Which Live Center

[Mike Stephens]

I did a search on this and know this topic has been discussed before.

Seems that the 2 big dogs are the Oneway & the Nova.

Is the Oneway worth the extra $40.00-60.00 dollars or will I be happy with the nova? Is there another center I should be looking at.

Thanks,
Mike

[Gordon Seto]

I have both. When I bought them, they were both $100. At the time, the cone center from Nova was additional optional accessory. Now they move the manufacturing to China; and seems to pass along some of the saving to us and including the cone for $68.
http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=148539&FamilyID=20433
The Oneway is currently $120.
I like them both. The Nova is very versatile. It comes with studs for us to make custom cones. The 60 degree cone is made of steel. You don't need to buy an extra:
Pen Turning Point 3673 $8.95
With the Oneway, you can make custom cones with 3/4" X 10 tpi taps. You can also use the live center adapters for mounting the chuck for vacuum chucking.
http://oneway.ca/spindle/live_center.htm
I don't like to use the live center adapter. With the weight of the bowl, chuck and the free play of the live center, I don't find it is more accurate than using the old center point left from the bottom of the blank.

[Jerry Gerard]

Just a little PSA Hartville tools has the Oneway live center on sale . $104

[Alan Trout]

I really love the Nova live center. I think it is the best live center for the money on the market. It is super versatile and very well made. http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=148539&FamilyID=20433

Good Luck

Alan

[Mike Stephens]

Gordon thanks for the input. The Nova sounds like a good center at a decent price. I wonder If the quality of the Chinese made center is the same as the original.
Alan makes it 2 for the Nova.

Jerry I had seen that sale price thanks.

I guess my question is is the Oneway worth the extra $36.00?

[Bernie Weishapl]

I also have both. Each has it advantages and I really like both of them. If I could only afford one it would be the oneway. I do drill and tap wood cones with a 3/4" X 10 tap and wood pieces like a jam chuck when I don't want livecenter to leave any marks on the ends of my turned pieces.

[Leo Van Der Loo]

Yup and then some, also keeps the $$$ in N. Am.

[Bruce Shiverdecker]

Another for the Nova. I've got one at the house and two for the class ( when I make some money, I'll get two more.

Bruce

[alex carey]

Haven't used the Nova but I like my oneway.

[Gordon Seto]

I do drill and tap wood cones with a 3/4" X 10 tap and wood pieces like a jam chuck when I don't want livecenter to leave any marks on the ends of my turned pieces.
Watch this video:
http://www.teknatool.com/products/Lathe_Accessories/Centres/downloads/5015.wmv
It is even easier to make a custom cones for Nova, no tap required.
Before watching this video, I missed some of its usages.

[Bill Bolen]

Thanks Gordon, I had no idea the Nova was so versatile...Bill..

[Bob Vallaster]

Mike,
I can't speak for the brands mentioned above, as I haven't used them.
I've had 10+ years of good service from this item sold by Craft Supplies USA: http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Lathe_Accessories___Revolving_Centers___Revolving_ Center_System___pm_rev_center?Args
Reasonably priced at $65. Made in US. Multiple point options available. Since the receiving hole for the interchangeable points is straight 1/2", I have been able to turn my own adapters for odd projects like spheres and chess pieces.

BobV

[Alan Trout]

Mike, Mine is the Asian made live center and it is of very good quality. I would not hesitate if I needed an other to get the same one again.

Alan

[Jim Becker]

I happen to like my OneWay live center. No question it's been worth the investment...to me.

[Mike Stephens]

Thanks for all the reply's.

As much as I'd like to buy the OW I think I will probably end up buying the Nova.

Sorry Leo. A penny saved is a penny earned.

Mike

[Leo Van Der Loo]

It won't be me that will be sorry Mike, it is up to you to decide that the extra $1.-- per year or less of initial cost, is worth buying the Nova, rather than the Oneway, I know what I would do, but you decide if you are worth the better one, with more options and the better quality, anyway good luck and have fun and take care.

[Bruce McElhaney]

The $$$ difference here is fairly small, so for me it's a no brainer. It's not like a $2000 lathe vs. a $6000 lathe. I have several Oneway chucks, plus Oneway live centers and am happy with them all. I also have a no-name-brand live center that came with my PM lathe. It works good, but it's not quite as well as Oneway's version. A another thing about Oneway is that you can always get parts, accessories and support for them. Plus, I personally prefer to support (when feasible) North American Manufacturers over Asian imports.

[John Peck]

You can buy the Powermatic copy of the Oneway live center from Osolnik for $59.95. Link - http://www.osolnikmachinery.com/6295902-livecenterassemblyformodels3520and4224lathesandany lathewithmt2tailstockspecialpricingwhilesuppliesla st.aspx

[Bob Hallowell]

I have the jet copy of the oneway, I paid around $70 for it. I love it.

Bob

[Mike Stephens]

Thanks John for the heads up. It looks like a very good deal.

Bob you just answered what would have been my next question.

Mike