CentersSpider
A tailstock center supports stock that is too long to be supported by the chuck alone. The tailstock barrel and live center have an MT#3 taper. Included with this lathe is an MT#3 to MT#5 spindle sleeve. If you need to install a center in the spindle when using the face plate, you can do so by using this adapter sleeve.
Before installing any center or arbor, make sure that the mating surfaces are perfectly clean. These parts will last longer and remain accurate if properly maintained. If oil is present on the mating surfaces, the tapers will not interlock.
To install the center, insert the end of the center into the tailstock bore until it seats. Once the workpiece is installed, the force of a mounted workpiece will fully seat the taper.
When using a live center, the tailstock barrel should protrude about 1⁄2" and not more than 3" (see Figure 21).
To remove the live center, back the tailstock barrel all the way into the tailstock casting. The live cen- ter will pop out. Be sure to catch it when it comes out to avoid damaging the tip.
Figure 21. Live center installed in tailstock.
Your lathe is equipped with a set of outboard spindle supports otherwise known as a "spi- der" (Figure 22). Use the spider when a long workpiece has the potential for wobble or vibration when it extends through the outboard side of the headstock.
The tips of the spider screws have brass wear pads that hold the workpiece without causing indents in the finish.
When installed, make sure to always use the jam nuts to lock each spider screw in position. Merely tightening the spider screws against the workpiece and leaving the jam nuts loose is not safe. The spiders screws may loosen up during lathe opera- tion and crash into the lathe end cover.
Remove the spider screws when not in use. Always disconnect the lathe from power when installing, removing, or adjusting the spider screws. Ignoring this warning can lead to personal injury or machine damage.
