Lathe Center

Lathe centers are machine tool accessories used in metalworking machinery, specifically in lathes. They are designed to support and hold the workpiece securely during the turning process.

There are two main types of lathe centers:

1. Live Center: This type of center has a bearing mechanism that allows it to rotate with the workpiece. It is typically used on the tailstock end of the lathe and provides support while the workpiece is being turned. Live centers are commonly used when working with long or heavy workpieces.

2. Dead Center: Unlike live centers, dead centers do not rotate with the workpiece. They are fixed in place and provide support at the headstock end of the lathe. Dead centers are often used when working with smaller or lighter workpieces.

Both live centers and dead centers have a pointed tip that is inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the workpiece. This helps to ensure accurate alignment and stability during the turning process.

Lathe centers are essential accessories in metalworking machinery as they help to maintain precision and stability while turning workpieces on a lathe.