Breathe New Life into an Old Wood Lathe by Adding a LIVE Center

I've owned this old wood lathe for at least 5 years, I purchased it because I wanted a little heavier lathe to avoid vibration in larger work. It is a very simple machine, which I also like because it is easy to maintain. The only major drawback is the dead center, this can be a pain to use, you can't apply too much pressure because it only causes more friction and more burning, but the 'best' part is the squealing, which is very loud. You stop your work, back off the tail stock, apply wax and then apply pressure again.

So to address these problems, we upgrade the dead center to a live center, and we're not buying one.... WERE MAKING ONE. The only parts not made are the bearings (I hope you understand).

I hope you enjoy the video, maybe you have an old Beaver lathe that could use the same upgrade too! Since making the video, I've used it a few times and it makes such a difference from the original, I am really happy to have put the effort into this project.

#Woodworking
#Lathe
#Machining

[JamesCouch]

That's quite an accomplishment. I have an antique Crescent lathe but I'm fortunate to have an MT2 in both the headstock and tailstock. Good job 👍

[gcg]

Thank you soooo much. I have [almost] the same lathe and I was trying to figure out what was wrong with it. I was treating the dead center as a live center; I'm lucky I didn't end up getting a piece of wood to the face. Thankfully mine is morse taper #1 compatible so I [think] I just need to buy a need live center. Thanks again!!! You wouldn't believe how many videos I watched trying to determine the problem.

[robcotnam]

My father has a Rockwell Beaver lathe, circa 1981, that I used to use all the time. Thinking I might fire it up again. Didn't know paraffin wax was the lubricant of choice for the tail-- I used to use liquid dish soap!

[lafaina]

I have the same lathe, with the same problem

[robynnlove]

Great video!! I’m quite sure I’ve got that same lathe! I’m having a hard time unfastening the spur to put on a faceplate. It Would be a fantastic help if you would do another video about the other end of the lathe!!!!??

[lafaina]

still trying to figure if I can fit a drill chuck into the tail stock housing, but ain't tapered its a 5/8 cylinder. Any suggestions?

[yuxuansun]

i always cringe when i see calipers used like that