What to do with "spent" chuck jaws

matt_isserstedt · Apr 22, 2013

By "spent" I mean bored down to the mounting bolt's counterbore, from both ends, or nearly so, some have broken thru.

These are 1018 jaws for an Howa 8" chuck, 60 deg x 1.5mm "gripper pitch" on them if it matters. Mostly Daco Jaws from the logo on the side. "Short" as in maybe 1-1/4" wide x 1-1/4" tall.
At first I considered adding a nice lot to the scrap metal bin, but I had the idea they could be useful as bases for welding things onto? :confused:

I don't really know about any other uses, this is my first turning center, first time I've used soft jaws...please help with guidance.

Thanks!

Mud · Apr 22, 2013

Just for valuation purposes, you can buy jaws with more life left in them for $10-15 each on ebay. I toss them. I used to keep one junk set around 'just in case' because I'm a packrat, never needed them though.

Nmbmxer · Apr 22, 2013

I take a slugs of 1.25" (or whatever) diameter 1018 about 2" long and weld it to the jaws and keep using them until the serrations stop repeating. I've always wanted to make a contraption to help with welding slugs on the jaws since I do it so often.

You can also flip them over and use them as a fixture to machine softjaws in your mill.

jdj · Apr 23, 2013

I have found myself (lately) in the rare position of NEEDING some "spent" soft jaws to weld blocks onto...and NOT having any around! I hate getting a new set and having to chop off a ton of material.

Philabuster · Apr 23, 2013

Nmbmxer said:
You can also flip them over and use them as a fixture to machine softjaws in your mill.

I had to read your post several different times to fully understand what you meant. I felt kinda dumb after it finally dawned on me. :dunce:

Use an old soft jaw with the serrations UP in a vise and bolt your 'to be cut' jaws to it. The bottom jaw essentially simulates the master jaws in the CNC chuck as the 60° serrations are stacked. Repeat for other two top jaws without disturbing the bottom 'master jaw' in the vise.

doug925 · Apr 23, 2013

Nmbmxer said:
You can also flip them over and use them as a fixture to machine softjaws in your mill.

That is what I do. I had to figure a way to machine a profile into my jaws WITHOUT removing the chuck and taking the whole shebang to the milling machine.

Doug.

Limy Sami · Apr 23, 2013

Apply sods law, if you toss them in the scrap, you will need em next month, keep a few on the shelf ''just in case'' you need em, which of course you never will.

My life goal being to defeat sods law

I'd put a few sets on the shelf.

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What to do with "spent" chuck jaws

matt_isserstedt

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Mud

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Nmbmxer

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jdj

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Philabuster

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doug925

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Limy Sami

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