live center

[ lahyv-sen-ter ]

nounMachinery.
  1. a tapered rod, mounted in the headstock spindle of a lathe, upon which the work to be turned is placed.: Compare dead center (def. 3b).

Origin of live center

1
First recorded in 1900–05

Words Nearby live center

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use live center in a sentence

  • Never drive the wood onto the live center while in the spindle because serious injury may be done the machine by such practice.

    A Course In Wood Turning | Archie S. Milton and Otto K. Wohlers
  • Then replace the live center by taking the stock and center and forcing it into the spindle by a sudden push of the hand.

    A Course In Wood Turning | Archie S. Milton and Otto K. Wohlers
  • Take the live center from the spindle and with a wooden mallet drive the spur deep into the wood.

    A Course In Wood Turning | Archie S. Milton and Otto K. Wohlers