Mini Lathe Tail Stock Center with a twist

[jjr2001]

Probably not the first time someone did this but I wanted a longer reach for my center.
I also wanted it to be live. Then I thought I could add a grease fitting and be able to re-grease it
after doing a few high speed runs. The housing and MT2 taper are just some hot rolled from my stock.
I used 3 cheap skate board bearings and made the housing to fit.
The center itself is made from a piece of drill rod 1/2" in diameter.
Turned down to a snug fit on the bearings. The center was heated to a nice cherry red and then quenched.
I think it will be hard enough after testing with a file. There is a 1/4-20 button head screw securing the bearings
to the center. The bearings are an interference fit which required heating the housing to a nice blue color.
The center and bearings assembly dropped right in and will not come out without heat.
Run out is better than .0005" since I ground the 60 degree angle on the surface grinder after assembly.
Works great.
Pictures of some other centers both commercial and shop made are included to show the difference
in "reach" and diameter of the new center compared to the others I have.
Along with the centers are some extra MT2 blanks to be used for future needs.

Cheers, JR

[DIYer]

Thanks jjr2001! We've added your Tailstock Center to our Machining category,
as well as to your builder page: jjr2001's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Tailstock Center by jjr2001

tags: tailstock