I'm an idiot. Now I need live center recommendations.

[TXFred]

For years I've been using a nice Skoda live center in my 7x10. The only complaint I had was that I had to extend the tailstock by an inch before the center would seat.

Today I decided I would finally get around to cutting the taper short.

Well...it turns out that this was a pretty nice, three bearing live center.

Was.



So now I need a new live center. I'm looking at the 2MT Short Center that LMS sells. It would solve the original problem, but I wonder about the quality.

The other option is a new Skoda, at a price of $115 after shipping.

I'm open to opinions on that product and suggestions for other options.

Also, did I mention that I'm an idiot?

Frederic

[ninefinger]

Well, at least you can buy your way out of that mistake! There are worse things to be stupid about...

As far as live center - if this is for your mini lathe I would imagine the LMS one will be fine. I can't see loading it enough to need a 3 bearing heavy duty design - you just can't put that much load on these little lathes.

Also - the risk is pretty low @ $15 so go for it and post up a review

my 2 cents...

Mike

[jeffrey001]

Now you can call it DEAD CENTER

Jeff

[ninefinger]

Can you take apart the one that you cut? If so maybe you can still salvage it and use it as a 2 bearing live center? Looks like that last end bearing was a simple radial bearing - depends on what the 2 front bearings are as to whether you can use it or not.

Mike