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  1. #1
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    Mar 2019
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    Default Lathe Chucks Whats a good brand without breaking the bank??

    I was wanting to get a 4 jaw self centering chuck and was wondering what suggestions for brand and quality. What are those Sanou ones like on Fleebay are they as crappy as the price suggests? Don't have heaps of dollars but don't want to waist what I do have either.
    Any help would be appreciated.
    Gaza

  2. #2
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    Aug 2008
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    Default

    Before buying a 4 jaw self centering, ask yourself if you need one. You do not see them around much because of their very nature they are very poor work holders unless it is for some production work where the jaws are machined to hold the same part day after day.
    Gold, the colour of choice for the discerning person.

  3. #3
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by .RC. View Post
    Before buying a 4 jaw self centering, ask yourself if you need one. You do not see them around much because of their very nature they are very poor work holders unless it is for some production work where the jaws are machined to hold the same part day after day.
    I am restoring a pre 1880 Mortising machine that will require a fair few reproduction square head bolts made... after watching Keith Rucker’s video on the same it was obvious that a self centering chuck was going to make the chucking of square stock much more efficient.
    Gaza

  4. #4
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    Default

    For this restoration have you any idea how concentric the head of your bolt needs to be to the thread.

  5. #5
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by pipeclay View Post
    For this restoration have you any idea how concentric the head of your bolt needs to be to the thread.
    What he said. It probably doesn't have to be that close (by machining stds)
    If you set your square bar (is it bright or black?) up in your std 4 jaw as close as you need it to be, then mark 2 adjacent jaws, just loosen the same jaws every time to move your square bar out for the next bolt, I reckon with a bit of care it would be close enough.
    peter

  6. #6
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    Default

    I second the previous opinions, I've used my centering 4 jaw once In a long ownership. Just use your regular 4 jaw and don't move two of the jaws.

  7. #7
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    near Rockhampton
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    Default

    But in answer to your question. I had a Sanou chuck I fitted to a Hercus 260. It seemed fine.
    Gold, the colour of choice for the discerning person.

  8. #8
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    Mar 2019
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    Rockhampton
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    Default

    Thanks Everyone for your thoughts on the subject...It's very much appreciated... I will give the 4 jaw a go and see how it works out... it will save forking out cash for something that would get rarely used.

  9. #9
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    Nov 2017
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    Geelong, Australia
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    Default

    You could also make up a crude square "collet" to clamp in your 3-jaw.

    Steve

  10. #10
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    Jun 2011
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    Australia east coast
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by caskwarrior View Post
    I second the previous opinions, I've used my centering 4 jaw once In a long ownership. Just use your regular 4 jaw and don't move two of the jaws.
    Ditto. Had a self-centring 4 jaw for over 20 years, the last time I used it was..... over 20 years ago. Makes a nice shelf ornament though.

    PDW

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
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    Perth, Western Australia
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    Default

    I suppose every ones needs are different. For small repeat work
    I would be lost without my 100m self centring 4 jaw. The 10" is just to big.

    4in Cushman 01.jpg

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Kingswood
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    930

    Default

    In the model engineering hobby, square stock is frequently held my making a cylindrical bush in the 3-jaw, ID the same as the square stock across the diagonal, OD a few mm larger (say 5 mm for ID 15 mm), then slit the bush lengthways (hacksaw OK).

    To use, just put bush in 3-jaw with slit midway between jaws, slide stock in, draw down with the jaws.
    Position a stock flat opposite the slit.

    Got a few of these bushes made and stored with the lathe tooling.

    John

  13. #13
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    Mar 2019
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    Default

    Thanks John.... I wouldn't have thought that would hold..... a couple or Youtube videos later and I am sold on the Idea

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
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    South Coast of New South Wales Australia
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    Default

    What are the benefits of a SC 4 jaw chuck?
    Cheers Jim
    My Youtube Channel -
    Blue Heeler's Model & Toy Steam Engine Room

  15. #15
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    Good for holding square stock,octagonal or any divided by 4, if facing large diameter material it may provide more ridgidity to the work piece over a 3 jaw, it keeps manufacturers in a job.

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