MadModder

Gallery, Projects and General => Neat Stuff => Topic started by: philf on February 26, 2013, 05:17:52 PM

Title: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: philf on February 26, 2013, 05:17:52 PM
I was sent a link to this very simple (and seemingly foolproof) method for quickly adjusting round work in a 4-jaw chuck. I'll be in the workshop making a second chuck key tomorrow.

[ Invalid YouTube link ]

Phil.

Update: Small key made tonight out of 12mm silver steel, hardened & tempered. I used a John Stevenson ER32 square collet block to machine the square rather than setting up the dividing head - very quick.

(http://listerengine.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10017/P2270073_zps425a4620.jpg)
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: vtsteam on February 26, 2013, 05:50:02 PM
That's just what I needed!!!

I've spent most of my lathe life with a faceplate, and a 4 jaw has been frustrating to deal with by comparison. Two keys, of course!!!  :bang:


Thank You!!!!!  :beer:
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: saw on February 26, 2013, 06:02:42 PM
Nice done. :thumbup: :thumbup:
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: jaker on March 27, 2013, 05:32:46 AM
Hi Phil,

Verry nicely done, great tip.

Best regards,

Jan from the Netherlands,
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: John Rudd on March 27, 2013, 06:29:09 AM
Wow!!! How easy was that....? :bow:

I've always shied away from using the 4j in favour of collets, but when it comes to bigger diameters
the the 4j comes into its own and a lot easier to set up now I've seen a different approach....

Thanks Phil... :thumbup:
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: Meldonmech on March 27, 2013, 06:42:58 AM
Hi Phil,
             That is a cool time saving tip, I have to make two new keys for large and small 4 jaws chucks.

                                                                 Thanks  David
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: modeng200023 on March 27, 2013, 06:55:52 AM
That is brilliant, so simple that even I could do it!  :clap:
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: philf on March 27, 2013, 10:08:25 AM
Hi all,

I only posted the link to the video - it wasn't (unfortunately) my idea to use the two keys. (The guy who posted the video on YouTube is David Lemereis.)

It really simplifies and speeds up the task.

I'd already made a dial gauge holder prior to this which is very handy to have when setting the topslide to a taper. I made sure it was dead on centre height by machining the hole to clamp the gauge in-situ in the toolholder which is now permanently locked so I can't adjust the height. For setting the 4-jaw the height isn't anywhere near as critical.

I've made new keys for all my 3 & 4 jaw chucks as the originals all seem to be too bulky and heavy or I've bought a chuck without a key - where do they all go? (Probably to the same place as lots of sets of outside jaws!)

Cheers.

Phil.
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: Chuck in E. TN on March 27, 2013, 10:17:09 AM
Phil, I have a question on the indicator holder. Would it be feasable to place the clamping screw inboard of the indicator, so the indicator doesn't come as close to the chuck jaws?
Chuck
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: philf on March 27, 2013, 11:02:35 AM
Phil, I have a question on the indicator holder. Would it be feasable to place the clamping screw inboard of the indicator, so the indicator doesn't come as close to the chuck jaws?
Chuck

Hi Chuck,

A good idea - it should be fine.

To make the job even easier for me I have a digital gauge which can be zeroed anywhere - If only it had a 'Divide byTwo' button!

Phil.
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: Deko on March 27, 2013, 01:41:50 PM
Nice one Phil.  :thumbup: I might even get the 4 jaw out of the box it came in with the lathe. :palm: Had the lathe for about 2 years now and never used the 4 jaw, or the face plate.  I see you find the ER32 blocks VERY handy as well.

Cheers Dek. :med:
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: NormanV on September 08, 2013, 11:26:33 AM
I have not found setting work in a 4 jaw chuck all that difficult but on reading this I made myself a second chuck key. I have just completed a mounting block for my vertical head that required centering a number of times. I was amazed how quick it made the job. Two adjustments were all that were needed to accurately position the work, 30 seconds and the job was done!
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: vtsteam on September 08, 2013, 12:21:40 PM
Good to see this thread bumped every once in awhile so new folks see it.  :coffee:

Doubleboost has a nice video of making the spare key as well.



Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: doubleboost on September 08, 2013, 02:05:54 PM


My demo with the 4 jaw
Title: Re: Very Easy Setting Method for 4-Jaw
Post by: Boxfordian on December 06, 2013, 02:34:21 AM
Love it  :headbang: