TOOLTALK Chucks A lathe chuck is used to hold a rotating workpiece (such as a bar or blank). Some chucks can also hold irregularly-shaped objects (ones that lack radial symmetry), and in some applications, the tool or workpiece being held by the chuck remains stationary while another tool or workpiece rotates. Three-jaw chucks and four-jaw independent chucks are often used on lathes, grinders, rotary tables, and indexing heads. Below is a step-by-step guide to selecting the best manual lathe chuck for your application. 1. Chuck Use Machine? Table? Indexer? Machine Model #______ 3. Number of Jaws - 2, 3, 4, or 6. - If independent, always 4. 2. Chuck Type Scroll -Offers accuracy and convenience for jobs using round bar stock and requiring frequent changeovers. - There are 2, 3, 4, & 6 jaw options. Independent - Jaws move individually. -Typically used in applications where the work piece is irregular in shape. - Always 4 jaws. 4. B ody Material Semi-Steel (Cast Iron) - For medium-duty applications. - Less expensive (about 30-40% cheaper than forged steel). - Less durable and will lose accuracy over time. Forged Steel - For medium- to heavy-duty applications. - Durable. - Accuracy lasts three times longer than semi-steel body chucks. 5. C huck Mounting Plain Back: Requires Adapter - Provides flexibility: able to use same chuck on a number of machines. -In most cases, the adapter for plain back chucks must be machined to match the chuck mounting dimensions and in some cases (semi-machined adapters) you will have to drill and counterbore the mounting holes. Direct Mount -Comes with adapter integrated into the chuck. Direct mount chucks provide convenience and ease of initial setup. No additional machining is required. - Recommended for new lathes where spindle run is close to ZERO. Looking for Metalworking Tools? Contact Fastenal at 844.365.8665 or cuttingtoolsupport@fastenal.com Go to fastenal.com/metalworking for previous Tool Talks
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