LC-21 2 Morse Taper Medium Duty Live Center by Lathe Centers

I needed an inexpensive 60 degree 2 morse taper for holding on to the end of a pen shaft, as well as for bowls. I've been using the Whiteside pen arbor, along with a hollow center that allows the arbor to slide through it so it buts up against the pen blank or the spacer rings. When I tightened the tail stock enough to hold the pen blank, it put enough stress on the bearings that they clicked a little as the lathe spun - after all, they aren't torsion bearings, so lateral pressure will cause extraneous wear...so, I've switched back to a 60 degree live center as a way to hold on to the end of the pen arbor...lots of explanation, but what the heck.So, boxing from Amazon was a joke - it was in a box, but rattled around inside like a 1 lb brick - there was not enough bubble wrap to keep it steady in the shipping container. The live center was wrapped in a plastic bag and had storage oil around it, and it was in a plastic storage "bin." It came out completely new and with no rust spots or blemishes.It fit perfectly and ran true in my Delta lathe. No weird alignment problems with the main chuck.The design of the center was a little unusual, and it might be worth mentioning. Other centers that I've seen have exposed bearings, where you can see the plastic cover around the outside, which is supposed to seal the bearing. This center has an end that is milled from a single piece of metal, that extends down around the outside of the bearing, so it limits the amount of dust/crud that can enter the bearings. The actual point is narrow, which means that you can get a little closer to your project, too. Interesting design.And the last bit - it doesn't look exactly like the one in the picture :)

it seems to be well built ,butt gets very hot during use?

I have an very old shopsmith that was given to me years ago and was missing many parts. I had decided to dedicate this machine for use as a lathe only. Some parts I could make myself and this live center fit perfectly. I was spectical at first , but after turning a few blanks I was very satisfied with the fit and ease of the live center. It just performed perfectly for my use and this old machine from 1949 to be working as it should and even better than ever.

As said, this is a medium duty live center, has good alignment, and the bearings seem to spin smoothly. The one I received from Amazon (Dec 2016) is not the one pictured, but similar. So far I've used it for a few hours and all is well. I recommend for the price.

just as advertised

This center should be adequate for my needs. When cleaning the shipping oil off of it I found 2 very sharp edges that had not been dressed from the factory. This was from the smooth turned area next to the knurls. Sharp and you really have to look at it to see it. I was able to chuck it in the lathe and use a chamfering tool to remove the edges. Time and use with tell how it holds up.

I beat the crap out of this thing and it is still turning as if brand new

clean, tight and accurate import tool for the price