Pool Cue Live Center

Due to the case-hardening process, the live center may show distinct surface discoloration. This does not impact the quality of the live center and can be buffed out if desired

SKU: 1182PC Categories: , ,
  • *Preferred unit of measurement for laser engraved portions
    Please note that our ball screws only come in a metric pitch

Product Description

About the pool cue live center

We designed this center at the request of some of our customers who use our machines (or modifications of our machines) to make pool cues. They needed a live center with an extended nose to give them room for their cutters. The extended nose allows them to start cutting from the tip of the pool cue without needing extra material to hold onto.

The center body itself is case-harden steel, which turns on two preloaded sealed ball bearings. It is fitted with a #0 Morse taper to fit our tailstock. The run-out of the 60-degree tip of the live center is .0025″ or less.

NOTE: Due to the length of this live center in relation to the location of the bearings, there will be side play of anywhere from .002” to .004” at the tip. This center was designed for front-load and for lower-tolerance work (such as pool cues). It was not designed to eliminate side-load or to machine-tight tolerance parts. Regarding side-load, you also have to consider the amount of movement you will have in your tailstock spindle and body and that this will increase when the tailstock spindle is further out. See our short video showing side load. The point does move under considerable pressure, but it also bounces back as soon as the side load is removed.

The sealed bearings are permanently lubricated and require no maintenance.

NOTE: The bearings are pressed in at the factory. Preload on the bearings is adjusted before the nose piece is installed. Once assembled, the Pool Cue Live Center is not considered user-serviceable.

Click on the Videos tab above to watch videos showing the Pool Cue Live Center Tolerances and of a billiard cue being turned on a custom-built Sherline lathe using it.

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The improper use of machine tools and their accessories can result in serious injury. Before using this tool, thoroughly read the instructions and make sure you understand its proper and safe use.

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Always wear safety glasses when operating machine tools.


Download PDF 1182PC Instructions

Instructions PDF Download

Live Center Nose Material Case Hardened and Finish Ground 12L14 Steel
Shaft Taper #0 Morse Taper
Part No. Description Quantity
11822pc Pool cue live center 1
11823 Bullnose preload nut 1
10930 3/8″ bearing 2
11824 Bullnosed shim washer 1
11821 Bullnose center body 1
11825 5-40 x 1-1/2″ socket head cap screw 1

Pool Cue Live Center Videos

P/N 1182PC Pool Cue Live Center Tolerances

Custom Lathe and Pool Cue Live Center

Billiard cue being turned on a custom-built Sherline lathe using the 1182PC Pool Cue Live Center. Video courtesy of Joel Hercek, Hercek Fine Billiard Cues.