4 Jaw Chuck, with a difference

[Metaler]

The video this time is for something unique which I call an alternative to the four jaw chuck. However, whilst the device will do everything that a normal four jaw chuck will, and much more, I consider that it is best also to have a conventional chuck, due to it being quicker to use when just holding the smaller sizes of square or round workpieces.

These are the main plus and minus points.
Plus
Can use a mix of jaws and workpiece clamps
Has deeper jaws than a comparable sized chuck, *35mm compared to 20mm
With the jaws still within the perimeter of the body it takes much larger diameters than a comparable sized chuck, *83mm compared to 58mm
Total projection from the lathe's mandrel mounting surface is less, *65mm compared to 73mm
Very much more adaptable for complex shaped workpieces and at sizes beyond those possible with a comparable sized chuck.
When holding round bar, it can be set to run true, both adjacent to the jaw, and at the bar's end.
Reversing the jaws, which is a slow process, is not required.
Much easier to keep the mechanisms clean
Can be used without the jaws as a very robust and adaptable faceplate.

*Comparisons are with my 6" four jaw chuck.

Minus points, just one, and then only upto the capacity of the four jaw chuck available. It will be slower to set up for round and square workpieces unless it was already set for them from the previous task.

I now have 16 videos available for viewing and for anyone having missed some the full list so far can be found here Harold Halls Videos, index

Harold Hall

[Paul Jones]

Harold,

I like your universal holding design and especially for holding odd sized thin parts that required at least three hands when setting up in a conventional 4-jaw chuck. Looks like an easy setup for consistently machining the four eccentrics for dual cylinder and compound steam engines. I think your center hole jig for measuring the jaw distances could be easily adapted for use in initially setting up other types of 4-jaw chucks. Thanks of the new ideas and video.

Paul

[DIYer]

Thanks Metaler! We've added your 4 Jaw Chuck to our Lathe Accessories category,
as well as to your builder page: Metaler's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

4 Jaw Chuck by Metaler

tags: chuck