Help newbie record DML 24x

[jimmybigfoot]

Hi I have just acquired a record DML 24x lathe year 96. It runs a treat but for some reason when I put a piece of wood on it, the centre gets hot when the wood spins on it and doesn't rotate. If I loosen it it still won't turn the centre but the wood still goes.
Can anyone help? I've had it Appare and cleaned it all
Jim

 

[Phil Pascoe]

It looks to me like a dead centre that's not designed to turn.

 

[jimmybigfoot]

Hi phil, is it ok if it gets hot?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

You can put a spot of oil or wax in the indent and not do the tailstock up too tightly, this will help but they always run a little warm. They have their uses - you don't damage your tools running into them - but for long running and lack of marking/burning running centres (live centres) are better. They are not that expensive, though the better ones with better bearings (often more accurate for metal turning) tend to be more.

 

[jimmybigfoot]

Cool thanks for that I'll see how I get on

 

[Paul Hannaby]

Hi Jimmy,
You would be better off getting a live centre, which has a bearing in it to allow the business end to rotate.

The dead centre in your photo can be used at a push, with adequate lubrication to allow the wood to spin but generally they are used just as a drive centre in the headstock.

Either type of centre should not spin in the taper on the tailstock (or headstock).

 

[woodyturner]

In there day the old dead centre was used with a high melting point grease but as said you would be better of getting a live centre

 

[jimmybigfoot]

Hi guys, I be been looking at live centres and will be purchasing shortly.
Thanks Jim