MT2 Fixed Thimble Dead Centre for Lathes High Carbon Steel 17.780mm Maximum Outer Diameter 60 Degree Centre Point Accuracy 0.005 Silver
MT2 Fixed Thimble Dead Centre for Lathes High Carbon Steel 17.780mm Maximum Outer Diameter 60 Degree Centre Point Accuracy 0.005 Silver
MT2 Fixed Thimble Dead Centre 17.780mm High Carbon Steel for Lathe Use
This fixed thimble dead centre is designed for machinists who need reliable centring and minimal runout during lathe operations. With a 60 degree centre point and 0.005 accuracy, it helps maintain consistency on light duty turning jobs. The MT2 taper fits most common lathe tailstocks, making it a practical choice for precision work. Built from high carbon steel with a 40Cr body and T10 joint material, this dead centre offers the rigidity needed for small load applications. The silver finish provides corrosion resistance and a professional appearance on the shop floor.
Features and Construction
The construction combines multiple materials to balance hardness, wear resistance, and dimensional stability. The fixed top design simplifies setup and reduces potential movement during operation.
Material and Build
The main body is manufactured from high carbon steel, known for its hardness and ability to hold a precise shape under load. The body is further reinforced with 40Cr alloy steel, which adds strength and toughness without adding unnecessary weight. The joint section uses T10 tool steel, providing a hard wearing surface that withstands repeated use. The overall dimensions are engineered to fit MT2 taper sockets with a maximum outer diameter of 17.780mm and a total length of 10mm.
Size and Practical Fit
The dead centre is sized with a maximum outer diameter of 17.780mm and a tail vertebra big end diameter of 17.780mm, matching the MT2 taper specification. The overall length is just 10mm, which helps minimise overhang and maintain rigidity in the tailstock. The centre point is ground to a 60 degree angle, a common standard for general lathe work, and the accuracy rating of 0.005 ensures that the point stays true relative to the taper axis.
Uses and Placement
This dead centre is intended for supporting workpieces between centres on a lathe, particularly for light duty turning, facing, and threading operations. Its small load capacity makes it suitable for precision work where heavy cutting forces are not required.
Event or Professional Use
In a professional machine shop, this dead centre can be used for producing small batches of shafts, pins, or other cylindrical components that need accurate centring. The 60 degree point accommodates common centre drills, and the 0.005 accuracy helps achieve consistent results across multiple parts. The MT2 taper ensures compatibility with most manual lathes and some CNC machines that use the same taper standard.
Everyday Home Use
For home machinists working on hobby lathes, this dead centre provides a dependable way to hold workpieces securely. The small outer diameter allows it to fit into tighter tailstock bores, and the fixed design means no moving parts to adjust. It works well for light turning of aluminium, brass, and mild steel, giving the user confidence that the workpiece will remain centred throughout the process.
Benefits and Buying Value
The combination of high carbon steel construction and precise manufacturing offers long term value for machinists who need consistent accuracy without frequent replacement.
Reuse and Low Maintenance
The hardened steel body and T10 joint material resist wear from repeated use, allowing the dead centre to maintain its accuracy over many operations. The silver finish provides basic corrosion protection, and the simple fixed design means there are no moving parts to lubricate or adjust. Regular cleaning and light oiling of the centre point are sufficient to keep it in good working order.
Why Choose This Product
This dead centre delivers reliable centring for MT2 taper lathes at a practical size and accuracy level. The 60 degree point covers most standard centre drilling tasks, and the 0.005 accuracy reduces the need for iterative alignment checks. With a maximum outer diameter of 17.780mm and a short overall length, it minimises overhang and maximises rigidity. The use of multiple steel grades (40Cr, T10, and high carbon steel) shows attention to material selection for durability and performance.