I understand that to turn a blank whose ends are not exactly square a two-pronged driving centre is preferred to a four-pronged one. How does a stebcentre behave in this situation? Is it a suitable alternative?
Thanks,
Never tried, but I suspect a two prong would work better
It is much easier to mount some thing when the ends are square, but 2 pronged will do okay if the end isn't too out of shape. Just curious about why you can't get the ends close to square. With square blanks, it is simple on a chop saw, table saw, or band saw to square off the ends. On round stock, if you can grab one end in a chuck, center the other end, then turn a tenon on it, then reverse. If it is too out of line, then put it on the lathe, see how far out of whack it is, then take it off and trim it up a bit, and remount to see how close you got it. What are you turning that is so far out of square?
robo hippy
A two-pronged drive would be better, prvided that you can find the line which is at right angles to the axis. A Stebb center will always hit hardest on the "tall" side.
The stebcentre has the same problem as the 4-prong in that the portion of the blank nearest the headstock will be gripped more firmly than the part furthest away. Not a good idea. If you must use blanks that aren't square on the end you really have to use the 2-prong. Even that won't work if the angle on the end of the blank is too severe.
Personally I'd find a saw, chisel, or sander and just square the thing up and mount it properly.
Bill
I was thinking of turning some bent tree limbs. One of the problems is that nobody seems to carry 2-prong centres. I wanted to make sure that I understand the issues and the various options before I start grinding down a
4-pronged one.Don?t grind your 4-prong center. They?re readily available from online suppliers. Craft Supply
jeez guys - THINK..... don't destroy a tool - you want a two pronged drive, just make one - an old faceplate, two sharpened bolts and off you go - or, if you don't like that, a piece of steel on edge welded to a nut, sharpen the edge and off you go.
(and if you can't weld, you know how to find me - I could make those too)
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