When turning between centers, which tailstock accessory is typically used?

When turning between centers, which tailstock accessory is typically used?

• A. Centers
• B. Live center
• C. Dead center
• D. Support center

Answer: (A)

When you turn between centers, the workpiece is supported along its length by centers at both ends. The tailstock provides one of these supports by holding a center against the end of the workpiece, so the accessory used in the tailstock is simply a center (the term centers covers the device used at each end). In practice, a live center is often used because it rotates with the workpiece and minimizes friction and heat, whereas a dead center does not rotate and is less common for general turning between centers. The key idea is that this setup relies on centers to keep the workpiece true between the ends.

When you turn between centers, the workpiece is supported along its length by centers at both ends. The tailstock provides one of these supports by holding a center against the end of the workpiece, so the accessory used in the tailstock is simply a center (the term centers covers the device used at each end). In practice, a live center is often used because it rotates with the workpiece and minimizes friction and heat, whereas a dead center does not rotate and is less common for general turning between centers. The key idea is that this setup relies on centers to keep the workpiece true between the ends.