A printed version of this documentation is included with the purchase of any tailstock accessory.

Tailstock accessories for benchtop lathes: the adapters have a Morse #0 taper on one side and a boring that fits cutting tools on the other side.
        We do also offer Morse #0 dead centers and customized sizes.

       
        Typical application: Accessory for benchtop lathes. Mounts in a Morse #0 arbor, e.g. in the tailstock spindle of a small tabletop lathe.
Perhaps one recognized that more time is lost clamping center drills and drill bits in Jacobs drill chucks then it would be good. These simple, affordable, and useful accessories give one a fast tool change system.

Available standard sizes

        Tailstock center drill holders: We do offer three adapters for #1 to #3 center drills. The adapters are long enough (~3”) to reach over a cross-slide typical for benchtop systems. The center drills (not included) are hold in place by a steel auxiliary set screw (included). You will be amazed how much time you will save using these snap-on adapters for center drills.

        Morse #0 taper – extended dead center. The accessories have a Morse #0 taper at one end and a 30° pin (taper) at the other end. The steel pieces can be used as a dead center. The adapters are long enough (~3”) to reach over a cross-slide typical for benchtop systems (replacing an expensive Morse arbor – taper adapter). These pieces are cut from (non-hardened) steel, but the pin end may wear out over time (as usual use cutting oil when using dead centers). However, any (hobby) machinist can easily resharpen the pin end by cutting e.g. a 30° taper. (When working mostly with aluminum, we have used these pieces for a year without significant sign of wear.)

        We do also offer an extended dead center with a concave end which is useful when turning odd shaped pieces.

Pricing: One may consider that a single Jacobs drill chuck for a benchtop system costs easily $60 and more. In addition, Morse taper shapes are difficult to cut. We explain how this can be done (also on a small lathe) in vol. 1 of the
Lathe City book series.

        Procedure: Extend the tailstock spindle by about ¼”. For best fit, slightly (and carefully) slam the taper adapter in the spindle by hand. To remove the taper, pull back the spindle. Typically taper arbors/spindles have an internal draw bar which will push out the taper.

        Safety notes and disclaimer: General safety rules for machine tools are in place. For an extended list of safety notes consult the literature. One can download free of charge a safety booklet which is also typically included for first time customers (free of charge).
Cutting tools such as center drills can break. The fragments may travel at great speed over large distances. Therefore, use protective closing including safety glasses for metal work.
The adapter may start to rotate when the center drill gets stuck in the work piece. Therefore, make sure that the setscrews do not stick out of the adapter and use cutting oil. In any case, switch the lathe off. Do not try to stop the rotating adapter with your hands.
Using a deadcenter can result in over heating the work piece and the adapter. Switch the lathe off, cool down the pieces.
We do not warrant that any accessories can be used for any particular application. Usage of accessories or damage caused is at the risk of the customer. Neither Lathe City, or its owner shall be liable for damage arising from unprofessional use or misusing LatheCity accessories. [Disclaimer]

        Returns in resalable conditions are accepted within 30 days after shipment. All shipping costs will be covered by the customer. No restocking fees, no questions asked. No returns of custom designs or customized designs. General sells and business terms are active.

       
Further technical notes

        Please note the length and end style of Morse taper varies, depending on application and lathe model. Our version is tailored towards small benchtop lathes. A Morse #0 taper has a larger end with O.D. of 0.3561”. The standard version we offer has a taper length of 0.775” for short benchtop tailstock spindles. Other sizes are available on request as custom designs.              

        Typically LatheCity accessories are made from aluminum (Al), unless otherwise noted, which keeps the prices low and is durable enough. In addition, the aluminum adapters guarantee not to damage e.g. threads. Looking at rusting pieces made by other vendors out of “stainless” steel ... Well, this does also not happen with aluminum adapters.
We do not coat our accessories with a (black) oxide since this has no function, but just increases the costs. Typically all surfaces are milled or polished, but small scratches may be apparent even on new adapters. These are tools and not jewelry or furniture.
We do test all products thoroughly (typically for at least a year) before offering them for sell.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding compatibility of our products with your system.
Lathe City accessories, manuals, software, and books are copyrighted by
U. Burghaus, 2011.