Stuart’s big dumb lathe

[Stuart Samuel]

Upside, we have a bunch of Jacobs chucks on #4 tapers kicking around at work…

 

[Martin w]

Yep, it’s a #4. Very much appreciate the thought, though.


Damn. Now I’m thinking about how nice a carbide tipped live centre would be…

I will look tomorrow and see if I have a #4. I believe mine are all #5 though. The carbide tipped one is a dead center.
Martin

 

[Stuart Samuel]

I will look tomorrow and see if I have a #4. I believe mine are all #5 though. The carbide tipped one is a dead center.
Martin

Ahhhh, misread.

 

[Susquatch]

Damn. Now I’m thinking about how nice a carbide tipped live centre would be…

Only way to go. 2nd choice is non-carbide live center.

I'm not a fan of dead centers in the tailstock. Only in the spindle or when they turn with the work like a live center would.

Dead centers do work just fine with a bit of grease or oil but why buy both kinds?

 

[Martin w]

Ahhhh, misread.

I have two like on the left. Made in. Sweden and one on the right. Not sure on that one. They are Morse #4. Your choice if you want one.
Cheers
Martin

 

[thestelster]

Only way to go. 2nd choice is non-carbide live center.

I'm not a fan of dead centers in the tailstock. Only in the spindle or when they turn with the work like a live center would.

Dead centers do work just fine with a bit of grease or oil but why buy both kinds?

Meh...I use both. Dead centers can be more accurate, have less stick-out, less chatter, much easier to true. I will use them for speeds under 250rpm.

 

[Stuart Samuel]

View attachment 47008
I have two like on the left. Made in. Sweden and one on the right. Not sure on that one. They are Morse #4. Your choice if you want one.
Cheers
Martin

I’ll take a Swede!

 

[Martin w]

Only way to go. 2nd choice is non-carbide live center.

I'm not a fan of dead centers in the tailstock. Only in the spindle or when they turn with the work like a live center would.

Dead centers do work just fine with a bit of grease or oil but why buy both kinds?

I have a little can of grease from my Dad's toolbox. Works awesome on a dead center. I'm sure it is lead based though. Hence the reason I never use it.
Martin

 

[Stuart Samuel]

I’ll take a Swede!

Now I’m imagining opening a box only to find a rutabaga…