some useful rodmaking lathe gadgets

Dedicated live centre – front view. Aluminium bar bored to fit a bearing. The very end of the rod section is first turned to match the bearing ID. The rod can then be fitted into the bearing which acts as live centre whilst turning the rod/grip

Dedicated live centre – rear view. Aluminium bar is turned so that it can fit a tailstock chuck or straight into the tailstock with a morse tapered section

Cork centre-front view – This piece is to hold a cork butt cap. It fits into the dedicated live centre above (and as below)

Dedicated live centre plus cork centre – the piece on the right is the dedicated live centre. The piece on the left is the cork centre. It holds a cork butt and fits into the dedicated live centre

Insert turning parts-The top piece goes into the headstock chuck up to the shoulder. The other piece takes a live centre. The insert (drilled with 8mm hole) goes over the 8mm threaded rod

Insert mortise turning parts. One piece goes into the headstock chuck up to the shoulder. The other piece takes a live centre. The insert (drilled with 8mm hole and turned to size) goes over the offset 8mm threaded rod.

Expanding mandrel – for holding a butt cap or slide band for facing/polishing etc. Aluminum bar drilled right through, then tapped most of the way through from rear, then slit most of the way from the front. The tip of the bolt is tapered down. The cap/ring is fitted, the bolt tightened until the cap/ring is held firm, then the piece is mounted in the headstock chuck