12 best live center tailstock

A live center tailstock is an essential component of a lathe machine, which is used for various machining operations like turning, drilling, and threading. It is commonly found in Turning Tools, Lathe Parts Accessories, and is an important accessory for Power Tool Parts Accessories and Power Hand Tools used in metalworking and woodworking industries. Here's what you need to know about a live center tailstock:

  1. Function: The live center tailstock serves as the support for the workpiece being machined on the lathe.It helps to hold the workpiece securely and allows it to rotate while minimizing any wobbling or deflection during machining operations.

  2. Construction: A live center tailstock typically consists of a housing, bearings, and a rotating centerpoint. The centerpoint, also known as the "live center," is designed to rotate along with the workpiece, reducing friction and wear.

  3. Types: There are different types of live centers available, including:

    • Standard Live Center: These are commonly used for general-purpose turning operations and have a point that rotates with the workpiece.

    • Bull Nose Live Center: This type features a rounded or bull nose point, suitable for softer materials or when you need to avoid creating center holes in the workpiece.

    • Heavy-Duty Live Center: These are designed for heavy-duty machining and can support larger and heavier workpieces.

    • Extended Point Live Center: They have a longer centerpoint, which can reach deeper into the workpiece, useful for certain applications.

  4. Advantages:

    • Improved workpiece stability: Live center tailstocks reduce vibrations and improve the finish of machined parts.
    • Extended tool life: Reduced friction means less wear on the workpiece and tools.
    • Versatility: Different types of live centers are available to suit various machining needs.
  5. Maintenance: Regular lubrication and maintenance are essential to ensure the live center tailstock operates smoothly and lasts longer.

  6. Compatibility: It's important to select a live center tailstock that is compatible with your lathe machine's specifications, such as size and taper.

In summary, a live center tailstock is a crucial accessory for lathe machines, enhancing the precision and quality of machining operations. It is widely used in the field of metalworking and woodworking and can be found in the category of Turning Tools, Lathe Parts Accessories, Power Tool Parts Accessories, and Power Hand Tools in the Tools Home Improvement industry.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best live center tailstock on the market
  

PSI LCENTLT2 No. 2MT Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center

PSI Woodworking

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

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"

Oudtinx Woodworking MT2 Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center

Based on 68 reviews Check latest price

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

PSI Woodworking LTCA18 Live Tailstock Chuck Adapter to 1" x 8tpi Thread with #2 Morse Taper Mount

PSI Woodworking

Based on 134 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Converts your lathe's #2MT dead tailstock to a 1" x 8tpi threaded live tailstock. Mounts to tailstock with the included #2 Morse Taper arbor. After being mounted, tailstock is converted from dead to live and it will accept all 1" x 8tpi threaded lathe tool accessories. Ideal for an additional secure workpiece mount from tailstock end. Allows precision centering of spindles or dowels at the tailstock end. Provides the ideal system for the mounting of bowls for hollowing. Wrench is included.

From the Manufacturer

Live Tailstock Chuck Adapter-2MT tailstock mount, 1-Inch by 8TPI Chuck Mount. This unique adapter allows precision centering of spindles or dowels at the tailstock end. Also, it provides the ideal system for the mounting bowls for hollowing; after turning the outside of the bowl blank, turn a tenon on the bowl bottom. Then mount your chuck to the tailstock using this adapter; grabbing the tenon with the chuck while still attached to the faceplate. When the chuck and blank is remounted on the headstock, your bowl will be perfectly centered.

  • Converts your lathe's #2MT dead tailstock to 1" x 8tpi threaded live tailstock
  • Mounts to tailstock with the included #2 Morse Taper arbor
  • After being mounted, tailstock is converted from dead to live and it will accept all 1" x 8tpi threaded lathe tool accessories
  • Ideal for an additional secure workpiece mount from tailstock end; Allows precision centering of spindles or dowels at the tailstock end; Provides the ideal system for the mounting of bowls for hollowing
  • Wrench is included

User questions & answers

Question: Can the threads be changed to a larger size? My lathe and chucks are 1 1/4 X 8 threads
Answer: you have to buy one with the proper threads.
Question: I need one of these but with a 3/4 " 10 thread to screw a Rubby Chucky on. Do they make such a thing
Answer: No
Question: Can you not apply pressure to this item? Any pressure at all turning between center, this item sounds like its going to explode
Answer: Sounds like a faulty bearing or poor morse taper fit( using a #2 when you need #1 morse taper) . Pressure on tailstock at 180 or 90 degrees should not make such a sound. Ask supplier to replace the faulty tailstock.
Question: Do the threads spin independently of the bulky live center or is the bulky part of live center connected to the threads and both spin together
Answer: The bulky part houses the bearings. The threads spin independently. The taper is mounted to the tailstock.

Oneway Live Center

Oneway

Based on 87 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Each Oneway Live Center features two glass-smooth sealed bearings mounted in tandem for minimum vibration and zero play. The centers are precision machined from premium alloy steel. They are then heat treated, ground, and electro-less nickel plated for strength, accuracy and rust protection. The unique, threaded cup center allows you to easily attach and remove the included accessories. Kit includes the necessary accessories to suit most applications: a center point, bull-nose cone, full-point cone and knock-out rod. Features: Center Point: Points are easily replaced when damaged. Bull Nose Cone: A reversible bull nose cone is provided for support on the outside or the inside of turnings. Full Point Cone: Especially suitable for candle-stick type artistry. Knock Out Rod: Used to remove center points and as a spindle stop when attaching and removing cones. Includes #2 Morse Taper

  • Oneway Model #2064
  • #2 Morse Taper - For most standard and large wood lathes with a #2MT tailstock quill
  • Kit Includes Live Center, Full Point Cone, Bull Nose Cone, Center Point and Knockout Rod

User questions & answers

Question: Where can I buy the larger cones
Answer: The larger cone comes with the system.
Question: is this onewsy live center the No 2 morse taper model? Thanks
Answer: Yes it is a No. 2 Morse taper.
Question: I’m wondering if anyone can tell their opinion on this oneway live center, compared to this kit robert sorby #drck/2 hollow revolving center set 2 mt
Answer: I own 2 of the Oneway Live Centers and find them invaluable in my turnings. They are of the highest quality and adaptable to any task I have and I turn 4-5 days a week. I use one at home and one at the cabin.
Question: What's the diameter of the cone
Answer: Narrow end is 1-1/8" and wide end is 3-15/32" There are also other aluminum cones available that attach to this live center, up to 8" in diameter.

WEN LA1158 1-5/8-Inch MT2 Tailstock Live Center for Wood Lathes

WEN

Based on 983 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Remember when you had maximum versatility with your wood lathe? Take on projects of all shapes and sizes with the WEN MT2 Live Center. Measuring in at 1-5/8 inches in diameter, this versatile center helps woodworkers meet the needs of a variety of turning application. Internal ball bearings provide a smooth, concentric ride for your workpiece. The MT2 taper allows for compatibility with all the WEN MT2 lathe models, including 3424, 3424T, 34018, 3427, 34027 and 34034.

  • Spacious live center provides support to larger workpieces
  • Internal ball bearings provide a smooth, concentric ride for your workpiece
  • Crafted with maximum precision for high accuracy performance
  • Taper fits perfectly into any lathe with an MT2 tailstock
  • Measures in at 1-5/8 inches in diameter

User questions & answers

Question: Hello i need wood lathe chuck 4 inch / 100mm with spindle thread m18? can you help me
Answer: generally not....its not a hard repair. I will refer you to youtube....just put ipad 6th gen digitizer replacement in the search windows.......my best advice.....go slow and dont put a fingerprint on the lcd.
Question: I have a "harbor freight" - lathe - model # 65345 8 x 10" 5 speed 1/2hp .. will this chuck fit my lathe? i believe it's 1" x 8 thread
Answer: No idea on warranty. But I would not buy the replacement screen it’s terrible quality.
Question: will this item fit mophorn wood lathe
Answer: No this is not this is not true
Question: How does the chuck maintain it's tightness to the tenon
Answer: The finger print didn’t work for me. I was told bring it to apple and have them reset it That sounded like the enable it. I did t not work for me.

WEN LA1334 3/4-Inch MT2 Crown Revolving Live Center for Wood Lathes

WEN

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Remember when you had maximum versatility with your wood lathe? Take on projects of all shapes and sizes with the WEN MT2 Revolving Live Center. With a crown measuring in at 3/4 inches in diameter, this versatile center helps woodworkers meet the needs of a variety of turning applications. Internal ball bearings provide a smooth, concentric ride for your workpiece. The MT2 taper allows for compatibility with all the WEN MT2 lathe models, including 3424, 3424T, 34018, 3427, 34027 and 34034.

  • Crafted with maximum precision for high accuracy performance
  • Internal ball bearings provide a smooth, concentric ride for your workpiece
  • Spacious multi-tooth live center provides support to larger projects
  • Crown measures in at 3/4 inches in diameter
  • Taper fits perfectly into any lathe with an MT2 tailstock

O'skool Heavy Duty 60 Degree Ball Bearing Tailstock Live Centers MT1

O'skool

Based on 158 reviews Check latest price

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" to 1- 1/8" diameter.

The excellent fit and finish, heavy duty construction, smooth ball bearings make it a reliable time saver.

  • #1 Morse Taper 1-5/8" dia. Head
  • Used for holding a workpiece with a hole from 1/8" to 1- 1/8" diameter
  • Perfect for pen turning mandrels
  • 60 degree point and ball bearing precision
  • Well balanced and smooth for effective turning

4" (100mm) MT3 Bull Nose Live Center Morse Taper 3 Bull 75 Degree For Lathe Hollow Turning

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Specifications:

Color: Silver

Large diameter: 3.94" (100mm)

Small diameter: 1"

Overall Length: 6"

75 Degree with MT3 arbor

Loading Capacity: 900LBs

Weight: 2459g

Material: Alloy Steel



Package Included:

1x 4"(100mm) MT3 Lathe Live Center

  • Made of Alloy Steel,high quality and durable.
  • Large diameter: 3.94" (100mm).Small diameter: 1".Overall Length: 6"
  • Designed for large, hollow work pieces such as pipe, tube or other material that has a large center hole.
  • Shaft is made of alloy steel through heat treatment to Rc 60-62 to achieve high rigidity and durability.
  • Triple ball bearing design.Dust & water proof seal for long service life.

MT2 Live Center Wood Lathe Drive Spur Cup 4pcs Set with 2Pcs Extra Replacement Tips with Good Quality Wooden Box

Almhs

Based on 56 reviews Check latest price

Product description

MT2 Live Center Wood Lathe Drive Spur Cup 4pcs Set With 2Pcs Extra Replacement Tips With Good Quality Wooden Box

This MT#2 Lathe Center Set is all you need to start spindle turning on your wood lathe.

The set includes:

1pc 1/8" dia. spur driver,

1pc 5/8" dia. spur center,

1pc 5/8" dia. cupped dead center

1pc liver center for smooth friction free turning

1pc wooded case Suitable for:wood turing

★2pcs spare point(tips), Total with 4pcs point(tips)

  • 4pcs MT2 shank Drive Spur Cup live center
  • The set includes: 1pc 1/8" dia. spur driver, 1pc 5/8" dia. spur center, 1pc 5/8" dia. cupped dead center 1pc liver center for smooth friction free turning
  • 1pc wooded case
  • 2pcs spare point(tips), Total with 4pcs point(tips)

User questions & answers

Question: How do you replace the tips
Answer: Dear Customer: Thanks so much for your asking,we are so glad to answer for you. NO,it doesn't come with the screws,we only sell the original iphone 6/6 plus home button replacement part,not sell the screws,if you must need it,you could purchase from others. hopefully this answer could help you,thanks for your kind understanding. Have a nice day. Best regards, Bob Johncase customer service center

PSI Woodworking LCENTLT2X Live Tailstock Center Cup & Pt. #2MT

PSI Woodworking

Based on 163 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Fine tuned live center for all lathes equipped with #2 MT tailstocks. Live ball bearing tailstock center with cup and point. Fits all # 2 MT Lathes. Beautifully finished, smooth running precision ball bearing. Shipped in a stong wood box.

  • #2MT live tailstock center with cup and point
  • #2 Morse taper arbor
  • Smooth Running ball bearings
  • Shipped in protective case for storage

User questions & answers

Question: How long is the shaft, i.e. the amount that goes into the taper
Answer: I didn't measure and don't remember now, but approximately 2.5" to 3" I would guess. Works fine in a wood lathe, all that mattered to me.
Question: do you have replacable centers for this item
Answer: no there are no replacements
Question: What diameter is the wood contact ring around the center point
Answer: 17/32"
Question: Does the point come out of the bearing
Answer: Yes the point can come out of the bearing. I took mine apart to machine the point smaller

HFS (R) Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center (#1 Morse Taper)

Based on 205 reviews Check latest price

Product description

60-degree point

  • Size: Overall live center length with #1 Morse Taper arbor is 4-1/4", Cone is 1-1/4" diameter by 2" long
  • Application: Precision ball bearings for smooth, balanced turning. Ideal for many turn-between-center woodturning projects
  • Note: Place rear taper end on the tail stock and the opposite end in the center drill hole; We recommend applying lubrication oil to bearing prior to each use (not included)
  • Sturdy: Alloy steel shaft construction for ultimate strength and longevity that can easily handle a maximum 4,000 RPM and maximum 66-pound workpiece load
  • Packing: Shipped in Protective case for storage

User questions & answers

Question: Would it fit central machinery lathe
Answer: Yes, but only if the central machinery lathe has a #2 Morse Taper tail stock. Check your CM lathe and determine what its Morse taper is. Then buy any tailstock center that is the same as the taper. Don't try to stick a number 2 taper into a number one tailstock.
Question: I have a jet jwl 1236. will this fit
Answer: This has a 2 my shank. I have a jet 12” woodworking lathe and it is perfect.
Question: Will this fit in a shopsmith
Answer: As long as it has a Number 2 Morse Taper it will fit.
Question: will this fit my craftsman
Answer: This is a Morse taper #1 and your lathe is a Morse taper #1 on the tail stock so it should fit. Mine worked perfectly on a 30’s craftsman wood lathe. Roy

MT2 Live Revolving Center High Precision Medium Turning Tools Parts for Lathe Tailstock Machine

Based on 48 reviews Check latest price
  • ★Pointed part of the lathe tailstock machine is made form high speed steel, quenching hardness is 55 to 60HRC
  • ★The medium turning tools parts featured 60 degree point which is the most common configuration for general purpose work
  • ★High quality triple bearing design (bearings are immersed & sealed)
  • ★The revolving center lathe tailstock machine Great for high speed turning, convenient to carry and maintain
  • ★The medium turning tools parts is designed for lathe in medium speed and medium load environment

User questions & answers

Question: Is this for a mini lathe
Answer: The tip in the live center is not replaceable. The other 3 fixed drives have a tapered pin which you can drive out from the open end.
Question: Will this work with the shopsmith 10er
Answer: You will need to transfer the home button assembly from the shattered touchscreen to the replacement screen to retain the Touch ID feature. You could purchase a new screen without the home button assembly on it. It would be cheaper for you. However if you use a replacement screen which includes a home button and use it, your fingerprint ID feature will be lost.

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