A lathe center holds a workpiece in place and prevents wobbling. There are two types: live and dead centers. A center screw is used for making bowls, while a center spur is used for cutting wood.
A lathe center mounts in the tailstock of a lathe and is used to hold a work piece stationary. The typical lathe center is made of hardened tool steel and reaches a fine point. The point is driven into the center of a work piece, which can rotate between the lathe center and the lathe chuck. This provides a sturdy and secure mounting device for the lathe.
When not using the center of the lathe, a workpiece tends to wobble and often comes off the chuck. This creates a workplace hazard as it could fly across the work area. The work piece is also difficult to cut and shape properly due to its tendency to wobble when pressure is exerted against it.
The lathe center isn’t just used on large workpieces. It is also used on very small objects when the need for fine and accurate detailing requires a stable piece. The lathe center is used on the small piece through to the final stages where it is removed to allow for final detailing. This is especially true when knurling the surface of an object.
There are two basic types of turning centers: a live center and a dead center. The center of the live lathe consists of a pointed tool that rotates and spins on a bearing. This type of center allows the piece to be held still and turned quickly without burning or damaging the work. Dead center is a point locked in place and the workpiece rotates on the point while the point is stationary. This can burn the piece and often comes loose.
A center screw is used in making bowls. The center has a wood screw located in the center of the bit and the work piece is clamped against it with the screw. Once the bowl has been turned, it is removed from the screw and set aside. This type of lathe center is best for an item that can be removed and reinstalled many times as it keeps the work centered and in place on the center.
A center spur uses sharp blades surrounding a pointed tip. The bit sinks into the workpiece as the blades cut it and provide a guiding mechanism. The harder the piece is turned, the harder the center of the spur digs into the wood keeping it in the right position. A metal foam typically does not use a spur center.
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