Live center alternative

[Jamie Straw]

At the studio, we've been using the Nova live centers (multiple points included) for most turning, even though the Powermatics come with their own centers. After 7 years, and some beginner mis-use, we have at least one that needs replacing. What live center kits can you recommend in the $100 range?

 

[Mark Jundanian]

I don't know the cost off hand, but I have and use the Robust live center. Oneway makes a similar product. As to kits like you show, Nova is the only one I know of. I have that Nova set, too, and sometimes it saves the day, but mostly I use the Robust.

 

[Kirk Amidon]

I love my Oneway with the 3/4x10 threads, as it is easy to make custom centers for specific applications. I've made them with points, flats, and inverted points for various projects over the years. It does require buying a 3/4x10 tap. Robust also makes one with that same thread pattern - have their drive center in that configuration and have customized it over the years too.

 

[john lucas]

I haven't looked at the pricing for live centers. I'm still using the Nova and the Powermatic copy of the Oneway. Both are 20 years or older and get used a lot for all sizes of turnings. I've looked at the Pennstateind. live centers as well as the Grizzly. Don't know how good they are.

 

[Bill Alston]

I’ve got the OneWay, it’s pretty good but a bit expensive over here.

 

[Josh Mandell]

I've used the Axminster live center before, but don't own one myself. It also has a variety of attachments and is around the same price range.

https://www.thewoodturningstore.com/axminster-woodturning-multihead-center-2mt-with-accessories/

 

[Richard Coers]

What you get with the high end live centers is two bearings. Not the case with many cheap ones.

 

[Charles Cadenhead]

Another vote for the Robust live center but it's not under $100.

 

[Steve Tiedman]

I'd like a version of this smaller reverse cone(?) for my Oneway live center. It comes with a similar fitting, but it is much larger and without the pinpoint center interior. I guess I could make a wood insert for the Oneway of a similar shape.

 

[Jeff Jackson]

I have both the Powermatic and Oneway which are identical. Like mentioned already I've made various jigs using the 3/4-10 thread. I also have a threaded adapter for my chuck which comes in handy for centering my segmented work.

 

[Doug Freeman]

I use the Robust live and drive threaded centers and love ‘em, but in a teaching environment I think you want the same accessories so students can do the same setup. I see that Nova kit on amz for $97.