A lathe center is mounted on the tail of a lathe and is used to hold a workpiece steady.
A lathe center is mounted on the tail of a lathe and is used to hold a workpiece steady. The typical lathe center is made of hardened tool steel and has a fine point. The tip is crimped in the center of a workpiece, which can rotate between the center of the lathe and the lathe chuck. This provides a robust and secure mounting device for the lathe.
When the center of the lathe is not in use, the workpiece tends to wobble and usually comes off the chuck. This creates a workplace hazard as it can fly across the work area. The work piece is also difficult to cut and shape correctly due to its tendency to wobble when pressure is applied against it.
The lathe center is not only used on large parts. It is used on very small objects also when the need for fine and precise details demands a stable workpiece. The center of the lathe is used on the small part until the final stages where it is removed to allow for final detailing. This is especially true when marking the surface of an item.
There are two basic types of lathe centers: a live center and a dead center. The center of the lathe consists of a pointed tool that rotates and rotates on a bearing. This type of center allows the piece to be held firmly and rotated quickly without burning or damaging the work. Dead center is a point that is locked in position and the work piece rotates at the point while the point is stationary. This can burn the piece and often come loose.
A screw center is used to create bowls. The center has a wood screw located in the center of the nose and the work piece is tightened against it with the screw. After turning the container, it is removed from the screw and set aside. This type of center lathe is best for an item that can be removed and reinstalled many times, as it keeps the work centered and in place on center.
A spur center uses sharp blades around a pointed tip. The tip sinks into the work piece while the blades cut and provide a drive mechanism. The more the piece is turned, the more the center of the spur digs into the wood, holding it in place. A metal foam does not normally use a straight center.