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(12-24-2016, 12:04 AM)DaveParkis Wrote: I have a POS Ryobi mini lathe. I have a 4 prong drive center, but it's missing the pointy doodad is the center. Can they be replaced or should I just buy a new drive center?
Option C: use 4 prong drive center without the center pin.
It will make it harder to get the drive center exactly centered on the spindle before you rap it with a mandrel, but you can mitigate that by using a saw with a thin kerf to cut your X. You might wind up starting a bit more off-center, but that is no biggy at this point in your learning curve. Be sure to do the hand spin of the blank to be sure that it clears your toolrest before turning on the lathe.
The learning curve (by yourself) for rounding a square-ish spindle with a roughing gouge is much gentler than the learning curve for doing it with a skew.
The Lacer-grind for a skew does make it easier to learn planing (roughing to round) with one, but I would not want to have learned the technique from a video or book.
"the most important safety feature on any tool is the one between your ears." - Ken Vick
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(12-24-2016, 09:12 PM)DaveParkis Wrote: Mine is a 1MT. The body doesn't have a set screw, just a hole that apparently accepts a pin? At any rate, I like the one linked to. For a new like me, should I get the 5/8" or the 1"?
Dave
Then you will have to go with the one that MM had which comes with a MT1
https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/107...ive-Center
and a good price too.
I do have a MT1 4 prong drive but I do not know where it is at the moment but I do believe the one above at Woodturners is the best option tho
As of this time I am not teaching vets to turn. Also please do not send any items to me without prior notification. Thank You Everyone.
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(12-25-2016, 05:13 PM)iclark Wrote: The learning curve (by yourself) for rounding a square-ish spindle with a roughing gouge is much gentler than the learning curve for doing it with a skew.
The Lacer-grind for a skew does make it easier to learn planing (roughing to round) with one, but I would not want to have learned the technique from a video or book.
Never seemed tough with either, but too many people have no idea how to apply the roughing gouge, hacking nose in rather than shaving. Hold it more or less like the square chisel.
http://vid35.photobucket.com/albums/d160...rRough.mp4
Using a tool that's pre-skewed with the point over means you end up pulling the tool more than pushing, sacrificing control.
![[Image: Whittling-with-Rough.jpg]](http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d160/GoodOnesGone/Whittling-with-Rough.jpg)
Leaves a planed surface that dulls when sanded.
![[Image: Whittled-with-Rough.jpg]](http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d160/GoodOnesGone/Whittled-with-Rough.jpg)
Better to follow the leader than the pack. Less to step in.
