Agree with your comment about the screw on 'stebcenters'. If that screw inadvertently comes loose, the spring will eject the pin which will inevitably be lost in the shavings under the lathe. DAMHIKT. But, a little locktite on the screw threads helps, or if you prefer, you can also use the leftover touchup paint from the car that you traded in last year. Also, I've found that it's not all that difficult to make a new pin from ordinary steel rod - chuck it in the lathe and use a file to make a point, and then file a flat on one side to receive the grub screw.
Thank you Mike for a very informative video! My new lathe is being delivered next week and I’ve been looking at upgrading my drive and live centers ….. your video has really helped me make my decision 🤠🇨🇱
great overview on drive centers Mike. I think you did an excellent jog of covering all of the options. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂 PS The shop is progressing nicely. I am just beginning to spend less time organizing and more time turning.
I don't even use my 4 prong drive anymore, I mainly use a ring drive, sometimes a steb type. I have a 4 prong that has a spring center. That doesn't make sense, you pound it in and the spring is pushing it out.
Nice video, Mike. Very comprehensive. I think a lot of turners don't like to change something that is working for them for years. But the spring loaded multi-tooth are a good addition to the many, many, many accessories I own. I find there is less chance of stripping in wet wood. Do you find the same in wet and dry wood?
Hey Mike, Thanks for video. I got the 1/2 inch Sorby Stebcenter and was looking at the other two offered by Sorby, 7/8 and 1 1/4 , do you find yourself using all versions equally or is there one you would think is used the most? Thanks
Probably if you have one. I have never seen a leather mallet. But wooden mallets are such an easy and useful turning projecr requiring very little skill, that is a much better option for almost everyone.
Lot's of good information, Mike. For most of my work between centers, I use the Oneway "Safe Driver". It's very similar to a Stebcenter, except there are no teeth, just a smooth ring (or cup) around the point. I used a small round file to cut a few teeth in mine, but I don't believe it is necessary. Robust makes something similar that comes with two different sized rings. An advantage of this type of drive center (by this 'type' I mean Oneway's safe driver and multi-tooth stebcenters) over standard 4-prong centers is they reduce the consequnces of a catch. If you get a catch, the blank will simply stop spinning with very little damage to the blank. This can be a great help to learning good tool control. The downside to this type of drive center is it requires more tailstock pressure than would be needed with a typical 4-prong center. Generally, that's not a problem. But, it can be a problem if you're turning something long and thin. The additional pressure can cause the blank to bow.
As a newbie, in class, often we have to get our own set up, then get ok by teacher. This has been very helpful. I also take photo to help remember.
Agree with your comment about the screw on 'stebcenters'. If that screw inadvertently comes loose, the spring will eject the pin which will inevitably be lost in the shavings under the lathe. DAMHIKT. But, a little locktite on the screw threads helps, or if you prefer, you can also use the leftover touchup paint from the car that you traded in last year. Also, I've found that it's not all that difficult to make a new pin from ordinary steel rod - chuck it in the lathe and use a file to make a point, and then file a flat on one side to receive the grub screw.
Making a new pin might be a challenge for a newbie still learning how to chuck and turn wood though!
Thank you Mike for a very informative video! My new lathe is being delivered next week and I’ve been looking at upgrading my drive and live centers ….. your video has really helped me make my decision 🤠🇨🇱
Glad to help
I turn natural rough wood mostly and prefer the multi prong in case I have to reposition.
Thanks for sharing. New turner and didnt know about the options.
Happy to help!
great overview on drive centers Mike. I think you did an excellent jog of covering all of the options. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂 PS The shop is progressing nicely. I am just beginning to spend less time organizing and more time turning.
Excellebt!
Very informative Mike.
Glad it was helpful!
Good information Mike.
Thanks
Take care my friend
Cheers
Harold
You bet
I don't even use my 4 prong drive anymore, I mainly use a ring drive, sometimes a steb type. I have a 4 prong that has a spring center. That doesn't make sense, you pound it in and the spring is pushing it out.
Nice video, Mike. Very comprehensive. I think a lot of turners don't like to change something that is working for them for years. But the spring loaded multi-tooth are a good addition to the many, many, many accessories I own. I find there is less chance of stripping in wet wood. Do you find the same in wet and dry wood?
I have not had good luck with bowls wet or dry. Mostly I just find them simpler with spindles than having to use a mallet.
Get the Robert Sorby Stebcentre with #2 Morse Taper or whatever taper you need and Bob's your uncle
I have one. It is a good one. But I prefer the Record Power model with adjustable tension. And costs less.
Hey Mike, Thanks for video.
I got the 1/2 inch Sorby Stebcenter and was looking at the other two offered by Sorby, 7/8 and 1 1/4 , do you find yourself using all versions equally or is there one you would think is used the most?
Thanks
I use the ones by Record power: 16mm on my midi and the 22mm on my big powermatic. I raely use their 32mm one but it depends on what you mostly turn.
Question, I see you using a wood mallet, will a leather mallet work as well?
Probably if you have one. I have never seen a leather mallet. But wooden mallets are such an easy and useful turning projecr requiring very little skill, that is a much better option for almost everyone.
Lot's of good information, Mike. For most of my work between centers, I use the Oneway "Safe Driver". It's very similar to a Stebcenter, except there are no teeth, just a smooth ring (or cup) around the point. I used a small round file to cut a few teeth in mine, but I don't believe it is necessary. Robust makes something similar that comes with two different sized rings.
An advantage of this type of drive center (by this 'type' I mean Oneway's safe driver and multi-tooth stebcenters) over standard 4-prong centers is they reduce the consequnces of a catch. If you get a catch, the blank will simply stop spinning with very little damage to the blank. This can be a great help to learning good tool control.
The downside to this type of drive center is it requires more tailstock pressure than would be needed with a typical 4-prong center. Generally, that's not a problem. But, it can be a problem if you're turning something long and thin. The additional pressure can cause the blank to bow.
Excellent points. Thanks for sharing David.
Thanks, Mike!