Live Centre For A Boxford?

[William ChithamParticipant @williamchitham75949]

[William ChithamParticipant @williamchitham75949]

I'm in the market for a new live centre for my Boxford. I have a big crusty old one that came with the lathe but it has a big body and a short point so it's always in the way of the tool. I have a slim body cheapy but I discovered that that is now all wibbly wobbly and causing chatter so I'm looking for something better. I quite fancy one with the long profiled nose, APT have a couple of contenders on sale at the moment but I'd welcome any recommendations before I spend.

Thanks, William.

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

APT are one of my favorite suppliers, they stock good stuff and are very quick sending goods. I ordered a boring bar on Sunday and it has been delivered this morning (Tuesday). They also cater for the home machinist as well as professionals by selling some of their most popular carbide inserts singly, rather than having to buy a box of ten.

[Tony Pratt 1Participant @tonypratt1]

Just had a quick look at APT & the good news is they quote a TIR so their product would have to meet that easily checkable spec, other sites just quote 'precision' with no figures to guide you, also stub point should be more rigid as they are shorter.

Tony

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

something better

1) Can it be repaired with possibly far better bearings (thinking here of replacing chinese carp)?

2) Spend more on a replacement?

3) Buy one that can be refurbished.

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

I notice that APT sell a more expensive range intended for production use, and the red ring looks a lot like Rohm German made. The standard type are plenty good enough for hobby use, the extended nose is a boon when turning smaller diameter work.

[William ChithamParticipant @williamchitham75949]

I really like the look of the Heavy Duty one with the profiled point but will probably go for the standard series with the extended point.

W.

[William ChithamParticipant @williamchitham75949]

In conclusion, I ordered a "Precision Live Centre Morse Taper 2 Extended Point Standard Series" from APT. Arrived next day and quite happy so far. Solved the chatter problem I was having and no runout I can measure. The body is quite chunky, 45mm diameter, but the long point gives good tool access.

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