Do I Need This?

[Spike]

The tail stock on my lathe has the lever like all the rest but only a hole where I see other tail stocks have a chrome bulb like part. What is it and do I need it?



Random photo swiped from the internet and cropped to show the part I mean. Sorry for butchering the terms for this stuff and thanks for any help.
-Spike

 

[John Hasler]

It's s dauber. You fill the hole with white lead and use the dauber to daub it on to the tip of dead center to lubricate it. Turn one out of brass.

 

[Redirish]

Hardly ever see a lathe tailstock that still has the dauber, I use antiseize instead of white lead.

 

[Steve Shannon]

Here's a YouTube video that might help:

Steve Shannon, P.E.

 

[Spike]

I guess I can use it without that then. Thanks for the info folks. I may try to turn one once i get this lathe operational.
Thanks again!
-Spike

 

[Andre]

Black Moly grease has worked well in my experience as a center lube. Takes pressure well because of the Moly, is dirt cheap compared to how much you use, and fairly common.

 

[The Liberal Arts Garage]

Try anti- sieze and a bit of oil

 

[CraigB1960]

Mine still has the dauber. Hard to find white lead anymore and is a health hazard, but it worked well with dead centers and steady rests. Live centers take away most of the need, but still might like to use a half center ever so often. Copper based C5a anti-seize is a good alternative.

 

[John Hasler]

Hard to find white lead anymore and is a health hazard

Only if you eat it.

I made a dauber for my Logan. Seemed incomplete without it, and besides I can't afford a live center. I use anti-sieze instead of white lead, though.

 

[CraigB1960]

Only if you eat it.

Yes, but as hobbyist, good chance we have children/grandchildren around. I do agree, tailstocks look incomplete without them.