone to deflection.
Advantages: The use of live centers can lead to improved workpiece quality, reduced tool wear, and increased machining accuracy. They are indispensable for achieving tight tolerances in precision machining.
In summary, live centers are critical tools in metalworking and machining, providing essential support to workpieces during various operations.They contribute to achieving precise results and are vital for applications that demand high levels of accuracy and surface finish quality.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best live centers on the market
PSI LCENTLT2 No. 2MT Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center
PSI Woodworking
Product description
Heavy duty #2MT live tailstock center with a 60 degree point. Huge live center for heavy duty workpieces. Cone is 2-1/2" long, by 1-11/16" diameter. This center is large and strong with precision bearings. It runs very true and is also well balanced and smooth for effective turning. Ideal to support your work at the tailstock end of your lathe.
- Large live lathe center
- 60-degree point
- Ball bearing precision; turns smoothly
- Huge live center for heavy duty workpieces
- Cone is 2-1/2" by 1-11/16" overall diameter
User questions & answers
| Question: | How do I know what size to buy for an older wood Lathe |
| Answer: | I fits on my shopsmith. Shopsmith has a #2 morse taper. |
| Question: | Will this fit on a shopsmith |
| Answer: | The one I have is also not suitable for turning metal. As Randa stated. It is dead soft metal. The first time I installed it with a piece of stainless steel in the lathe, it deformed like it was made of modeling clay. Now my center has big ring-shaped gouges all over the end messing up the precision pretty bad. Don't get this for metal turning. |
| Question: | Can it be used to turn metal? Is it hardened? What is the shank length, and overall length of this live center |
| Answer: | Almost anything can be replaced. I've had this live center for about 3 years without any problems. I don't grease, oil, or clean it. If this live center fails I will probably throw it in my catch all drawer thinking one day I will come up with a plan to fix it. By the time you add up the hours and get an accurate measurement from already worn bearings and place that order I would rather just buy a new one. |
| Question: | Can the bearings be replaced when the time comes |
| Answer: | This is a 10 deg included angle and I believe it is for de burring. I am going to use it as a guide so I can make dowels. The octagon dowel will be fed into a hardwood block with this reamers size for control to form a perfectly shaped dowel. "See Rob Cosman's doweled boxes on U-Tube" |
Savannah Heavy Duty Dual Bearing Live Center For Woodworking Lathes and Large or Small Wood Turning Projects. Ultra Smooth Live Center Performance with Minimal Play for MT2 Lathes
- The Savannah Heavy Duty Live Center is designed for wood turners. A threaded, rotating, cup center, is the only component that rotates. This features produces a safer turning environment.
- A lot of wood turners don’t think about the live center that’s in their tailstock until it makes a funny noise, vibrates a little or even worse it seizes up and stops working altogether. In many instances, that funny noise or vibration leads to irritating marks or spirals in your project. This can typically be traced to play on a less than perfect factory lathe issued “live center”. The Precision Machined, Heavy Duty, Dual Bearing Live Center from Savannah addresses this issue and more!
- Precision machined to exacting specifications, the Savannah HD Live Center is the ideal live center for novice and professional alike. With its super smooth design, heat sealed double bearings, 3-3/8" bull nose cone, 60 degree full point cone and removable center spur point this live center is truly a tremendous value that was built to perform.
- The High quality dual bearings are heat sealed and permanently lubricated to provide vibration free performance while turning and also provide you with years of dependable use. The live center is housed in a durable casing that is made from machined turned steel alloy and is coated with a black oxide finish.
- This live center runs smooth and true during the turning process and may become your go to live center once you start using it. The Heavy Duty Dual Bearing Live Center Includes: a 3-3/8” bull nose reversible cone, 1-5/8” 60 degree full point cone, removable center spur point and a convenient knock out rod. This live center will work on lathes that accept Morse Taper 2 tail stocks.
- The Heavy Duty Dual Bearing Live Center has a 3/4” x 10tpi thread which not only allows you to attach the included accessories, it also allows you to create many different types of turning jigs for offset turning. This gives you the ability to create wonderfully unique looking projects that are off center like asymmetrical pendants, candle stick holders and more! With the included accessories you can Turn bowls, platters, dowels, vases, spheres and more!
Product features
The Savannah Heavy Duty Dual Bearing Live Center
Why not own a live center that does a little bit of everything rather than having multiple live centers cluttering up your workshop! The Savannah Heavy Duty Live Center performs multiple tasks for multiple wood turning projects and it does it all without breaking the bank. High quality construction along with excellent performance makes this live center perfect for any level of wood turner. From the super smooth operation to the minimal amount of play, this live center was built to perform.
A Closer Look...
- 3/4" x 10 tpi threads accepts the large, reversible 3-3/8" bull nose cone. The cone can be threaded on in either direction making it ideal for small or larger turning projects.
- Precision Ground Hard Steel Shaft fits perfect into the machined bearings and rotates smoothly when in operation.
- Two Sealed bearings inside of the Machined Turned Bearing Housing produces a super smooth rotation with very minimal play when in use. This makes the live center perfect for even the most discriminating wood turner.
- The main housing of the live center is made from a Machined Turned Steel Alloy that is Finished with a smooth Black Oxide Coating.
Removable Center Spur Point
The standard center spur point is easily removable with the included knockout rod. The center spur point is generally used for smaller turning projects like pens, pencils, tops and more...
60 Degree Live Center
This live center can be used for many different turning projects but is ideal for medium to larger size projects and works well when turning spindles.
3-3/8" Bull Nose Cone
When facing outward, the bull nose cone allow you to place larger round spheres in the cup shape. This allows for superior control when turning these types of objects
3-3/8" Bull Nose Cone Inverted
When inverted like this, the bull nose cone fits neatly into larger vessel openings and makes the vessel turning process much more stable.
The Savannah Heavy Duty Dual Bearing Live Center
The Savannah Heavy Duty Dual Bearing Live Center is the perfect addition to any wood tuners collection of lathe accessories. Its perfect for projects large or small. With the 60 degree Live Center attachment and the Bull Nose Cone, this live center is even more versatile than most any other live center available. The live center also includes a knockout rod to quickly tap the center out of the tailstock when the live center is no longer required for use.
The Savannah Heavy Duty Dual Bearing Live Center
- 1 each Heavy Duty, Dual Bearing Live Center
- 1 each 3-3/8" Bullnose Reversible Cone
- 1 each 1-5/8" 60 Degree Live Center Point
- 1 each Removable Center Point
- 1 each Knockout Rod
New MT2 Medium Duty Live Center Morse Taper 2MT Triple Bearing Lathe Medium Duty CNC
findmall
Product description
Description?
- #2 Morse Taper (2MT) shank, 60-degree point
- 0.0003" Concentricity
- 5000 Max RPM
- Hardened to 61-65 Rockwell
Features?
- High quality triple bearing design (bearings are immersed & sealed)
- Made of precision ground hardened steel for high accuracy!
- Great for high speed turning, CNC work
Package Included :
- 1 * MT2 Live Center Morse Tape
- #2 Morse Taper (2MT) shank, 60-degree point
- 0.0003" Concentricity
- Material: Carbide Tipped, Made of precise ground hardened steel of high accuracy
- 5000 Max RPM,12-28 NF Drawbar Thread,Hardened to 61-65 Rockwell
- High quality triple bearing design (bearings are immersed & sealed)
User questions & answers
| Question: | What is the diameter of the cone |
| Answer: | put your lathe in google or some other internet site, it will probably give what you need. i found my oliver lathe from the 1940's in that manner. if that fails try a tool you have on hand or one that a fellow wood worker has to see if it fits. |
Accusize Industrial Tools MT3 Precision Medium Duty Live Center, Overall Length 6.69'', 0537-6437
Accusize Co.,Ltd.
- Precision Medium Duty Live Center For General Purpose On Manual Engine Lathe
- Accuracy guaranteed within 0.0003"; Overall Length: 6.69";
- The live center has a combination of deep groove ball bearing, thrust ball bearing and needle bearing.
- The anti-dust seal can prevent cutting fluid and dust from entering into the center bearing
- The 60° rotating spindle is made from carbon alloy steel with heat treatment to HRC 58±2 for high rigidity and wears resistance
Product features
PRECISION MEDIUM DUTY LIVE CENTER
Features
- Accuracy within 0.0003"
- The live center has a combination of deep groove ball bearing, thrust ball bearing and needle bearing.
- The anti-dust seal can prevent cutting fluid and dust from entering into the center bearing
- The 60° rotating spindle is made from carbon alloy steel with heat treat to HRC 58±2 for high rigidity and wear resistance
O'skool Heavy Duty 60 Degree Ball Bearing Tailstock Live Centers MT2
O'skool
Product description
These 60 degree cone live centers are ideal for many turning projects and is a must have for woodturners.
Perfect for pen turning mandrels, weed pots and any other general turning project, it helps hold very small or larger, bulkier lathe turned pieces in place and provides security when using the Cole jaws.
These heavy duty ball bearing centers can be used for holding a workpiece with a hole from 1/8"(0.3175cm) to 1- 1/8"(2.8575cm) diameter.
The excellent fit and finish, heavy duty construction, smooth ball bearings make it a reliable time saver.
- #2 Morse Taper 1-5/8"(4.1275cm) dia. Head
- Used for holding a workpiece with a hole from 1/8"(0.3175cm) to 1- 1/8"(2.8575cm) diameter
- Perfect for pen turning mandrels
- 60 degree point and ball bearing precision
- Well balanced and smooth for effective turning
MT3 Live Center Morse Taper 3MT Triple Bearing Lathe Medium Duty CNC Fit for High Speed Turning CNC Work
WFLNHB
Product description
High quality triple bearing design (bearings are immersed & sealed)
Great for high speed turning, CNC work
- #3 Morse Taper (3MT) shank, 60-degree point
- 0.0003" Concentricity
- 4000 Max RPM
- 900 lbs. max workpiece weight
- Hardened to 61-65 Rockwell
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will this live center fit a Grizzly GO602 lathe tailstock |
| Answer: | I don't support scumbag Bezos anymore and neither should you! Order the part on the net from a vendor or regular store. |
Oudtinx Woodworking MT2 Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center
Product description
Heavy duty #2MT live tailstock center with a 60 degree point. Huge live center for heavy duty workpieces. Cone is 2-1/2" long, by 1-11/16" diameter. This center is large and strong with precision bearings. It runs very true and is also well balanced and smooth for effective turning. Ideal to support your work at the tailstock end of your lathe.
- Large live lathe center
- 60-degree point
- Huge live center for heavy duty workpieces
- Ball bearing precision; turns smoothly
- Cone is 2-1/2" by 1-11/16" overall diameter
User questions & answers
| Question: | will this fit my craftsman |
| Answer: | Possibly but not as a 1-to-1 replacement. The Shopsmith Tailstock is a MT2. The difference between the two is that A #1 will be 2-1⁄8" long, a #2 will be 2-9⁄16" long. |
| Question: | Will this fit in a shop smith mark v |
| Answer: | MT2 and MT1 are designations for the tail of the center. I believe MT1 is a larger bore than MT2. I bought an MT2 and it fits the tailstock of my Grizzly midi-lathe. Check the requirements of your particular lathe before ordering. The manual should say. Good luck! |
| Question: | I know the cone size but what about the other side |
| Answer: | He usado poco el centro giratorio, pero en el corto uso he notado que es un producto de calidad más adelante puedo dar un criterio más amplio. Gracias |
Taytools 468907 8 Piece Set Live Revolving Center MT2 Taper for Woodturning and Wood Lathes
Product description
This live center set includes a double bearing revolving center with 7 popular accessories. Center has MT2 taper. Accessories include: 1) large 65d point 0.780” diameter 2) small 55 degree point 0.390” diameter 3) hollow cup or ring center without point with 0.325” bore 4) cup or ring center with point 5) small cone center 0.780” diameter 6) hole boring location pin 0.310” diameter and 7) hollow center with 0.580” bore for custom supports. Accessories are secured in place with a rare earth magnet, so not tools required. Come in a fitted case.
- This live center set includes a double bearing revolving center with 7 popular accessories.
- Center has MT2 taper
- Accessories include: 1) large 65d point 0.780” diameter 2) small 55 degree point 0.390” diameter 3) hollow cup or ring center without point with 0.325” bore 4) cup or ring center with point 5) small cone center 0.780” diameter 6) hole boring location pin 0.310” diameter and 7) hollow center with 0.580” bore for custom supports.
- Accessories are secured in place with a rare earth magnet, so not tools required.
- Come in a fitted case.
Oudtinx Morse Taper Medium Duty Live Center MT2
Product description
Material: Carbide Tipped, Made of precise ground hardened steel of high accuracy
5000 Max RPM,12-28 NF Drawbar Thread,Hardened to 61-65 Rockwell
Great for high speed turning, CNC work, Convenient to carry and maintain.
High quality triple bearing design (bearings are immersed & sealed)
Package Included: 1pc MT2 Live Center Morse Taper Triple Bearing
- Material: Carbide Tipped, Made of precise ground hardened steel of high accuracy
- Model: MT2, Color: Silver
- 5000 Max RPM,12-28 NF Drawbar Thread,Hardened to 61-65 Rockwell
- High quality triple bearing design (bearings are immersed & sealed)
- Great for high speed turning, CNC work, Convenient to carry and maintain
User questions & answers
| Question: | What is the maximum TIR for the complete unit (taper + bearings + tip |
| Answer: | no idea. Bought mine for Grizzly midi. |
MT1 Live Center Wood Lathe Drive Spur Cup 4pcs Set with 2Pcs Extra Replacement Tips with Good Quality Wooden Boxn advacen. Best Regards Almhs Industrial
- 4pcs MT1 shank Drive Spur Cup live center for woodworking lathe
- This MT#1 Lathe Center Set is all you need to start spindle turning on your wood lathe
- The set includes: 1pc spur driver, Center Is 2-3/4" Long x 0.66" Dia. 1pc spur center, Center Is 2-3/4" Long x 1-1/16" Dia. 1pc cupped dead center:This center have a hollow bore that is .24" in Dia. 1pc liver center for smooth friction free turning: Center Is 3.5" Long 1pc
- 2pcs spare point(tips), Total with 4pcs point(tips)
- wooden case
User questions & answers
| Question: | Im making a wood lathe. What might I use to place these into and power them |
| Answer: | The three on the right are drive centers. The one on the left is a live center. |
| Question: | are these live centers or drive centers |
| Answer: | There is no country of origin markings on the parts or the box, so the should be U.S. made. I haven't found any information on the brand "Almhs", so I have a feeling they produce for Amazon only - however that is just speculation on my behalf. |
| Question: | Is this made in china? if so, is there an american brand i can buy on amazon |
| Answer: | Hi, it is 137mm/54inch, thanks |
Earl Diamond Heavy Duty MT2 Live Center Precision 0.0002 Inch Precision Morse Taper Lathe Tool with 60 Degree Point
Earl Diamond
Product description
Product Features
Standard series live tailstock center with 60 degree point for all lathes with a 2MT tailstock.
Every woodturner needs a revolving live center for supporting their work when turning "between centers" on the lathe.
Specification:
- Shank size: MT2.
- Maximum RPM: 3,000.
- Accuracy: 0.002mm.
- Center point: 60 degrees.
Package list:
- 1 x Live Center.
- Material: 40CR, hardness HRC60.
- Tailstock Mount: #2 MT (Morse Taper)
- High quality bearing design, using triple ball bearing for high accuracy.
- Features excellent dustproof and liquid proof seal, long service life.
- 60 degree point which is the most common configuration for general purpose work.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this live center for wood only or can it be used on a medium duty metal lathe too |
| Answer: | Sir the live center must used with your lathe spindle, the power from your lathe |
LC-21 2 Morse Taper Medium Duty Live Center
Product description
MT2 Live Center Morse Taper 2MT Triple Bearing Lathe Medium Duty CNC
- Our Part # ALL-46002
- #2 Morse Taper (1MT) shank, 60° point
- High quality triple bearing design (bearings are immersed & sealed). Made of precision ground hardened steel for high accuracy.
- 0.0002" Concentricity; 5000 Max RPM; 600 lbs. max workpiece weight; 2-28 NF Drawbar Thread; Hardened to 61-65 Rockwell Great for high speed turning, CNC work
User questions & answers
| Question: | whats the body width? I need it to fit inside a 2" gap and center.. tx |
| Answer: | If your questions pertain to the length of the grind, it should be 2 5/8" long. If it is about the total length of the live center, it should be about 4" +. Can't say as I don't have that LC anymore. .......... Jerry ( www.woodturnerstools.com ) |
| Question: | what is the length of the shaft on this |
| Answer: | Yes. Notice the holes at 180 degrees . A proper spanner, a vise to hold it in place, and unscrew the retainer. Pull out the bearings, and then separate them from the point....... Piece of cake..... Jerry |
| Question: | Can the center point be removed |
| Answer: | It can definitely be used on a metal lathe!...👍🏻👏🏻👌 |
Ginode Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center, 2 Morse Taper, Woodworking Tapered Turn Center, MT2 Live Center with 60 Degree Point丨60°MT2 Morse Taper
Product description
▲Specification:
● Material: 40Gr steel
● Color：silver
● Weight: 0.4 lb
● Installation position: tail shaft taper
● Function: clamping Center
● Accuracy: aprrox.0.001mm
● Tail end diameter:aprrox.17.788mm
▲Features:
● 60 degree point.
● 2MT live tailstock center.
● Huge live center for heavy duty workpieces.
● Well balanced and smooth for effective turning.
● Ideal to support your work at the tailstock end of your lathe.
- ▲2 MORSE TAPER - Accuracy: 0.001mm Taper.
- ▲60-DEGREE POINT - Large live lathe center
- ▲TURNS SMOOTHLY - Ball bearing precision.
- ▲DIMENSION - Tail end diameter: 17.788mm.
- ▲APPLICATION - Perfect for pen turning mandrels.
User questions & answers
| Question: | What size Morse taper does a sears wood lathe use |
| Answer: | If the Craftsman uses Morse Taper #2, it should fit. If you don't know, suggest you do a net serach for the manual for your lathe. There are sites that have those that you can download. |
| Question: | Will it fit the tailstock of an older craftsman 113 series lathe |
| Answer: | You can find a ginode mt1 at rocker.com for about $25 |
| Question: | Does Ginode offer a MT1 60 degree live center |
| Answer: | I use it for wood. Works very well |
| Question: | is it for metal or wood |
| Answer: | the live center dia. is not large enough |
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