Are my jaws off?

Chootem · Dec 3, 2017

I’ve been trying to mess my southbend lathe and it seems like every piece of round stock i put on there is always off, Not round. Doesn’t matter if it’s a bolt or anything round. It can’t be that everything i choose is actually not round but what’s the best way to tell?
Anyone had a round piece of stock i can use to test my chuck?

Thanks

yardbird · Dec 3, 2017

Grab a hold of a piece of something and turn it true far enough to grab on what you just turned plus a little bit to get your indicator on then flip it and see what it is with you indicator?

Or chuck on a end mill, something you can trust is half way round then have a look.

If the chuck is original equipment it's probably not in the best condition given it age.

Brent

Ziggy2 · Dec 3, 2017

You didn't say how far off the jaws are.

You do realize that each jaw has a specific location that it needs to be installed in and the right timing when you put them in? If this is the problem, you will be off by more than 1/8in.

If the error is less than 1/8in., then the error is all in the chuck mount itself and the jaws.

Spruewell · Dec 3, 2017

Is it out of round, or off center? Big difference!

If you chuck up a piece and can't get it to clean up and be round, then you have issues with your spindle and/or bearings.
If you put something round in it and an indicator shows one side consistently reads high, then your chuck is out. It could be out for a variety of reasons.

DMF_TomB · Dec 4, 2017

Chootem said:
I’ve been trying to mess my southbend lathe and it seems like every piece of round stock i put on there is always off, Not round. Doesn’t matter if it’s a bolt or anything round. It can’t be that everything i choose is actually not round but what’s the best way to tell?
Anyone had a round piece of stock i can use to test my chuck?

Thanks

.
1) jaws often numbered and must be put in right place
.
2) chuck mount on lathe and back of chuck needs checking for dirt, dings, chips
.
3) chuck scroll needs cleaning as chips get on it.
.
4) scroll can get damaged in spots from over doing it.
.
5) can regrind jaws but wont stay perfect for long. often soft jaws are used and cut .001 every time for critical jobs

Chootem · Dec 5, 2017

All, thanks for the information. I’ll be going back to the lathe hopefully today/tomorrow to test these responses. Thanks again. Will update.

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