Nudger

[Bill Alston]

Those of you that also run a Metal working lathe may already be familiar with the humble Nudger. It’s simply a bearing race fixed to a holder. Mounted in a toolpost it’s used on a workpiece to get it to run true before final tightening of the chuck jaws. I have used this one once on an errant spindle turning to get it running right. Not easy though because it’s obviously designed for a metal lathe.
I’m going to make one for my wood turning lathe at some point to see how useful it may be. The orientation of the bearing will be different to the one shown so it can be used with a wooden handle. I may use hard rubber or plastic over the bearing.
I just wondered if anyone else has used something similar?

Edit: It’s often used on a piece that has already been turned but had to be removed from the chuck for some reason before re-turning.

 

[Bill Alston]

Fast forward to see this Nudger in action.

 

[bob elliott]

Ron Brown's Best has a similar tool, have never used one though. Centering Genie

 

[Bill Alston]

Thanks for that Bob. An adjustable two bearing Nudger is now on my to do list.