What Is a Live Center?
A live center (also known as Live Centers) is a rotating support tool primarily used in lathe operations to support the center of long workpieces, preventing the workpiece from deflecting during machining.
Lathe operations involve machining materials, such as metal, by rotating the desired workpiece while applying a cutting tool. Typically, a chuck is attached to the rotating spindle side to secure the workpiece.
However, when dealing with long-shaped objects, relying solely on the chuck can result in a cantilever-like situation, making it challenging to machine precisely. By using a live center for support, the workpiece can be securely held, allowing for efficient and accurate machining.