Basics 3 - All about lathe chucks - 3 jaw, 4 jaw, no jaw

In this basics of the home shop series I answer a question about the function and types of lathe chucks. In this video I talk about how 3, 4, and 6 jaw lathe chucks work. How a sacrificial faceplate or pallet is used. And how common spindles work. If I missed something or you have different thoughts, let me know below.

[@Just1GuyMetalworks]

Good video, Eddie 😊. I'm in agreement with you, if I had to choose between a self-centering 3jaw or independent 4jaw, it would be the 4jaw 🙂. By far the most versatile (and crucial imho) of chucks 😁.

[@theeddies]

Thanks Chris! I want to try that 12 jaw with 12 independent jaws😰

[@mike0rr]

Just got a mini mill and I keep running into your content. Thanks for your beginners videos. I haven't been in the machine shop 15 years so its helpful dusting off the old skills.

[@theeddies]

Thanks, glad they are of some use.

[@edmundnyamupepema]

One of your ardent students is happy learning all this, thank you boss! Keep the fire burning!!

[@theeddies]

More to come. Thanks, eddie

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hi Eddie, Another good basics video... Keep them coming... Take care. Paul,,

[@theeddies]

Thanks Paul! I will probably make one a month or so. Best! Eddie

[@johnstrange6799]

The Basics Series changed my life. I used to live paycheck to paycheck, stuck in a dead end job until I discovered The Basics Series. The Basics Series gave me the knowledge and confidence to start my own business. Now I have the financial freedom to spend time with my family enjoying life the way I used to only dream of. Thank you Basics Series!

[@theeddies]

Oh crap my clever troll is back. I thought you drowned in the great Lake Superior flood of '21 along with all the cheap lathes east of the Mississippi River. I guess I will have to think of a witty reply.

[@johnstrange6799]

@@theeddies Don't strain yourself with the reply. Someone has to finesse the algorithm with hundreds of comments.

[@theeddies]

@@johnstrange6799 I am done tickling the algorithm. I am just going to throw poop to the wall and let the wet sliding streak define my channel.

[@johnstrange6799]

@@theeddies It looks like maybe someone bought that 109 over your way.

[@johnstrange6799]

@@theeddies So business as usual then. Got it.

[@RalfyCustoms]

Chucking goodness Eddie 👌 as a self taught semi pro (if thats a thing) you nailed it buddy

[@theeddies]

Internet taught semi amateur more like it. Lol. Thanks!

[@RalfyCustoms]

@@theeddies err thanks I think

[@theeddies]

@@RalfyCustoms no dude, not you. I read your comment wrong, I meant I was the internet semi amateur. 😆

[@RalfyCustoms]

@@theeddies I knew that 😳😆😆😆

[@alukantsov]

Hi Eddie, that 4" 4 jaw looks familiar :) since I just bought it off of you. Great basics video, will check out the rest of the series as well. Looking forward to you crafting a new 10 TPI backplate for that 4 jaw for me. thanks again.

[@theeddies]

Yep, same one, lol. I will most likely video it. I would have kept it but the bigger one fits the new machine better. It is a nice chuck.

[@alukantsov]

@@theeddies Video would be great for a beginner like myself. Cannot wait to learn how to use the 4 jaw properly.

[@theeddies]

I got the chuck back and ordered a new backplate. It should be here on Tuesday. If all goes well I might have it back in the mail before next weekend. If it is all the same to you I would rather just handle it off ebay, no tax for you and no fees for me. Would Paypal work? If so, my email is on the About tab of my channel, you can just respond to me there. Thanks, Eddie

[@alukantsov]

@@theeddies that will work, thanks

[@theeddies]

@@alukantsov I started on the back plate but thought I should make sure what is the length of the spindle from the end of the threads to the shoulder? Thanks!

[@jackskalski3699]

Cool videos 👍 keep up the good work

[@theeddies]

Thanks!, that means a lot.

[@AaronEngineering]

G’day Eddie. Good to see you’re continuing with this series of videos. I agree mate, this is common knowledge that we assume everyone knows, but one should never assume 😉. Very well presented and explained Eddie. I was waiting for the “no chuck”, is that a faceplate? Cheers 🍻. Aaron

[@theeddies]

Thanks Aaron. It seems because of the type of machine I have and my obvious vast knowledge of small cheap machining 😉 I get pretty basic comments and questions sometimes. Many people who buy these machines have no idea of this kind of info that we take for granted because they are just starting out. I know it is simple stuff but if it helps someone along the way, it is worth my time to give a little back. When it comes down to it I learned much of what I know about manual machining from watching 1000's of hours of videos and picking up bits of common knowledge piecemeal. I just thought it might be nice to give someone a central source. They seem to get a pretty good reception. Yes the no jaw chuck is the faceplate, I have always called it a pallet because it is sacrificial and has job specific fastening points, unlike a true face plate. Comes from watching too much Tom at OxTools. All the best buddy! Eddie

[@machinenutdel6764]

Hi Eddie, when you get time check out the Jacobs rubberflex chucks, Del

[@theeddies]

I had never seen those. I wonder about the longevity of the rubber. Do they hold up?

[@machinenutdel6764]

@@theeddies Had mine over 2 years now and it was 2nd hand when I bought it, could be over 20 years old, keep them out of the sunlight and I think they will be fine. Del.

[@theeddies]

@@machinenutdel6764 Nice. It looks like a useful and compact system. Each collet does a couple mm or maybe .100"? That would be much better than the 40 5c collets I have.

[@machinenutdel6764]

@@theeddies Yeah a nice bit of kit, believe they are commonly available in the states, only drawback is that they are quite big and may not fit a lathe with a small swing. Del.

[@theeddies]

@@machinenutdel6764 It would fit mine, the mill lathes have a huge amount of swing (almost 14") for their size. My worry would be weight and over hang on the bearings and relatively short spindle.

[@murphystreeter]

I need help. My chuck has coarse thread 23/32. I'm struggling to find chucks for that arbor. Is there a designation for that arbor thread???