MT4 Dead Center

[Riesel]

I'm needing a MT4 Dead center that has only the point of the center sticking out of the spindle bore. I'm not able to find such a thing and figured I would just make one. Having a real problem turning that center down, extremely hard. If I were to heat that center, just the part I want to turn down, will it soften it enough to making turning easier? The revise center doesn't need to be harden, just centered in the bore. Is this doable, or better yet, is there a MT4 center made like that available.?

 

[riflewoman]

Since you already have a lathe...why not just make yourself the center you need? There are plenty of treatises on the web on how.

 

[z2013]

Have not bought anything from them, so don't know about service.
http://zlivecenter.com/15-dead-center?orderby=price&orderway=asc

 

[paperpuncher]

Get a #4 morse taper drill and cut it off, machine the stub to fit your needs. The taper ends on the drills are generally machinable, I have turned the tapers off in the past with no issues. Turning a hardened and ground center is going to be tough

 

[carlsbad]

Good suggesting by paperpuncher.

If you want to use the center that you've probably already sacrificed you can cut the end off with an abrasive saw and then put it into the bore of your lathe with a taper adapter. Drill a hole with a carbide drill. This hole won't be precise but not needed to be. make an insert from machinable steel and press and/or loctite it in. Machine the new tip onto the insert. --Jerry

 

[Riesel]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I believe I can get one of these to work. I have also researched how to soften hardened metal. Victory is nigh.

 

[carlsbad]

Softening might not be a good choice as you will lose the good finish and dimensions/straightness may change. It was hardened before it was ground. --Jerry

 

[Riesel]

Since I had several I could destroy I went with the heating up the end that needing modifying to a super hot cherry red and slow cooled it in the 500 degree preheated oven. Turned the oven off and it took 3 or so hours to cool. Used abrasive saw to cut off excess, no problem, drilled a small center hole for live center and machined the taper. Looks a little rough but runs true in the spindle bore. I'm using this to stretch my center to center for barrel turning.
Many Thanks Again for all the replies. If this one doesn't work out I'm going with "paperpuncher's" recommendation.