Fashion Lee Valley Sorby Stebcenters

A good choice for spindle work, these lathe drives have a spring-loaded center point to speed setting up and dismounting the blank, and a series of sharp teeth that won’t split the wood.

By tightening the tailstock, you can vary the degree of holding power, ranging from engagement of just the tip of the center point to full engagement of the teeth. With lighter tailstock pressure, the teeth are designed to shear the wood, lose grip and stop the piece from revolving if a severe “dig-in” occurs — a factor especially of value to novice turners.

Convenient and safe, they are available with a #2 Morse taper in 1/2″, 7/8″ and 1 1/4″ diameters.