AWGB Woodturning Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Bill21 on February 22, 2020, 12:13:56 PM

Title: Crown centres
Post by: Bill21 on February 22, 2020, 12:13:56 PM
I could really use a couple of these in the smaller sizes for both headstock and tailstock. The Sorby ones are way out of my price range so I looked at those at Chronos. Sadly though they don’t seem to make a small one for the headstock in MT2 to fit my lathe. I do however have a MT2 to MT1 sleeve I could use. Has anyone tried this?
Title: Re: Crown centres
Post by: Twisted Trees on February 22, 2020, 12:58:25 PM
No, not tried it as such but have used an MT2 to MT1 adaptor for a pen drive mandrill, it was OK. if your work piece is small then would a ring drive work for you?

Just looked at the Chronos site, that crown drive appears to be attached to the MT shaft with a grub screw, it may be worth contacting them to see if there is an option to buy an MT2 shaft with the same head fitting.
Title: Re: Crown centres
Post by: Bill21 on February 22, 2020, 04:31:42 PM
It was cheap enough so I’ve ordered one. I may even be able to clamp the parallel part of it in my chuck jaws. This is my preferred way anyway as it means I don’t need to remove the chuck. I bought a chuck mounted Sorby one many years ago but it’s a bit big for some of the stuff I want to do.
Title: Re: Crown centres
Post by: burywoodturners on February 22, 2020, 04:34:50 PM
Souns interesting, can we see a photo or two?
Title: Re: Crown centres
Post by: Twisted Trees on February 22, 2020, 06:54:39 PM
Souns interesting, can we see a photo or two?

Can do better than that, it is here... https://www.chronos.ltd.uk/product/sct-crown-drive-centre-mt1-shank-1-2-head-diameter-spring-loaded/ (https://www.chronos.ltd.uk/product/sct-crown-drive-centre-mt1-shank-1-2-head-diameter-spring-loaded/)

Title: Re: Crown centres
Post by: Bill21 on February 22, 2020, 07:28:04 PM
I’ve thought several times that they would be easy enough to make. I’ve just spent an hour in the shed making one with a parallel shank to fit my chuck jaws. I feel daft ordering one now.  ::)

I can’t seem to upload a picture so maybe a link instead.

https://m.imgur.com/gallery/CbIJmb3
Title: Re: Crown centres
Post by: fuzzyturns on February 24, 2020, 09:33:00 AM
Impressive, but only possible if you have an engineering lathe and mill. Most woodturners don't have that.
Title: Re: Crown centres
Post by: Derek on February 24, 2020, 10:49:37 AM
Very nice Bill21 but I feel that a grove around the shank would be beneficial to prevent the bit from being forced back into the chuck when tightening between centres. Also, did you harden and temper it to help reduce wear over time.
Title: Re: Crown centres
Post by: Bill21 on February 24, 2020, 05:21:26 PM
I can’t see it moving in the chuck but if it did I could cut a shoulder on it. No it’s not hardened, it’s stainless steel like the ones Axminster sell.
I’ve just finished making another one that inserts into my revolving centre. Thought I might as well whilst the mill was set up. Now to sort through my spindle wood stash to try them out!
Title: Re: Crown centres
Post by: icewoodturning on February 27, 2020, 12:48:24 PM
Try RDG tools. They do small drive and revolving crown centres.

https://www.rdgtools.co.uk/acatalog/2MT-Drive-Centres.html
Title: Re: Crown centres
Post by: John D Smith on February 27, 2020, 08:50:29 PM

 I would also recommend RDG tools excellent quality

                                     Regards John
Title: Re: Crown centres
Post by: Bill21 on March 25, 2020, 10:43:13 AM
Try RDG tools. They do small drive and revolving crown centres.

https://www.rdgtools.co.uk/acatalog/2MT-Drive-Centres.html

I’m sorted now but thanks for that. Worth knowing.