DEAD CENTRE
The dead centre is used to support stock that is too long to be supported by the chuck alone. Stock
protruding more than 2½ times its diameter, should be supported by a dead or rolling centre.
Figure 9.
Dead centre installed in tailstock.
The tailstock barrel and centre have a Morse Taper #3. Before assembling these, insure that the mating
surfaces are “white glove” clean. Clean the mating so they are free of dirt and oil. These parts will last
longer and remain accurate when properly cleaned before assembly. Morse tapers will not interlock when
dirt or oil are present on the mounting surfaces.
Insert the end of the centre into the tailstock bore until it seats. The force of the centre contacting a
mounted workpiece will fully seat the taper when the handwheel is tightened.
When using a centre, the tailstock barrel should protrude about ½” and not more than 1¼” out of the
tailstock body.
See Figure 9.
To remove the live centre, back the tailstock barrel all the way into the casting by turning the handwheel,
on the end of the tailstock, counterclockwise. The live centre will pop out. Be sure to hold it before it
comes out lest it drop on the lathe bed.
Chester UK Model B
9