Overview

The bull nose live center is a specialized revolving tailstock center designed for turning hollow workpieces — pipe, tubing, and open-ended stock that a standard 60-degree pointed live center would fall into. Fits directly into your lathe tailstock quill. Available in MT2 (mini lathe) and MT3 (bench lathe) tapers.

Available Options

• MT2 — $28.95: Fits mini and bench lathe tailstocks (Morse Taper #2). Compatible with Harbor Freight 7x10/7x12, Sieg C2/SC2/C3, Grizzly G0765/G8688/G0602, LittleMachineShop HiTorque 7x16, Autobox 7x14/8x16, South Bend 9", Atlas/Craftsman 12"x36", Jet BD-X Series, Logan 200/400, and similar lathes with MT2 tailstocks. SKU: BNLC-MT2.
• MT3 — $32.95: Fits bench lathe tailstocks (Morse Taper #3). Compatible with Grizzly G4000/G4002, Precision Matthews PM-1022V, and similar bench lathes with MT3 tailstocks. SKU: BNLC-MT3.

Key Features

• Bull nose face design: Large-diameter flat face supports the rim of pipe and hollow stock — stock that a 60-degree pointed center cannot hold
• Pre-loaded ball bearings: Revolving center rotates with the workpiece, eliminating friction-generated heat at high surface speeds
• Hardened alloy steel body: Ground and hardened for dimensional stability and long service life
• Tang-type Morse Taper shank: Self-ejecting tang end for quick installation and removal from lathe tailstock quill using a drift
• Two taper options: MT2 for mini lathes, MT3 for bench lathes — select the taper that matches your machine's tailstock
• Supports pipe and tubing: Nose face accommodates hollow stock as small as 1/2 in. ID up to 2-1/2 in. OD

Specifications

• Center type: Bull Nose Live (Revolving) Center
• Nose design: Large flat bull nose face (NOT a 60-degree point)
• Taper shank: MT2 or MT3 Morse Taper, Tang type (self-ejecting)
• Bearings: Pre-loaded ball bearings
• Body material: Hardened alloy steel
• Pipe/tubing support range: approx. 1/2 in. to 2-1/2 in. diameter
• SKU (MT2): BNLC-MT2 | Price: $28.95
• SKU (MT3): BNLC-MT3 | Price: $32.95

Compatibility

Select the taper size that matches your lathe's tailstock. If your lathe is not listed below, message us with your model number and we will confirm fit before you order.

MT2 Tailstock — fits these mini and small bench lathes:

• Harbor Freight 7x10 (#93212) and 7x12 (#44142)
• Sieg C2, SC2, C3
• Grizzly G0765 (7x14), G8688 (7x12), and G0602
• LittleMachineShop HiTorque 7x16
• Autobox 7x14 and 8x16
• Micro-Mark 7x16
• Central Machinery 7x10 and 7x12
• South Bend 9"
• Atlas / Craftsman 12"x36"
• Jet BD-X Series
• Logan 200 / 400

MT3 Tailstock — fits these bench lathes:

• Grizzly G4000, G4002
• Precision Matthews PM-1022V

Not sure which taper your lathe has? Check the tailstock quill bore — MT2 opening is approximately 0.700" diameter at the mouth; MT3 is approximately 0.938" diameter. Or send us your machine model and we will look it up for you.

What's in the Box

• 1x Bull Nose Live Center (MT2 or MT3, as selected)

No additional hardware required. Installs directly into your lathe tailstock quill. A center drill is not needed for hollow stock — the bull nose face contacts the outer rim directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a bull nose live center and when do I need one instead of a standard live center?

A: A standard live center has a 60-degree pointed tip. It requires a center-drilled hole in the workpiece to locate it. A bull nose live center has a flat or recessed face instead of a point. It contacts the outer rim of hollow stock — pipe, tubing, or any hollow workpiece where the center is open.

Q: How do I know if I need MT2 or MT3?

A: The taper size must match your lathe's tailstock. Most mini lathes in the 7x10 to 8x16 range — including Harbor Freight, Sieg, Grizzly G0765, and Autobox 7x14/8x16 — use an MT2 tailstock. Larger bench lathes like the Grizzly G4000 and Precision Matthews PM-1022V use MT3. If you are unsure, look up your lathe's spec sheet or measure the tailstock quill bore opening: MT2 is approximately 0.700" at the mouth, MT3 is approximately 0.938".

Q: Is this a tang-type or drawbar-type shank? Will it fit my tailstock?

A: This bull nose live center uses a tang-type Morse Taper shank (sometimes called self-ejecting). This is the correct type for lathe tailstocks. To install, push the tapered shank into your tailstock quill and the friction of the taper locks it in place. To remove, retract the quill until the built-in drift slot ejects the center, or insert a drift through the slot and tap it out. Do NOT use a drawbar-type center in a tailstock — those are for spindles with through-holes.

Q: What size pipe or tubing can this support?

A: The bull nose face supports hollow stock approximately 1/2 in. to 2-1/2 in. in outer diameter. Smaller tubing may require a step fixture or custom adapter; stock larger than 2-1/2 in. OD may contact the body before the face engages properly. If you are working with non-standard sizes, message us with your tubing OD and we can advise.