Help me find a small drive center.

[Jack Gaskins]

Im looking for a 1/2 inch or smaller dia drive center, #2 mt. Anyone have a suggestion or can I make one?

[Kyle Iwamoto]

PSI sells the stebcenter copy, super wood lathe center. It's 5/8" though. If that's close enough. Works good.

[Jack Gaskins]

I looked at those and I have the large 3/4". I was looking for something 1/2" or less.

[Michael Ginsberg]

I have a Sorby #PMD 082 "Light Pull". It is a drive with serated teeth like the Stebcenter, but it is stationary. It does not have the safety slippage like the Steb Center. The diameter is about 1/4 inch. I checked around, don't see any on line. Perhaps it is discontinued.
Another option is the Steb Center Drive that is made in 1/2 inch diameter. It is Craft Supply #163-0250 for $63.99
Hope this helps.
Michael

[Ed Morgano]

Woodcraft has: #142183, 3/8" Dia., Small Four Spur Center, #2 MT, $11.99ea

[Jack Gaskins]

Woodcraft has: #142183, 3/8" Dia., Small Four Spur Center, #2 MT, $11.99ea

I looked on the WC site last night but only found the Sorby. I knew I had seen one smaller when I was in WC a while back. May have to go up and see if they still have one. I also did find the four prong 3/8 and 1/2 on the CSUSA site.

Thanks, Jack

[ron hossack]

Not sure exactly what you're looking for or if this will interest you but I'm frugal and often look for alternative methods.

I used to use an old 1/2" fornster bit but now I use one of these 3/8" spot weld cutters as a drive center to cut a tenon in the wood.

205071
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-double-sided-rotary-spot-weld-cutter-95343.html

[David E Keller]

Good suggestions so far... I avoid putting the drive center directly into the headstock morse taper for fear of boogering it up. I generally hold my drive centers in a chuck.