60 degree live center maintenance

[putnamm]

I've been using a 60 degree live center for several weeks now with my pen mandrel. Tonight I noticed a high pitched whine coming from the lathe. I narrowed it down to the live center. So I put a bit of grease on the tip, and that solved the problem. Is this a common thing? Do I need to do this regularly?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[JimB]

I've had mine for several years and i have never done anything to it. It works just as good as the day I bought it.

 

[Wood Butcher]

Mark it sound to me like the friction between the live center and the mandrel may be the issue. I used to apply a little candle wax to the recess in the mandrel and it helped a bunch. If the "chirping" continues feel the end of the mandrel and if it is warm that is the problem. Pretty easy fix if that's the problem.
WB

 

[frank123]

Are your bearings rough and/or causing excessive friction? Under the pressure of use as well as free from anything being mounted on it?

A live center should never make noise, need maintenance, or cause any other concern unless it is failing. You may want to keep a close eye on it.

 

[TurtleTom]

It's usually caused by excessive pressure on the part and may need to be replaced. If it gets hot, it's shot.

 

[chartle]

Isn't lubeing up the tip kind of defeating the purpose of the live center or at least masking the fact that its not so live anymore.

 

[nava1uni]

I have a 60 degree live center with a replaceable bearing and I do clean it every few months. I just blow out the dust and put a little lube in the housing. Runs great