How much rotational resistance should a live center have?

[erikmannie]

I just bought what is almost certainly a Chinese MT4 live center:

CNC Long Nose Live Center MT4

4MT Long Nose Live Center

zlivecenter.com

I was expecting smooth rotation with a lot less resistance than what it has.

It is sold by Z Live Center. Will it break in with use?

My well used, Shars MT2 live center has about the rotational resistance that I would have expected; same with my Shars MT2 bull nose live center.

I wonder if I am okay here. The lathe is 5HP, so that should help with the situation.

 

[erikmannie]

They responded very quickly. Here is their response:

“We have sold lots of same models without any issue. There is a lubricant seal bag inside the bearing system. For the first time use, please put it on the spindle unloaded run for minute to allow the lubrications melt then you shall see better performance. If the issue still there, please return it back. We will issue you a full refund.”

 

[Superburban]

Never heard of a bearing with a lubricant bag. Will be interesting to see how this works out for you.

 

[Janderso]

Lubricant bags are very common after relations with certain loved ones.
Did I just say that out loud?

 

[DavidR8]

Lubricant bags are very common after relations with certain loved ones.
Did I just say that out loud?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[westerner]

You not only said it, you typed it, AND hit 'send'...

 

[erikmannie]

If there is a “lubricant seal bag“, what would become of the bag after the live center is worn in?!

I hope that they are sealed cartridge bearings, because I don’t see a fitting for lubrication.

And, yeah, I am afraid the Google “lubricant seal bag”.

 

[erikmannie]

Further conversation with the Seller:

Me: Thanks for the quick response. What is a “lubricant seal bag”?

Seller: Inside the ball bearing system for lubrications.

Me:

 

[benmychree]

Lubricant bags are very common after relations with certain loved ones.
Did I just say that out loud?

I'm afraid that you did, Jeff!

 

[erikmannie]

I am thinking that there is no bag in there at all.