revolving cone centers

[paul wiser]

looking for a cone center for tail stock to hold an 1 1/2 inch opening so i can finish the pepper mills. any ideas??? thanks:(:(:(

[Robert McGowen]

Just turn one. I used a piece of mesquite and turned the cone with just a little nub left where the tail stock was holding it. As the point of the cone does not need to be perfect since it will be sitting inside the hole of the peppermill, just cut it off when it gets down to a diameter smaller than the hole in the peppermill. Works great.

[David Walser]

As has been suggested, you can turn your own cone center. There are, of course, commercial alternatives:


Stepped Cone: This fits onto your revolving center and provides 4 different stepped sizes for pre-drilled holes. The steps range from 1.25" to 1.75" Here's a link: http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Lathe_Accessories___Revolving_Centers___Stepped_Co ne___nova_step_cone?Args=
Oneway Revolving Center: I have this one mounted on my lathe right now. It comes with two different "cones". It's also threaded so you can easily make you own specialty centers. It's well made and saves a lot of time. Here's a link: http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Lathe_Accessories___Revolving_Centers___Oneway_Rev olving_Center___1way_revolv_center?Args=
Other alternatives for less money: The Oneway Revolving Center is expensive. Lots of other choices for less money here: http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Lathe_Accessories___Revolving_Centers?Args=

Note: All the links are to CSUSA because they were handy. Feel free to shop around. I have no financial interest in any of the products or retailers mentioned. Just a satisfied customer. Be kind to small animals, etc.

[Jim Becker]

I use the OneWay live center and have both of the cones for it. Very functional for your stated task and many others. Not the least expensive solution, but very well made and worthy of the investment.

[Bernie Weishapl]

A good investment like others have said is the oneway revolving center. I turn a lot of peppermills and it works excellent for this.

[Paul Engle]

I got one from HF for 19.95 + frt, #2 MT . It is made in India and runs pretty tru. has tapped 6mm x 1.0 or .8 ( ?) hole in nose for a screw in point. Major Dia is just under 2 inches.

[Curt Fuller]

I've gotta go with Robert on this one. If your live center has a removable point, you can turn one to fit it in any or all sizes you need.