Twin 4J chuck keys

**petertha** · Mar 2, 2018, 11:23 AM

I made a pair of identical chuck keys specifically for setting up my 4-jaw chuck. Not my idea, I saw it somewhere. But it works quite well because you can adjust the opposing jaws simultaneously in unison while watching the dial, converging on the target with both jaws tight. Its easier to do than explain but saved me set dial-in time because normally I am slow as a tortoise.

I found a piece of 0.750" diameter mystery metal which looked nice & shiny - always a dangerous sign

It wasn't magnetic so I knew it was some kind of stainless. Not the most fun to machine but oh well, used up the scrap & it wont rust -LOL. Initially I was going to make a knob but didn't like how it looked so went the tommy bar route. Notice my goof up, the tommy bar is not aligned to the square facets. Oops. Then I looked at my other commercial chuck keys - neither are they! Haha. So its a design enhancement, not a screw up.

Twin 4J chuck keys-img_6742_edited-1.jpg

Twin 4J chuck keys-img_6744_edited-1.jpg

Twin 4J chuck keys-img_6745_edited-2.jpg

Twin 4J chuck keys-img_6749_edited-1.jpg

**mklotz** · Mar 2, 2018, 12:09 PM

Welcome aboard. I recognize your screen name from the Model Engine Maker forum. I think you'll enjoy the time you spend here; a very laid back forum much like MEM.

I've been championing the two wrench technique for the 4jaw for a very long time...

http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/c...aw-chuck-27241

http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/4...3940#post79042

It gladdens me to hear that folks are beginning to use the technique.

**petertha** · Mar 2, 2018, 12:32 PM

Yes, likewise Marv. I recognize your avatar & posts.
Thanks for the usage links. It really makes a fiddly, time consuming task less so, especially when you don't do it every day.

**jjr2001** · Mar 2, 2018, 02:47 PM

Nice looking set of chuck keys.
Another tool to my make it soon list.

Cheers, JR

**DIYer** · Mar 3, 2018, 06:41 AM

Thanks petertha! We've added your Twin Chuck Keys to our Workholding category,
as well as to your builder page: petertha's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Twin Chuck Keys by petertha

tags: chuck key

**ncollar** · Mar 3, 2018, 07:07 PM

Perertha
Very nice keys, you did a very nice job even if the "T" is not clocked with the square. Very nice work.

Marv
I totally agree with the double key process, what ever make our work easier or quicker is great. But I guess if we were a professional machinist the single key would be just fine.
Nelson