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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Australind , WA
    Age
    58
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    1,277

    Default Lathe Bed Protector thing....

    I have a job where I need to fit the four jaw to my lathe ( Lathe Risers ) and I didn't have anything to rest the chucks on or to protect the bed.
    I remember when I was in High School ,ALL the Lathes had these peices of timber which we were made to use, when chaging chucks. ( Don't know why?....what could go wrong?...lol )

    So I thought I'd whip one up so I could use it this time AND have it on hand where I needed to do the swap again.

    I assume everyone else already has one?...lol

    Steve

    ( small victories....)

    https://photos.app.goo.gl/EhT9YFm8eUXYrdnX9


    https://photos.app.goo.gl/yE8jMksGrd8VF1aG6

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    Freo
    Age
    68
    Posts
    141

    Default

    Gee that's very fancy. I just have a small cabinet door that a mate had made undersize. He's a woodchuck type person

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Toorloo Arm, VIC
    Age
    39
    Posts
    1,270

    Default

    I've just been using a bit of 12mm MDF I've had hanging around for changing chucks on the AL335, but for those with bigger chucks on bigger machines, Joe Pieczynski on one of his Youtube videos showed his chuck changing setup. Don't remember which video exactly it was, but basically he has a big lump of wood with the profile of the ways cut in the underside, and a curved pocket in the top for the chuck to sit on. The chuck centreline sits a couple of mm below spindle centreline when resting on it, and he basically uses the block of wood as a sled to slide the chuck onto or off of the camlock pins.

    Thought that was a pretty nice setup, unfortunately won't work at all on the Graziano, lol. Also think I need a bigger bit of MDF, and a bit of wood underneath to space it up over the way covers.... but that's a problem that's some way off yet.

    *edit* Found the video, should start right at the bit where he shows the chuck sled off. If not, skip to 10:54 to see it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edOt0gRH0Tk&t=652s

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Norwood-ish, Adelaide
    Age
    59
    Posts
    6,540

    Default

    I have one. I used to use it quite a lot on the old lathe when I had a screw on chuck. Now, with a camlock chuck and no sudden 'It's undone moment' not so much. It's just as likely to be used as a table surface if I'm doing maintenace on the lathe and need a flat surface near the bed to put things on.
    (I did think about something shaped but I have several chucks of different sizes, so decided to save the space)

    Michael

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Southern Highlands NSW
    Posts
    1,894

    Default

    With a camlock spindle, a wooden cradle is useful on a big lathe with heavy chucks.
    The cradle can be machined to a chuck's outer diameter on the lathe itself, to about a semi-circle.
    I think some method to allow it to slide but not move otherwise is needed for machining it.
    Then the chuck can be placed upon it, and slid along the bed ways towards the spindle.
    The height will be perfect so no further lifting is required.
    That's how it was at a TAFE metalworking school.

  6. #6
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    7,182

    Default

    Here's one that was in a monthly email that I got recently from Machinists Workshop.
    Screen Shot 2021-01-26 at 5.35.12 am.png

    My Hercus chucks are pretty light weight so I just put a piece of thick vinyl under the chucks on top of the bed.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    melbourne australia
    Posts
    3,228

    Default

    I have one each for my Hercus 3 jaw and 4 jaw chucks. Similar design to the ones in Bob's post. Wedges are easier to make than a curved cradle, as you can just move the wedges until you get the chuck on centre height. Then secure them in place.
    Chris

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    Hi,
    A "me too: for at least wooden 1 chuck saddle. Mine is a 1 only, for a 4 jaw which I made soon after acquiring my lathe.

    Fourteen years later I think it is a good time to start work on a second one for the 3 jaw . I now have assorted hernias and a back problem, so I don't want to push my luck when I have to dismount the 3 jaw in favor of the heavier 4jaw.

    I like the features of the Machinist Workshop model, locking out cross movement across the ways and the wedge cuts centralizing the chuck and aligning it with apparently minimal vertical movement required .

    A reminder to self to paint the units with clear lacquer to minimise black greasy fingerprints.

    Nice job!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    melbourne australia
    Posts
    3,228

    Default

    pics for racingtadpole.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Chris

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Drouin Vic
    Posts
    633

    Default

    The first machining resource I ever read- Sparrey's "The amateurs lathe" called this a chuck board and more or less said the world would end if you did not have one. I have one like Steve that lives on the foot end of my lathe and is home to my dividing head (yeah), oil cans, other homeless bits and bobs. I'm inspired by Steve's photo to put a runner under one side of it so it sits level.
    Although I have a gantry for chuck changes, it does add a level of reassurance.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Australind , WA
    Age
    58
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    1,277

    Default

    Some nice variations there.
    I like the 'wedge' idea. Gives you a bit more security.

    I saw the fancy 'half round' version on U tube. Very nice.

    I change chucks about once every 400 years so I will see how mine goes. I can easily add some wedges if I deem it useful.

    Steve

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Townsville, Tropical Nth Qld.
    Posts
    225

    Default

    I use a plywood protector just in case, but I have a small block and tackle with a webbing sling to change my chucks as I don't want to risk damaging my back.
    Sadly I have a few friends that have lower back damage and they are having a miserable retirement.
    Rgds,
    Crocy.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
    Posts
    292

    Default

    I use a board on the bed as an oops protector too but to hold and control the chucks when I slip them into position on the D1-5 spindle I use a dowel or bar. Before removing the chuck I slip a bowl/bar of steel/metal tube of about foot and a half or so long into the jaws and tighten them, halfway down on the dowel (old broomstick actually). Then I loosen the cams and with a rubber mallet in the left hand and gripping the end of the dowel with the right, give the chuck a tap to get it to let go. Now I can slide the chuck off until the pins clear and it drops slightly on to the dowel. With the dowel in the shaft I can slide it along until I can get my left hand on the dowel and then pick the chuck up with both hands. I leave the dowel in the chuck until next time I want to use it. I'm a klutz and have way more control when handling the chuck than when trying to move or lift it with just my hands. Saves the lathe bed and my toes.

    Pete

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Australind , WA
    Age
    58
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    1,277

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by QC Inspector View Post
    I use a board on the bed as an oops protector too but to hold and control the chucks when I slip them into position on the D1-5 spindle I use a dowel or bar. Before removing the chuck I slip a bowl/bar of steel/metal tube of about foot and a half or so long into the jaws and tighten them, halfway down on the dowel (old broomstick actually). Then I loosen the cams and with a rubber mallet in the left hand and gripping the end of the dowel with the right, give the chuck a tap to get it to let go. Now I can slide the chuck off until the pins clear and it drops slightly on to the dowel. With the dowel in the shaft I can slide it along until I can get my left hand on the dowel and then pick the chuck up with both hands. I leave the dowel in the chuck until next time I want to use it. I'm a klutz and have way more control when handling the chuck than when trying to move or lift it with just my hands. Saves the lathe bed and my toes.

    Pete

    Good method Pete. I never thought of doing that.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Mid North Coast NSW
    Posts
    422

    Default

    This is the way I change chucks. I have 4 for this lathe and esp the 8" is getting way too heavy now.
    Mine are screw on so the 25mm steel pin rotates.
    Underneath the lathe is a trolley for the 3 heaviest chucks. It rolls out right under the crane. The crane mast is bolted to the lathe bench leg.
    Gotta deal with getting old somehow.

    20210129_153720.jpg

    20210129_155239.jpg

    20210129_153919.jpg

    20210129_153947.jpg

    20210129_161009.jpg

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