Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
dull/flat live center
keith zimmerman, Normal IL
>I'd like to find a live center that has a flat "point" so it will not dig into the wood. It also needs to apply even pressure.
I want to use it to hold a bowl so I can finish the bottom of a bowl or vessel.
Anyone have any ideas?
keithz
plastic bottle cap with sandpaper face over live c
TDaniel
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dull/flat live center addendum
keith zimmerman, Normal IL
>I forgot to mention that I do not use a chuck. I use a glue block and face plate when I turn bowls so there is no tenon to use when finishing the bottom.
Re: dull/flat live center
Russ Fairfield
>A penny with a dimple in the middle for the live-center point works.
Try a cone center
Bob Hackett
>Like Oneway offers,just reverse the cone and put a proper size rubber ball in it.You can even turn the ball away to gain further access if needed(use a solid foam ball,DAMHIKT).This has been very versatile for me.You could also turn an inverted wood cone and hot glue it to your present center to see if you like the idea first,but then you run the risk of frugality setting in.On second thought,just give Tim a call.
Mainely,Bob
Re: dull/flat live center
Terry Quiram
>Keith
I put the point through a small washer to reduce the engagement. Keep a small rare earth magnet close, it helps hold the washer in place till you bring the center up.
Terry
Re: dull/flat live center
Bill Hale / The Wood Spinner
>Do not wory about the canter. Trim the bottom as you like leaving a very small center spud. After you take the bowl off the lathe just sand off the spud. I use a high speed grinder with a 60 grit disk to trim level and then sand to 120 with a small offset sander. I finish by hand to 220. Quick and easy.
Good turning and be safe
Bill