Adjusting the 4 Jaw Chuck

A fast and accurate way to adjust a 4 Jaw independent chuck. This method takes all the guesswork out of where/how/when to adjust the individual jaws. A foolproof method of fast adjustment that will make your 4 Jaw Chuck more useful and take the 'fear factor' out of using it.
As with any shop procedure, please be sure to wear appropriate Safety Gear (Goggles, Safety Glasses, Dust Masks etc.)

[@MrSteppingstone888]

This was the BEST video on dialing in your four jaw chuck out of all the ones I watched ! Camera set up everything. The only video thats straight forward, clear and is easy Thank you ! 👍

[@kenzpenz]

You have got to be kidding me. This has to be the best video yet. Thanks ...

[@yourlaserengraving3723]

Was fighting my 4 jaw for 20 minutes before I gave up and took a break. Watched this video and it only took 30 seconds to true up using the 2 chuck key method. Thank you for this.

[@JHV166]

It's the old saying "Work Smart, Not Hard"... Everything usually has a little "trick" that a lot of the old coots (like me) don't want to tell the new guys. (I'm not one of them.!) I always believed that you answer questions and if necessary, SHOW the new guy a faster, easier or safer way to do things. It just makes good sense. I'm happy you found this useful. Makes a big difference!

[@MehmetSutas]

The best structural method, I Have seen so far on KZbin. Thanks.

[@johncorden5610]

Nice video Jim! I have used a similar method for some time now, but your explanation of resetting zero at the half way point and then always tightening the near jaw makes this even better. Many thanks, John

[@mierzhen]

As a student who just now started using 4-jaw chucks for engine lathes, this video helped me out a ton. Thanks!

[@arm9835]

Jim Harvey Esq One of the easiest 4 Jaw workings we've seen in a long while. Very well explained and demo'd. Good piece. Keep 'em rolling. Thanks for sharing and take care. aRM

[@lwongpi]

Great video on centering a 4 jaw chuck; like Jim's style, gets information across clearly and quickly, also with a sense of humor.

[@Blackbushe]

Having just got a four jaw I was a bit concerned about setting it up so I looked on here and found this video. Watched it several times and have to say it is spot on, I saw the lads at work setting the four jaw but they were regular users, I could never manage it as an amateur. Having seen this I can now use a four jaw and set it up in a couple of minutes. Brilliant, thank you very much.

[@JHV166]

How nice that this video is still impacting users in a positive way. I am very happy that my instruction has been so well received. As for your becoming more proficient with the lathe, isn't that satisfying? Now you're "In with the cool guys"... Lol... Enjoy and be safe. Thank you for the nice words.

[@cyborg1zr]

Hi thank you I've only used three jaw in my last job and I start my new job on Monday where they use 4 jaw chucks and as I'm very new to lathe work as in couple of weeks worth thank you very much I will definitely use this method in my new career thank you Jon 👍👍👍

[@sdssophie2990]

Thanks for the video. I really enjoyed the end comment about stopping when you're within .001. I often work with older machines and try to get within .002. I "chase my tail"

[@melbournespeedbowl]

Just a follow up to let you know how it all went, my job was to centre a sprocket in my 4 jaw chuck to machine the centre out, thanks for your advice, without watching your clip I wouldn't have had a chance to get it that accurate , I even surprised myself with the result, that is the most helpful thing I've learned to date, thanks again for your help, not only did it help on this job, I can see this being a very handy skill for the future,now no longer afraid of using my 4 jaw regards Paul.

[@boxingboycow]

Monday will be my 3rd day on a Machine and I can't wait to get back and try this out. Thank you Jim!

[@franciscouriarte6968]

Soy de argentina;a pesar de la dificultad del idioma ;muy agradecido por la explicacion de este video.

[@lurcher1151]

THANKYOU im new to this and trying to do this as been driving me mental the last few days . now i have seen this vid got it sorted at last .

[@MrTaz6552]

A MASSIVE help and it has saved me soooo much time. I have read dozens of books and don't recall seeing this suggested. I have had a 5 year break while my equipment was in storage and I'm fairly sure I generally used the 3 jaw self-centering chuck and hardly touched the 4 jaw. - Now I may as well "superglue" the 4 jaw on as it's not coming off!!! :-)

[@zondepa5537]

Thanks alot! Great video! This is crazy! I am new to Lathe stuff (used to have it in school 25 years ago) but ordered new chuck with 4 jaws 100mm for my multi lathe 3 in 1 since it has 3 jaws and was not acurate at all. Today after i installed the chuck then i realized, damn, this one has for every jaw individual screw! After your video i feel even more happy that i bought this chuck! Gonna order additional chuck key and enjoy it! Many thanks again!

[@JHV166]

It is very gratifying that after almost 10 years, this video is STILL helping both old an new Lathe operators to come to grips with a "problem" that really shouldn't be.. I am always happy to hear from people who have learned something from me.. Makes it all worthwhile.. Go FORWARD with NO FEAR!

[@chips4289]

That makes it so much easier, I have always hated my 4 jaw chuck because of set up time. I am a self taught machinist like almost everything else I do lol

[@melbournespeedbowl]

Just wanted to say thank you very much for the great advice, tomorrow I'll try it for myself !.

[@RollingEasy]

These are the best 4 jaw tips on the net and I've used them for so long now but just had to come back and say again that your style and your description and your help and your wit and your sense of humour... are also the best. Thanks a lot. I saw something the other day you might want to talk about. Putting copper dogs under 3 jaws when looking to machine pipe to take the steady rest, then to bore. My thinking is because pipe is pear shaped, the copper helps to grip evenly and indicating at the chuck can then be achieved much nearer to the minimum runout? I've yet to try it but expect it to be so.

[@melbournespeedbowl]

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and keeping it easy enough for a novice like myself to understand, I really appreciate it, regards Paul.

[@ludovicobonsignore4284]

GREAT, Great tutorial and advice!! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@ScagSWZU]

Best video out there on centering work in a 4 jaw

[@RollingEasy]

I just come back for the laugh every so often.... I use this every day and am yet to get it dead on at one turn of one jaw. Just as Jim did. And every time I remember and have a chuckle.

[@JHV166]

Tom, I have to tell you that I have NEVER AGAIN had that happen! I guess the KZbin VIDEO GODS were smiling at me that day LOL! I should have gone out and played the lottery that day! Well, I'm happy that you at least use the method.. I'll try to capture more unicorns on video in the future! Best to you in OZ...

[@RollingEasy]

Hey Jim. I'm just on the verge of doing a video myself. As soon as I can go get my hands on a 'GoPro' or any other suitable camera. Are there any tips you might have for a newcomer? Its going to be a vid on lathe procedures of course and it will show a whole new way of doing what's been done much the same for over 100yrs but I've found a new way of solving the problem. I'll let you know when its out on YTube. I'm sure you'll be interested.

[@JHV166]

Best advice I can give you is to speak clearly, don't hem and haw (beat around the bush). Get to the point and don't hand hold the camera.. Let us know when you have your video's up.

[@RollingEasy]

Thanks Jim. Good advice which I'll do my best to attempt. Nothing worse than someone mumbling in their boots and you don't know what they are trying to tell you and show you.

[@jimharvey6368]

@@RollingEasy Hey Tom... Did you ever do that video? Love to see it! Merry Christmas!

[@yavalang]

Thank you for the brilliant end effective solution

[@keemhala]

Perfect, thanks so much! I'm new to working with a metal lathe, this helped me a lot.

[@ruppi42]

Thank you for this great tutorial Jim!Many greetings from Germany,Armin

[@JHV166]

Ruppi you're welcome! glad that you enjoyed it.

[@Machinist5527]

Thank you for your answer, I'm in machinist school right now and was just curious, thanks again, Bill

[@s10handling]

What a cool way to do this!!

[@mrbasher]

Love it! Especially the "Two things you need to know" :D Thanks for the great info.

[@rohnerw]

That is brilliant! Great instruction. Thank-you!

[@louiskatzclay]

So I am most a clay artist, potter is close. I do throw and trim pots. This is so similar to manually centering a pot for trimming. I have been working away turning some PVC on my 70 year + old lathe and doing a reasonably good job centering without a dial indicator and with only one key. I was considering buying a three jaw chuck to recenter work . I may still do that but the second key is great. I will get a dial indicator. I will have to try it. Thanks!

[@Patroand]

I agree with all those positive comments and I added it to my preferred list. That is what I was looking for a long time Regards

[@remige2006]

Of course the teachers ,when I attended a machinist's school in 2009,, didn't khow this way of working with a four jaws....What a shame....

[@edgeeffect]

Thanks... I've been struggling with a 4 jaw and a dial indicator for days (and the dyslexia dont help) and I think this'll really help.

[@JHV166]

edgeeffect thank you! Please let me know how you make out!

[@sm1477]

Thanks for the great video. Doing this in class now.

[@chrisj4570g]

Awesome method! Made my life much easier!

[@MauriceColontonio]

Awesome video, thanks for taking the time!

[@RicTester]

Excellent video -thank you!

[@GK1918]

brilliant, although I too always use two keys I have just been tweeking the difference. I always said "answers are always right infront of your nose" so easy, so fast thanks

[@johnmarshall9415]

Well explained sir. Thank you.

[@topari01]

Very good. Thanks for posting.

[@marceltimmers1290]

Hi mate. Not putting your fingers into the chuck, where were you when I did that. I was lucky though, just some bruising and hurt pride. Thanks for the tip boss.

[@TerriHogan1]

This is fantastic, thank you.

[@granhellosyan]

Thanks so much, just made my life a whole lot easier. Your the Boss, cheers!

[@78ovation]

thankyou very good . going to make secound chuck key tomorrow

[@kkusuwan]

Thank you very much for very useful information

[@Machinist5527]

That is a great tip. I have a question, what if the chuck is to big to reach the other side to use two chuck keys? Thanks, Bill

[@charleshanse8573]

thanks for a very good tip i'm new to metal work & every little bit helps ( know a little about a lot of things , but don,t know a whole about nothing) cth

[@drewdoumit1223]

Heck yea! This helps so much man!!!

[@leonlamey9156]

really helpful video, am avin probs though need a bit mre help 2 adjut it did a course on it bt it was jt 2 weeks

[@akshaykumarvyas]

can you please post a video of centering a rectangular and square block. and also how to perform eccentric turning.

[@2soonnow]

Great info! Thanks!

[@jimwilliams1783]

great instruction

[@Gladiatore3287]

Thank's for the video , really useful !!!!

[@vesperita11]

Thank you for posing.

[@gnemois]

Thank you very Sir!

[@BasementShopGuy]

Loved it. Thanks for this.

[@kenzpenz]

Would you please show a close up of the dial holder. That will be my tomorrow's project.

[@tetras2000]

thanks a lot for this great video !

[@MrSwanley]

Two chuck keys! Great idea! :-) I also liked your suggestion of a dial indicator in the toolpost. You mention in the vid that the jaws are not fully tightened. At what stage do you fully tighten them? Is it during the two-key stage shown, or a later step?

[@fragis60]

Very very great!!

[@csmstoner1]

@JHV166 Hi there! I really like this video. How would you center a rectangular or a square work piece in the 4 jaw chuck?

[@bentontool]

Good Advice...

[@seanhand3160]

tks well expiained

[@btomas225]

Awesome procedure! I know it doesn't matter but your DTI face dial in the video is the mirror of what it should be?

[@jimharvey6368]

The indicator isnt really mirror image. It's just that the BAKER lettering is at the bottom of the indicator face. The angle makes it look mirror. The outer bezel rotates as you can see.

[@psion5mxfred]

Just simply THANK YOU!! Ruaidhrí Dublin, Ireland

[@bell9547]

It was a good and intelligent video. Thanks Jim.

[@farhad64it]

Hi Jim, I saw many video on the KZbin, but yours is more straight forward and get to point. One question that I have is this has to be done on each part that you doing, considering if you running more than one?

[@JHV166]

Yes, but if the parts are similar, or the same. then the process will be very fast as you will be closer on each incrementing piece..

[@wyz2285]

Thanks! Just one question, I have a block on a 4 jaw chuck and ported a hole in the middle. Than I took out the block to do some milling work. Now I want to put it back on the chuck and center the hole, how can I do it? Is it ok to use a dial pointed to the inner surface of the hole?

[@gamingSlasher]

That looked like magic :)

[@TheLuzonboy]

Your a beaut! Thank you!

[@Spoif]

There is always a pay-off between things built with the intention of taking the hard work out of the task at hand, flexibility and what you are actually trying to achieve. If you can use a lathe to any degree of proficiency with a 3 jaw chuck, using a 4 jaw chuck is down to "being bothered" ; the benefits of which outweigh the effort. It doesn't take much practice to become reasonably proficient with a 4 jaw chuck. You can get within reasonable limits if you understand the concept that if the clock gauge is high, loosen the opposite jaw first then tighten the nearest jaw. Now go practice.

[@staccio80]

tanks!

[@matthewscarpetta]

i got to try this when i get back on the clausing-metosa lathe at school. that 4 jaw chuck is driving me crazy!!! Not only that i have to zero it, i have to offset the piece 0.100"... fml.. I'll take this as step 1!

[@deepgrooved]

what kind of lathe is that? A Colchester?

[@matthewscarpetta]

did it actually work??

[@Tausif057]

Genius

[@rmorr01]

7:40 for short version

[@valveman12]

I need to make another chuck key😁

[@JHV166]

Well worth your time...

[@cyborg1zr]

Sorry meant Jim phone put Jon ha ha

[@barumman]

I like your last comments.

[@NeonNewt9]

I have an easier way! Just run the center down there and clamp down the chuck with the part on the center!

[@JHV166]

Won't work.. YOU can still get runout with that method as the part STILL needs to be centered in the jaws. THIS is the way to do it..

[@rogersprague563]

Thanks this really helped me a lot !