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For Machines Mfg. Since 5/11
13" Heavy 13
®
Gearhead Lathe
OPERATION
Live Centers
A live center has bearings that allow the center
tip and the workpiece to rotate together; it can be
installed in the spindle and the tailstock quill for
higher speeds. However, a live center typically
does not provide the same level of rigidity as a
dead center, and final workpiece accuracy can
suffer as a result.
Mounting Dead Center in Spindle
1. DISCONNECT LATHE FROM POWER!
2. Thoroughly clean and dry the tapered
mating surfaces of the spindle bore, adapter
sleeve, and the center, making sure that no
lint or oil remains on the tapers.
Note: This will prevent the tapered surfaces from
seizing due to operational pressures, which
could make it very difficult to remove the
center.
3. Mount a chuck or faceplate onto the spindle,
whichever is correct for your operation.
4. Insert the center into the sleeve, then insert
the sleeve into the spindle bore through the
chuck or faceplate.
Figure 49 shows an example photo of a
dead center installed in the spindle, using a
lathe dog and faceplate for turning between
centers.
Mounting Center in Tailstock
Either a carbide-tipped dead center or live
center can be used in the tailstock. Mounting
instructions are the same for both. Figure
50 shows an example photo of a dead center
mounted in a tailstock.
Removing Center from Spindle
To remove the sleeve and center from the
spindle, insert a piece of round bar stock or
similar tool through the outboard end (on the left
side of the headstock). Have another person hold
onto the sleeve and center with a gloved hand or
shop rag, then tap the sleeve loose.
To mount a center in the tailstock:
1. DISCONNECT LATHE FROM POWER!
2. Thoroughly clean and dry the tapered
mating surfaces of the tailstock quill bore
and the center, making sure that no lint or
oil remains on the tapers.
Figure 49. Example photo of using a dead center with
a faceplate and lathe dog.
Dead Center
Lathe
Dog
Figure 50. Example photo of using a carbide-tipped
dead center installed in the tailstock.
Carbide-Tipped
Dead Center
To avoid premature wear of the dead center
or damage to the workpiece, use low spindle
speeds and keep the tip of the dead center
mounted in the tailstock well lubricated.