Question about setting up the stock?

[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.

[Bob Thomas]

The hole diameter is, I believe, 5/32" It's pretty small. If I were to turn and then drill, I'd be hosed My drilling is....well...SUX! I'm drilling on a floor drill press, each end, then connecting with a long bit. I get about 8 outta 10 or so, maybe better but if I were to do a plug first, then I'd be 1 outta 10 with my luck.

I think I might try PM's idea and get a basic live center and see if that helps. I've got the Vega going great and want to get moving soon on some major pluggage.

Thanks for the help....sorry to confuse you all