Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
live center bearings
Georg Waldhof
>which is better bearings in a live center (tailstock) - ball or needle?
I'm looking at using it both for woodturning and metal spinning.
I'm also open to suggestions for sources for a live center for metal turning.
Thanks
Re: live center bearings
Garrett in Victoria
>Wild guess only - I'm not a mechanical engineer - but I'd think ball bearings if only because there is pressure in several planes.
Cheers, Garrett
Re: live center bearings
john Lucas
>Can't answer the question on bearings but you can get live centers for metal turning from www.mscdirect.com or www.travers.com. Just about any machinist supply house will have those. www.grizzly.com also carries some metal turning supplies.
Re: live center bearings
Leo Van Der Loo
>Hi George
I have 2 live centers, one is a One way and use it for wood turning, its a high quality center, but not to be used for metal where the side forces are much greater than in wood turning.
For metal turning I have a Scoda live center, it has 2 adjustable needle-roller bearings, a trust-ball bearing and the whole unit is running in an oilbath.
The Oneway you can get at several places, the Scoda I got from Sowa out of Kitchener On, they had a ware house Buffalo NY, it's been a while since I bought mine, I expect it to last a long time yet.
Have fun and take care
Leo V
Re: live center bearings
Darryl Hansen
>George contact Boca Bearings they will know the answer and probably be able to fill any order you may wish to give them. No attachment with them. Nothing other than being a satisfied customer of theirs...
Re: live center bearings
Fred in NC
>Just my opinion, OK?
The live center is subject to both axial and radial forces: Weight of the workpiece = radial, and pressure against the workpiece = axial. Of course, part of the load is supported by the headstock.
Real heavy duty live centers have combination of radial and axial bearings, and can run in the hundred of dollars. They are intended for continuous heavy duty use. Remember, some shops run shifts. A live center failure while turning can result in a bad part, so the expense is justified.
A good compromise is a live center with two or three bearings. They are more accurate than single bearing ones, and can support a heavier load and axial thrust. They will last longer.
Grizzly has what I consider very good metal live centers with multiple bearings at reasonable prices. Unless you are going to turn 7/24, I think they will do what you want.
Something to think about, hope it helps.
