How much rotational resistance should a live center have?

[erikmannie]

The Rohm was mysteriously purchased. Just can't help myself.

And it was the last one at that amazing price, I saw.

 

[Tozguy]

The geometric profiles were perfect,

Thats important to me. The little bit of experience with my live centers showed quickly that the length and profile (aka geometry) of the live center can make or break its usefulness no matter what it cost. It can be very difficult in some cases to use a bulky live center.

 

[erikmannie]

I received the bull nose live center, and it has very little rotational assistance. Also, no detectable side to side play in the bearings in either live center.

I left the Seller positive feedback, and I will let you guys know how these economy live centers work out.

 

[hman]

You might be able to "break it in" by using a center drill to put a pocket into the end of a wooden dowel, chucking the dowel into your drill press, and holding the center against the pocket while running the drill press.

 

[erikmannie]

You might be able to "break it in" by using a center drill to put a pocket into the end of a wooden dowel, chucking the dowel into your drill press, and holding the center against the pocket while running the drill press.

Great idea! I will put the live center in an MT4 tool holder.

 

[Tozguy]

Along those lines but using a round of steel in the lathe chuck and a normal center divot cut in the steel, you can run the live center tip into the divot. Not only will it show up any misalignment but it will also show how much axial pressure is required on the center for it to spin under normal conditions.