Southbend SB1012 User Manual

For Machines Mfg. Since 7/09

EVS Toolroom Lathes

-37-

  DISCONNECT LATHE FROM POWER!

  Thoroughly clean and dry the tapered 

mating surfaces of the spindle bore, tapered 
sleeve, and the center, making sure that no 
lint or oil remains on the tapers.

  Insert the center into the sleeve, then insert 

the sleeve into the spindle bore through the 
chuck or faceplate.

 

Figure 66 shows an example of the dead 
center installed in the spindle, using a 
lathe dog and faceplate for turning between 
centers.

Figure 65 shows the dead centers included with 
the lathe. In addition, an MT#6–MT#4 tapered 
spindle sleeve is included for mounting centers in 
the spindle.

The dead center achieves more accurate results 
than a live center, but it requires low spindle 
speeds and a small amount of oil to reduce 
friction heat that may damage the workpiece. 

Use the dead center in the spindle, because the 
workpiece does not rotate on the tip and does not 
generate friction.

Use the carbide-tipped dead center in the 
tailstock where the workpiece will rotate against 
it and generate friction. The carbide-tipped dead 
center can better withstand the effects of friction; 
however, the tip of the center must be lubricated 
to avoid premature wear and maximize smooth 
operation. Also, using low spindle speeds will 
reduce the heat and wear from friction.

A live center has bearings that allow the center 
tip and the workpiece to rotate together, and can 
be installed in the spindle and the tailstock quill 
for higher speeds.