Installing a new lathe chuck

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

> Rotagrip

I drive past them nearly every working day! Only been in once though.

Neil

[Chris HeapyParticipant @chrisheapy71135]

There doesn't seem to be much that Ian @rotagrip doesn't know about lathe chucks. Very helpful fellow.

Chris

[Chris HeapyParticipant @chrisheapy71135]

I bought a new drill chuck the other day – also from Rotagrip – but what arrived wasn't quite what I expected. I wanted a larger capacity (16mm/5/8" ) keyless chuck but with integrated R8 shank so that it sits as close to the end of the spindle as possible. I had ordered the Vertex version but when it arrived there was no upper knurled ring – just the chuck body and the shank. So I installed it and was scratching my head as to how the heck you were supposed to hold it to tighten/loosen it with no spindle lock on the mill? Even if there WAS a spindle lock it would be a PITA to have to operate it every time you want to insert a drill. So I phoned Ian up and he quickly sent a replacement – this time an Albrecht 5/8" chuck. I must admit it looks to be superior quality and importantly has the upper knurled ring you can hold when loosening and tightening it. I never realised some chucks were made like that so something to watch out for.

Chris

Edited By Chris Heapy on 12/06/2013 12:56:44

[Chris HeapyParticipant @chrisheapy71135]

Well I think I'm about done buying chucks now – the missus is getting suspicious. Comment whilst showing her my shelf making prowess in the storage area was "There seems to be more of them than there were…?"

Busted. But not before I added this Bison 5" griptru 3-jaw which was going cheap but alas not a lot of use to me as it stood with the Myford Big-Bore backplate it came with. So I've removed that and am awaiting a replacement blank 5" backplate which I'll machine to fit. This chuck requires rear-fitting bolts (the front ones are solely for adjusting the Griptru alignment).

Chris

[NJHParticipant @njh]

Hi Chris

|" This chuck requires rear-fitting bolts (the front ones are solely for adjusting the Griptru alignment)."

That is a good move. With my Burnerd Griptru the bolts attaching the chuck to the backplate are at the rear and need to be loosened a little whilst adjusting the position of the chuck on the backplate. It can be something of a PITA to get an Allen key in there. Despite some negative comments here about the Griptru, and a preference by some for using a 4 jaw independant , I do find it quick and easy to use. Having said that I don't think I would be tempted by a new one – I dread to think what that would cost. ( I came across mine S/H – for a very attractive price – and was unable to resist!)

Norman

[Chris HeapyParticipant @chrisheapy71135]

Hi Norman

A new Pratt-Burnerd 5" Griptru will set you back around £500, the Bison even more (I haven't found the exact same one online although a similar model (but 'Premium Accuracy' – not Griptru) retails around £550. I paid about 50% of that for a new 'old stock' Griptru model.

I also use a 4-jaw when appropriate, I also have a small 4" 4-jaw and I really can't recall the last time I used it. I bought the 4" about 35 years ago and if I use it as often as once a year I'd be surprised – I always reach for the 6" in preference. I saw a tip the other day suggesting the use of two chuck keys instead of one to set the 4-jaw and it does work better after a fashion (might be better if the second key could be turned more easily on the far side of the chuck – not possible on an S7 though).

Chris

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