[ProfessorM]

I get it now. Sounds like what Bill said the center hole is too big or the center is wrong. Looking at your center it looks like if the stock is not small enough to fit inside that collar thing than the point will not go into the hole in your stock. I never used anything like that. I just use a live center and have never had a problem, no collar. I'd say send the center back if it is new and get one with out the collar. Why bother making stuff to modify it when you just bought the thing. Just get a basic live center. I just mark the center of my stock with a pencil and take a small center drill in a hand drill and drill a center drill hole at center. Put stock in lathe crank center in with a little pressure and go. Never been a problem. I'd can that center and get a basic 20 dollar center. P.