The Live Tail Center Cup that I purchased from Christian Burchard when he was in Seattle is made by F.H. Weiss Engineering Services. The cup center shown below has a machined recess that accepts a replaceable hardwood plug insert that can be shaped to fit your specific needs. For example, cone point shapes, or a concave recess, or just a flat face with attached sandpaper can be useful. A plug with a larger attached face disk may be used for off center turning.
Cups come in three sizes.
They have improved their LTC series again. For Heavy duty or rough service they now offer a model with a metal shield protecting the rubber bearing seal in the back of the unit. They say that they have never had a failed seal or bearing so far, but they thought the shield would provide extra protection in industrial service. PO Box 92, Ashland, OR 97520-0004. Last Updated March 7, 1999.