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We'd like to thank all our customers for their business during 2024, and we wish everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year.

Cutwel will close at 3pm on Monday 23rd December 2024, and reopen at 8am on Thursday 2nd January 2025. Any orders placed online over the Christmas period will be processed on the 2nd of January when we return.

Lathe Centres (Live & Dead Centres)

Cutwel Pro, Bison and Rohm Lathe Centres. Live Centres, Dead Centres, Bull Nosed Centres and Live Centre Kits

   

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Live Centres
Best Sellers

The no. 1 machine tap for all round performance tapping

Performance ★★★★★
Application
P Steel
M Stainless Steel
S HRSA's
K Cast Iron
Brand

Ultra high performance range for phenomenal performance & surface finish

Standard Body
Live Centres

For ultra high metal removal & ultra deep cuts <4xD

Performance ★★★★★
Application
P Steel
M Stainless Steel
S HRSA's
K Cast Iron
Brand

Ultra high performance range for phenomenal performance & surface finish

Slim Body
Live Centres

For ultra high metal removal & ultra deep cuts <4xD

Performance ★★★★★
Application
P Steel
M Stainless Steel
S HRSA's
K Cast Iron
Brand

Ultra high performance range for phenomenal performance & surface finish

Heavy Duty
Live Centres

For ultra high metal removal & ultra deep cuts <4xD

Performance ★★★★★
Application
P Steel
M Stainless Steel
S HRSA's
K Cast Iron
Brand

Ultra high performance range for phenomenal performance & surface finish

High Precision & High Speed
Live Centres

For ultra high metal removal & ultra deep cuts <4xD

Performance ★★★★★
Application
P Steel
M Stainless Steel
S HRSA's
K Cast Iron
Brand

Ultra high performance range for phenomenal performance & surface finish

Carbide Tipped
Live Centres

For ultra high metal removal & ultra deep cuts <4xD

Performance ★★★★★
Application
P Steel
M Stainless Steel
S HRSA's
K Cast Iron
Brand

Ultra high performance range for phenomenal performance & surface finish

Radial Compensation
Live Centres

For ultra high metal removal & ultra deep cuts <4xD

Performance ★★★★★
Application
P Steel
M Stainless Steel
S HRSA's
K Cast Iron
Brand

Ultra high performance range for phenomenal performance & surface finish

Bull Nosed (Pipe)
Live Centres

For ultra high metal removal & ultra deep cuts <4xD

Performance ★★★★★
Application
P Steel
M Stainless Steel
S HRSA's
K Cast Iron
Brand

Ultra high performance range for phenomenal performance & surface finish

Live Centre
Kits

For ultra high metal removal & ultra deep cuts <4xD

Performance ★★★★★
Application
P Steel
M Stainless Steel
S HRSA's
K Cast Iron
Brand

Ultra high performance range for phenomenal performance & surface finish

Dead
Centres

For ultra high metal removal & ultra deep cuts <4xD

Performance ★★★★★
Application
P Steel
M Stainless Steel
S HRSA's
K Cast Iron
Brand

Ultra high performance range for phenomenal performance & surface finish

Lathe Centres

Lathe centers are used to support and align workpieces during machining operations on a lathe. They help ensure that the workpiece rotates accurately around its axis, which is essential for achieving precise cuts and finishes. Here are some key uses:

  • 1) Support for Workpieces: Centers provide a stable point for the workpiece, helping to prevent vibrations and ensuring consistent performance.
  • 2) Alignment: They help maintain the correct alignment of the workpiece, which is crucial for producing symmetrical and accurate parts.
  • 3) Facilitating Rotation: Live centers allow for rotation along with the workpiece, reducing friction and heat, especially in high-speed operations.

What is the difference between a live centre and a dead centre?

In lathe work, both live centres and dead centers are crucial for supporting workpieces, but they serve different purposes.

Live Centres
  • Function: A live center has a rotating tip that spins with the workpiece. This reduces friction and heat buildup during machining.
  • Use: Ideal for high-speed operations and when turning long workpieces, as it allows for smoother movement.
  • Application: Commonly used in production environments where efficiency is key.
Dead Centres
  • Function: A dead center is stationary and does not rotate with the workpiece. It provides a solid support point.
  • Use: Best for applications where precision is critical and where the workpiece doesn’t need to spin at high speeds.
  • Application: Often used in situations where high accuracy is required, like in precision machining or when setting up a workpiece.
  • Reduced Setup Time: Self-centring jaws eliminate the need for manual alignment.

What is a bull nosed live centre?

In lathe work, both live centres and dead centers are crucial for supporting workpieces, but they serve different purposes.

  • Shape: The rounded tip allows for a larger contact area with the workpiece, which helps distribute the load and reduces wear.
  • Versatility: It can accommodate irregularly shaped or oversized workpieces that may not fit into a standard live center.
  • Reduced Friction: The design minimises friction between the workpiece and the center, promoting smoother operation.
  • Turning Operations: Commonly used in turning operations where support is needed for heavier or awkwardly shaped materials such as pipe or tube.
Summary

Live centres allow for rotation and are suited for dynamic operations, while dead centres provide stability and precision without rotation. The choice between them depends on the specific requirements of the machining task.