Spur drives with spring loaded center pin

[Sam Fleisher]

Are the different brands all built pretty much the same way?

A set screw sits in a notch on the center pin in front of the spring?

My set screw backed off earlier today and the spring decided to launch the pin into the land of the lost. So I need to acquire another just to have a spare if nothing else on the off chance I find it while sweeping.

The one I'm using wasn't very much and it worked but if there's a brand out there built differently I'll give it a try.

 

[William Rogers]

I haven’t use a spur drive center in a very long time. 95% of the time I use what is called the safety drive center. https://www.turnrobust.com/product/cup-center-wbowl-drive-set/

You may not like this style, but I like it better than driving the spur into the piece and if there is a catch it doesn’t tear up the wood.

The other 5% I use a step drive center.

 

[hockenbery]

Are the different brands all built pretty much the same way?

They are all similar. The ones with short spurs are worthless.

I want long spurs and a removable point. I don’t like a spring loaded point. I like the positive hold of the fixed point set about 3/16 proud of the spurs
The 1” detla spur drive has served me well.

Packard used to carry them may still have them but didn’t see it on his web site.


These folks have them

Delta Drive Spur Center

Educational supplier of Industrial Arts, Technology Education, Career Training & Vocational Education

www.midwesttechnology.com

 

[Odie]

This handy little magnetic pick-up tool has saved my bacon a few times!

https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-magnetic-pickup-tool-42288.html




-o-

 

[Doug Freeman]

Not sure the center pins from other mfrs will fit, and I don’t remember seeing replacement pins for sale - may have to call the supplier/mfr. If you end up needing a new drive, This brand has has worked well. Other sizes and stebcenters available. I prefer the spring loaded pin - it doesn’t create a large divot. The spurs hold the wood.

Hurricane, 4 Prong Drive Center, 1" Diameter, #2 MT

Your Source for Woodturning Tools, Chucks, Lathes, Pen Kits and Project Supplies

www.thewoodturningstore.com

 

[Tom Albrecht]

I frequently use those centers on the drive and the tail end.

Do you know who made yours? You should be able to contact them for replacement parts.

 

[Sam Fleisher]

It doesn't have a name on it and I don't remember it costing too much so I'll just order another one. If I ever find the old pin then I'll have a spare.

 

[Sam Fleisher]

I did find this one from axminster which is made a little different in that the adjustment of the spring and the set screws are at the back of the drive. (see the video from that page)

Since I'm using axminster chucks and jaws and like the stainless steel guess I'll give this one a go.

Axminster Woodturning Pro Drives

These centres are safe, secure and offer greater versatility and accuracy than the more common 2 or 4-prong drive centres. Being made entirely of stainless steel they will not rust or corrode when used with green timber or left in an unheated workshop....

www.axminstertools.com

 

[Sam Fleisher]

Old thread I know but I've since found out and bought one of the sorby steb centers which has the set screws in the end instead of the side similar to the axminster.

 

[Bill Alston]

I use a chuck mounted Steb Centre as it saves the faff of keep removing the chuck. Others now make this type and generally call them “Crown Centres”. I’ve made a couple of my own. I made one to fit my interchangeable rotating centre and use it a lot. It doesn’t bite into the wood as far as a conventional centre and provides better grip than a ring centre.

 

[Sam Fleisher]

I use a chuck mounted Steb Centre as it saves the faff of keep removing the chuck. Others now make this type and generally call them “Crown Centres”. I’ve made a couple of my own. I made one to fit my interchangeable rotating centre and use it a lot. It doesn’t bite into the wood as far as a conventional centre and provides better grip than a ring centre.

I have seen those and I do have one that is just a spur drive. The "crown" ones I've seen have the set screws on the side. Not a deal breaker probably I'm just gun shy. Or maybe I just need to keep my floor cleaner.

 

[Bill Alston]

There are a couple of ways of making these things. If the set screw is perceived as a problem then it could be fixed in place with thread lock or maybe even super glue? Gentle heat should allow it to be removed at a later date if required.