Thanks slip,I could use those. If you have a live center with bearings you can get a replacement at
Packard Woodworks: The Woodturner's Source
These lathes have a #2 Morse Taper and you should have no problem updating. The other upgrade is a jawed chuck either a 3 or four (usually 4) from ONEWAY or the like. You can also get into stebcenters that allow you to remove stock from the centers without shutting down. Let me know I will be happy to take a trip to your place and help out anytime.
Ed
Packard can be high $$$ but the quality is good