Live center for craftsman lathe

[Michael Wilwand]

Hi everyone. I’m new to the forum. Recently dragged an old Craftsman lathe out of storage and starting turning. The tip on the live center is broken and I’m looking for new one. It is from Sears Canada, which no longer exists as an entity. I’ve tried Zlive Center, e-replacement parts and Sears, none of which can help with replacement part. Any thoughts where I can get one?
Please see pics

 

[Gary Beasley]

Is that the entire carrier from inside the tailstock? Normally the live center is on a morse taper that wedges into a matching taper in the end of the carrier. Look at the crank end of that piece and see if its hollow and can have a knockout bar slipped in to tap the center out. You may be able to replace it with a generic live center available from many suppliers.

 

[Guy Scronce]

I had the US version of that lathe. It is a #2 Morse taper. You can use a rod to knock it out from the back if I remember correctly. Any live center with a #2 taper will fit it.

 

[Bill Boehme]

I had the US version of that lathe. It is a #2 Morse taper. You can use a rod to knock it out from the back if I remember correctly. Any live center with a #2 taper will fit it.

Yes, that's right. The pictures clearly show a bit of the Morse taper sticking out of the quill. Like guy says use a knockout bar that is about 3/8" diameter. Generally live centers are self ejecting, but sometimes smaller lathes come with a live center that has a stub Morse taper that won't self eject.

It's probably a #2 Morse taper as Guy said, but measure it just to make certain.

Use a flashlight to examine the Morse taper socket in the quill. It should be smooth and shiny. If there is any rust try to clean it up with crocus cloth or 1500 grit sandpaper with light oil. If there is heavier rust you might need a Morse taper hand reamer.

 

[Michael Wilwand]

Gentlemen! Thank you! That worked like a charm and I have a #2 morse taper on the way! Can’t wait to return to turning.

 

[Guy Scronce]

Glad I could be of help. I used a similar lathe for serveral years. I finally got tired of maintaining the reeves drive and sold it. Blow out and vacuum the headstock frequently to keep the drive in good condition.

 

[Michael Wilwand]

Thanks for the advice Guy