When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Best Live Center For Woodturning (2025 Updated)

If you're looking for a reliable tool to enhance your woodturning capabilities, a live center might just be the piece of equipment you're missing. Providing support and stability for your workpiece, a live center can make turning smoother, easier, and more precise. However, before making a purchase, there are a few factors you should consider to ensure you get the right product for your needs.

Firstly, think about the size and weight of your workpieces. A live center needs to be able to handle the weight and size of your turning project without wobbling or causing any other issues. Additionally, consider the material of the center itself – you'll want to choose one that's durable and long-lasting. Finally, make sure the live center you choose is compatible with your lathe's spindle size.

Are you tired of struggling to balance your workpieces while turning? Do you want to take your woodturning skills to the next level? A live center can provide the support and stability you need to produce high-quality turned pieces. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. Stay tuned for our in-depth guide to choosing the best live center for your woodworking needs!

10 Best Live Center For Woodturning

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for woodturning and use on wood lathes, specifically with a MT2 Taper.
2
The product is ideal for woodworkers who need a set of drive and live centers for their lathe.
3
Ideal for wood turning and turning tasks on a lathe with a live bearing tailstock center.
4
It is an ideal tool for assisting with wood and metalworking lathe projects by supporting the material being worked on.
5
The product is ideal for woodturning applications that require a strong, stable center and cone set.
6
Ideal for providing support to the end of a workpiece on a lathe machine.
7
It is ideal for supporting the end of a workpiece on a wood lathe to allow for more precise and secure turning.
8
The product is ideal for use in woodturning lathes as a revolving live center with a Morse taper.
9
The product is ideal for supporting and centering wood pieces during lathe turning.
10
The product is ideal for woodturning projects that require the use of a tailstock or center support.
Ideal for woodturning and use on wood lathes, specifically with a MT2 Taper.
The product is ideal for woodworkers who need a set of drive and live centers for their lathe.
Ideal for wood turning and turning tasks on a lathe with a live bearing tailstock center.
It is an ideal tool for assisting with wood and metalworking lathe projects by supporting the material being worked on.
The product is ideal for woodturning applications that require a strong, stable center and cone set.
Ideal for providing support to the end of a workpiece on a lathe machine.
It is ideal for supporting the end of a workpiece on a wood lathe to allow for more precise and secure turning.
The product is ideal for use in woodturning lathes as a revolving live center with a Morse taper.
The product is ideal for supporting and centering wood pieces during lathe turning.
The product is ideal for woodturning projects that require the use of a tailstock or center support.

1. Taytools 468907 8 Piece Set Live Revolving Center Mt2 Taper For Woodturning And Wood Lathes

The live center set features a double bearing revolving center with 7 essential accessories for all your turning needs. The center has a MT2 taper for easy installation on your lathe. The set includes a large 65 degree point measuring 0.780 inches in diameter, a small 55 degree point measuring 0.390 inches in diameter, a hollow cup or ring center without point with 0.325 inches bore, a cup or ring center with point, a small cone center measuring 0.780 inches in diameter, a hole boring location pin measuring 0.310 inches in diameter, and a hollow center with 0.580 inches bore for custom supports.

The accessories are designed to be easily secured in place with a rare earth magnet, eliminating the need for additional tools. This makes it convenient for both beginners and professionals to use. The set comes in a fitted case for easy storage and transportation, keeping your tools organized and protected from dust and debris.

Pros

  • Includes 7 essential accessories for turning needs
  • Rare earth magnet for easy and tool-free installation
  • Comes in a fitted case for easy storage and transport

2. Wen La0009 9-Piece Mt2 Wood Lathe Drive And Live Center Kit With Aluminum Case

Make lathe installation and center changes easy with the 1-inch x 8 TPI to M14-1.5 mounting adapter. This adapter is designed to fit the WEN MT2 Lathe Series and comes with a protective aluminum case for easy storage and transportation. It features three multi-spur drive centers measuring 5/8-inch, 1-inch, and 1-1/2 inch in size, making it versatile enough for various projects. The package also includes two MT2 live centers, one with a crown tip and one without, allowing you to choose the best option for your workpiece.

Crafted with high-quality materials, this adapter is durable and can withstand heavy-duty use. It is easy to install and use, making it a great addition to any workshop. Whether you're a professional or a hobbyist, this adapter has everything you need to get started.

Overall, the 1-inch x 8 TPI to M14-1.5 mounting adapter with multi-spur drive centers and MT2 live centers is an excellent investment for anyone who works with a lathe. Its versatility, durability, and ease of use make it a must-have tool in any workshop.

Pros

  • Easy to install and use
  • Comes with a protective aluminum case for easy storage and transportation
  • Versatile with three multi-spur drive centers measuring 5/8-inch, 1-inch, and 1-1/2 inch in size
  • Includes two MT2 live centers, one with a crown tip and one without
  • Durable and can withstand heavy-duty use

3. Wood Turning Tool, Heavy Duty Live Bearing Tailstock Center Metal Wood Lathe Turning Tool(Mt2)

Crafted from high-quality steel, this lathe center is designed to withstand the test of time, making it an ideal tool for anyone seeking to start spindle turning on their wood lathe. The center is sturdy and durable, providing a smooth wood turning experience and reliable support. This turning tool is compatible with any lathe that has a lathe bored tailstock, making it the perfect addition to both wood and metalworking lathes.

Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, this lathe center is an essential tool for anyone seeking to create precise and accurate wood pieces. With its high-quality construction and reliable performance, this lathe center is sure to become a staple tool in your workshop.

Pros

  • Crafted from high-quality steel for durability and longevity
  • Provides smooth wood turning support for precise and accurate wood pieces
  • Compatible with any lathe that has a lathe bored tailstock
  • Ideal for both wood and metalworking lathes

4. Precision Wood Lathe Tool: Tailstock Center

Introducing the Lathe Turning Tool, a must-have for any woodworking or metalworking enthusiast. This tool is made from high-quality steel, ensuring its durability and sturdiness, so you can use it for years to come. The tailstock large end diameter is 12.2mm, while the maximum outside diameter is 23mm, making it suitable for various lathe sizes. The tool is specifically designed to start spindle turning on your wood lathe, and it's compatible with lathe bored tailstocks.

With its smooth wood turning support, this Lathe Center is perfect for both wood and metalworking lathes, providing you with the necessary tools to create intricate designs and shapes on your materials. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this tool is an excellent addition to your arsenal.

Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we're confident that you'll love our product. However, if for any reason you're not satisfied with your purchase, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we'll make it right for you.

Pros

  • Made from high-quality steel for durability
  • Suitable for various lathe sizes
  • Smooth wood turning support for intricate designs
  • Perfect for both wood and metalworking lathes
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

5. Robust, Live Center And Cone Set Combo – 2mt, For Woodturning

The Cone Set is an essential tool for wood turning enthusiasts. It comes with an aluminum tip and a reversible 4-inch Bull Nose Set that can fit other manufacturer's centers with 3/4-10 threads. The center's tip can be extended and reversed to accommodate different turning needs. Moreover, the cup center is threaded 3/4-10, which is compatible with standard accessories. The Cone Set also features a 5/16'' thru hole for drilling purposes. The set's #2 Morse Taper shank is tapped 3/8-16, which makes it suitable for draw bar applications. With these features, the Cone Set is an ideal tool for various wood turning applications.

Pros

  • Comes with an aluminum tip and reversible 4-inch Bull Nose Set
  • Fits other manufacturer's centers with 3/4-10 threads
  • Extendable and reversible tip for flexibility
  • Compatible with standard accessories
  • Features a 5/16'' thru hole for drilling purposes
  • Suitable for draw bar applications

6. Oudtinx Woodworking Mt2 Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center

The Large Live Lathe Center with a 60-degree point is designed for heavy duty workpieces. It features a 2-1/2" by 1-11/16" overall diameter cone that provides stability and precision during operation. The ball bearings ensure smooth turning and reduce friction, making it easy to work with.

This live center is ideal for lathes with a large swing and allows for high-speed turning with minimal vibration. It is made of high-quality materials that ensure durability and reliability, even with prolonged use. The 60-degree point provides excellent support and helps reduce deflection, resulting in better accuracy and surface finish.

In addition, the Large Live Lathe Center is easy to install and use. It is compatible with most lathes and can be quickly attached to the tailstock. With its sturdy construction and excellent performance, it is the perfect tool for heavy-duty turning operations.

Pros

  • Ideal for heavy duty workpieces
  • Smooth turning and reduced friction
  • Provides stability and precision
  • Compatible with most lathes
  • Sturdy construction ensures durability and reliability

7. Hurricane Turning Tools, Live Tailstock Center, With 3/4" Spur, 2mt, For Wood Lathe

The revolving live center is an essential tool for supporting work when turning 'between centers' on a lathe. It features a revolving 3/4" diameter spur point that prevents splitting of your workpiece, enabling you to work with greater efficiency and accuracy.

This revolving live center allows more freedom in repositioning the tailstock on your piece, making it easier to achieve your desired results. It has a tailstock mount of #2 MT (Morse Taper), making it compatible with a range of lathes.

Made from high-quality steel, this revolving live center is built to last. It features internal roller bearings that provide smooth and consistent performance over time, ensuring that you can work with confidence and precision.

Pros

  • Revolving 3/4" diameter spur point prevents splitting of your workpiece
  • Allows more freedom in repositioning the tailstock on your piece
  • Tailstock mount of #2 MT (Morse Taper) is compatible with a range of lathes
  • Made from high-quality steel for durability and longevity
  • Internal roller bearings provide smooth and consistent performance

8. Revolvemate Live Center For Woodturning Lathes

The Ball Bearing Live Lathes Center is a must-have tool for any lathe machine. It is designed to support and rotate workpieces while they are being machined. The center is made of high-quality carbide tipped material that ensures durability and longevity. The center has an MT2 type with a 17mm/0.67-inch revolving center diameter and a 41mm/1.6-inch outside body diameter.

The total length of the center is 150mm/5.9 inches, and it has a shank diameter taper of 15-18mm/0.5-0.7 inches. The silver tone and black color of the tool make it a visually appealing addition to any workshop. The center weighs 519g, which gives it stability and ensures that it will not move during machining.

This product comes with 1 Ball Bearing Live Lathes Center in the package. It is an essential tool for any lathe machine and is sure to make the machining process smoother and more efficient.

Pros

  • Made of high-quality carbide tipped material for durability and longevity.
  • MT2 type with a 17mm/0.67-inch revolving center diameter and a 41mm/1.6-inch outside body diameter.
  • Total length of 150mm/5.9 inches and shank diameter taper of 15-18mm/0.5-0.7 inches.
  • Visually appealing silver tone and black color.
  • Stable weight of 519g ensures it will not move during machining.

9. Hurricane Turning Tools, Live Tailstock Center With 60 Degree Point, 2mt, For Wood Lathe

This revolving live center is designed to support work while turning 'between centers' on the lathe. The 60-degree point is the most common configuration for general purpose work. It helps to keep your work centered on the lathe without causing any drag resistance to the headstock drive.

The live center is mounted on the tailstock with a #2 MT (Morse Taper) and is made from steel with internal roller bearings for durability and smooth operation. It is suitable for a variety of turning applications and can help to improve the accuracy and quality of your work.

Pros

  • 60-degree point is ideal for general purpose work
  • Keeps work centered on lathe
  • Little to no drag resistance to headstock drive
  • Durable steel construction
  • Internal roller bearings for smooth operation

10. Psi Woodworking Pkmsts1 Live Tailstock Mandrel Saver #1 Morse Taper

The penturning mandrel support is an innovative tool designed to provide exceptional support to the end of the penturning mandrel. This tool is crafted to eliminate any bending or vibration that may occur due to pressure on the tailstock end of the mandrel shaft. Its unique design ensures that there is no longer a need for spacer bushings, making it a highly convenient option for penturners.

This support tool is compatible with all mandrels with a diameter of 0.245 inches or less and can be used with lathes that accept #1MT accessories in the tailstock. The penturning mandrel support is an essential tool for any serious penturner who wants to achieve high-quality results.

Crafted from high-quality materials, this tool is durable and long-lasting, and is designed to provide exceptional support to the mandrel. Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable and easy to use. With the penturning mandrel support, penturners can achieve precise and accurate results every time.

Pros

  • Innovative design provides exceptional support to the end of the penturning mandrel
  • Eliminates bending and vibration for precise and accurate results
  • No need for spacer bushings
  • Compatible with all mandrels with a diameter of 0.245 inches or less
  • Can be used with lathes that accept #1MT accessories in the tailstock
  • Crafted from high-quality materials for durability and long-lasting use
  • Compact and lightweight for easy portability and use

Best Live Center For Woodturning FAQs

How do you choose the right live center for your woodturning project?

Choosing the right live center for your woodturning project is crucial for achieving the desired results. The first step is to identify the type of wood you will be working with and the size of the project. This will determine the load capacity and size of the live center required.

Another important factor to consider is the type of live center tip. A standard tip will work for most projects, but a bull-nose tip is ideal for delicate work or when working with softer woods. A cup center is recommended when turning bowls or hollow forms.

The material of the live center is also important. A steel live center is durable and ideal for heavy work, while a carbon fiber center is lighter and more suitable for smaller projects.

Finally, it is important to consider the quality of the live center. A high-quality live center will have precision bearings and be well-balanced for smooth operation.

Overall, choosing the right live center requires careful consideration of the wood type, project size, tip type, material, and quality. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure a successful woodturning project.

What are some tips for using a live center effectively in woodturning?

Using a live center effectively in woodturning is crucial for achieving a smooth and accurate finish on your woodwork. Here are some tips for using a live center effectively:

1. Choose the right live center for the job: Different woodturning projects require different types of live centers, so choose the right one that suits your project.

2. Use the right amount of pressure: Too much pressure can cause your wood to crack or splinter, while too little pressure can cause your wood to wobble or move around. So, use the right amount of pressure to ensure a smooth finish.

3. Keep your live center lubricated: Lubricating your live center can reduce friction and prevent your wood from overheating. So, make sure to apply a small amount of lubricant to your live center before using it.

4. Check your live center regularly: Make sure to check your live center regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Replace it if necessary to ensure that it works effectively and safely.

5. Practice safety: Always wear protective gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, when using a live center. Also, make sure to keep your work area clean and free from clutter to avoid any accidents.

By following these tips, you can effectively use your live center in woodturning and achieve a smooth and accurate finish on your woodwork.

What are the benefits of using a live center in woodturning?

A live center is an essential component of a wood lathe that provides several benefits to woodturners. Firstly, it helps in supporting the workpiece and keeping it centered, which is crucial for achieving accurate and symmetrical turning. This is especially important when working on delicate or complex designs that require precision and attention to detail.

Secondly, a live center reduces vibration and chatter during the turning process, resulting in a smoother and more consistent finish. This is because it helps to distribute the weight of the workpiece evenly and prevent it from wobbling or jumping off the lathe.

In addition, a live center also reduces the amount of pressure and stress on the lathe's bearings and spindle, which can prolong their lifespan and prevent damage to the machine. It also makes it easier to turn larger or heavier workpieces, as the live center supports the weight and reduces the strain on the lathe's motor.

Overall, using a live center in woodturning can greatly improve the quality and efficiency of the turning process, making it an essential tool for any serious woodworker.

What are the different types of live centers available for woodturning?

Live centers are essential tools for woodturning, and they come in different types to suit different needs. The following are the most common types of live centers for woodturning:

1. Standard Live Center: This is the most common type of live center and is suitable for most woodturning applications. It has a pointy tip that centers the wood while spinning.

2. Heavy-duty Live Center: This type of live center is designed for heavy-duty woodturning tasks. It has a sturdier construction, with a wider base and a more robust pointy tip.

3. Revolving Center: A revolving center is a live center that rotates while the wood is turning. It is useful for reducing friction and heat buildup, which can cause the wood to burn or crack.

4. Cup Center: A cup center is a live center with a cup-shaped tip. It is used for holding spherical or cylindrical wooden objects.

5. Cone Center: A cone center is a live center with a conical tip. It is designed for holding tapered wooden objects.

In conclusion, the type of live center you choose will depend on the type of woodturning project you are working on. It is advisable to have a variety of live centers in your workshop to cater to different needs.

What is a live center in woodturning and how does it work?

A live center is an essential tool in woodturning that supports the workpiece while it rotates on the lathe. The live center is attached to the tailstock of the lathe and consists of a bearing that rotates on a spindle. The spindle is inserted into a hollow end of the workpiece, which is then secured in place by tightening the tailstock.

The live center spins along with the workpiece, providing support and stability throughout the turning process. This support is crucial for preventing the workpiece from vibrating or wobbling, which can result in an uneven surface or even cause the piece to fly off the lathe.

There are different types of live centers available, including those with interchangeable points that can be tailored to the specific needs of the project. Some live centers also have a cone-shaped point that can be adjusted to fit different-sized hollows in the workpiece.

Overall, the live center is a vital tool for woodturning, ensuring that the workpiece remains stable and secure during the turning process, resulting in a smooth and even finish.

Leave a Comment