cylindrical surfaces are to be turned. Otherwise, a slight taper will be turned.
Use a small center drill to cut these centers. Put the center drill in the chuck in the tail stock and clamp it
tight. Turn the lathe on with the speed set on the lowest speed (not in back gear) and move the tail stock
so that the center is within 1/2 inch of the stock. Clamp the tail stock, and drill a center just deep enough
so there is just about a 3/32-inch bevel on the edge of the center hole.
When you have the center cut on one end, turn off the lathe, turn the stock around, and repeat the
process on the other end. When both centers are cut, you can start to turn the tool steel to its correct
shape.
A Face Plate can now be installed in place of the three or four jaw chuck and centers set in place. The
work and the center at the head stock end rotate together, so no lubricant is needed in the center hole at
this end. However, because the center in the tail stock quill is dead with respect to the rotating work
piece, adequate lubrication must be provided. This usually is accomplished by putting a mixture of white
lead and oil, or with another type of lubricant in the center hole before the dead center is tightened in the
hole. If you do not provide proper lubrication at all times, you will result in scoring of the center hole and
the center, and inaccuracy and serious damage may occur to the centers.
A connection must be provided between the spindle and the work piece to cause it to rotate. This is
accomplished by a lathe dog and a faceplate. For this project, you will need a 1-inch, and a 1/2 inch
lathe dog. The dog is a forging that fits over the end of the work piece and is clamped to it by means of
a setscrew. The tail of the dog enters a slot in the dog plate, which is rigidly attached to the lathe spindle
in the same manner as a lathe chuck. If the dog is attached to work that has a finished surface, a piece
of soft metal, such as copper or aluminum, can be placed between the work and the setscrew to avoid
marring.