[Lumenium]

We have a new TL-1 with the auto turret and manual tailstock. We are turning some long small parts 0.5" in diameter and need to use a dead center on the tailstock. The problem is we can't find one that has the reach to clear the auto turret. The dead center needs to extend out of the tailstock by about 6"+.

Can anyone help with a solution?

Many thanks!

[Belding]

Are you sure you want a "dead center"? I think a live center would be a better choice. I have seen CNC centers that apear to have an extended reach. Probably not enough though.

[Lumenium]

At this point I would use a live center if I could find one with lots of reach.

I call my Haas service center and they didn't have an answer. They are getting sales involved. My guess is they will try to sell me a manual tool post like they should have from the start. This is a terrible way to do business.

[Donkey Hotey]

Can you post a picture of the setup so we can see the problem?

[Geof]

Is it not possible to do things the other way around; extend the tool out from the toolpost so the tailstock barrel can come down past the turret. On half inch material you are not taking a big cut.

Just remember to move well back before indexing the turret.

[Lumenium]

Geof -- many thanks

This might work. I must extent the tool so that only two of the three screws can secure it. I will look for some long tools but I think this will work.

[WOLOG]

Use a #4 morse taper male x female extension. That would be the easiest way if a very long center is not an option.

[Lumenium]

Also a good idea - thanks WOLOG

[Donkey Hotey]

This guy sells an MT5 to MT5 extension:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=160030580937

I was going to buy one just to have for tailstock alignment (haven't bought it yet). It's going to reduce rigidity but so will all other extended tailstock options.