Metal Lathe Tutorial 9 : Four-Jaw Chucks

This is Lathe Skills, a multi-part series to help you learn basic machine shop work. Exclusive videos, drawings, models & plans available on Patreon!
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[@joselrodriguez5999]

I have been "freegrazing" your videos but this one convinced me to become a patreon. I appreciate the time and effort that you take making this quality tutorials.

[@Blondihacks]

Awesome! Thanks for the support!

[@amarkulo]

Same here. I became a patreon when I got to this video. This one just reaffirmed that decision further.

[@harkenon]

Haha! I did at episode 6...

[@358trucking]

HaHa! I did at #1 😉

[@richardthomas1548]

you Are not just a talented machinist you are an incredible teacher.

[@garygerard4290]

Your ability to describe what is happening along with why it's happening is remarkable. Both myself and everyone here benefits from you having chose machining as a hobby. thank you

[@johnallison4904]

Best demonstration of how to center a 4 jaw I've seen so far, and I've seen more than a few. Well done, and thank you.

[@Blondihacks]

Thank you very much! 🤓

[@Darren-zu8kr]

You have a natural talent to make complicated things look simple

[@dudleycornman1624]

Once you find your high and low and you know the difference is 47, rotate the chuck until you are at 23.5 and reset your indicator to 0. Then proceed to dial it into the 0. When you get really close you may do the high/low/zero check again and tighten the highs to 0.

[@pdczrwnskz]

You're actually a better teacher than my Gunsmithing teacher. his machinging never has a smooth surface and looks like crap. i use these videos as my go to for questions. It's simple, direct and to the point. and thats why i love them. thanks for all the help

[@Blondihacks]

Thank you for watching!

[@mikegremlin5249]

Thak you for slowing the explanation down, when Abom79 does this its over is seconds, dont blink!

[@scottallpress3818]

Me buying a hobby lathe …. Why do I need a 4 jaw , this video has confirmed I definitely need that option ! Thanks , this is a great series

[@tonyfrederick2715]

Articulate, accurate, elegant instruction.

[@Blondihacks]

Tony Frederick Thanks! That’s kind of you to say!

[@wingsofmind]

Pardon me. What's your name please?

[@wingsofmind]

Where are you from?

[@hughwhitehead2572]

I love your videos,I am learning so much. I am. 70 years old and I never had the chance to learn so much. Thank you

[@RelentlessHomesteading]

We're never too old -- I'm 65 and just learning about machining. Something magical about taking raw materials and turning them into something useful. Besides it keeps the brain stimulated... RH

[@johnwalker4602]

About thirty five years ago I took my 24 inch 3 jaw off my machine and installed a 32 inch 4 jaw. the three jaw now makes a great door stop. With time you forget you even own a 3 jaw.

[@johnboy454]

Best explanation of setting up in a 4 jaw Chuck I have seen by far. Spot on!

[@essayashaile5131]

I recently discovered a fantastic KZbin channel on machining. Her explanations are concise and easy to follow. She clearly understands the subject matter. To anyone interested in machining, this channel has a lot to offer.

[@gonkmeat]

OK, this video pushed me over the cliff and into the Patron crowd. This was my ah hah moment. I finally understand how to set up the 4 jaw chuck. I'm teaching myself and all of my info is derived from the internet. There are several excellent machinist with videos covering the same topics but most are "over my head". You truly have a knack for starting at square one and progressing through each and every detail so that even a dunce can understand. So worth it for me. Thx again.

[@kimber1958]

Just got my 4 jaw a few days ago. !!!!! Thanks for the refresher. I was LOST

[@squirrelrobotics]

Thanks for the great lathe tutorials, have been working through them before I go to vocational school for machining this fall!

[@amanofmanyparts9120]

I've been dipping in and out of your tutorials at random, and today is the day that I thought about concentricity and the 3-jaw self-centering chuck. The important point is that I'd noticed a bit of ... off centre when working with actual machined metal stock and was beginning to think "The old man's lost it. He can't even centre perfect parts". Now I can look at my lathe and say, with all certainty "It isn't me, it's you!". Of course I've got a 4-jaw chuck (who hasn't?), but the dial gauge I ordered is still on a banana boat somewhere in the South China Seas!

[@tbirdtezdean2486]

I just love everything about your teaching, so clear and concise, I can take it all in easily so far. thank you. also its great not having music in the background like a lot of videos do.

[@johndowns4161]

This video helped me solve me issue on my lathe. I didn't even know to adjust each of the teeth Thank you

[@JulianMakes]

Such a great tutorial... there are so many ‘ahhhh’ moments in this. Thank you!

[@puits-de-science]

Outstanding !

[@danedewaard8215]

Nicely taught!!! I have enjoyed all the tutorials so far! Let me continue.... Oh, by the way, Thank you.

[@Blondihacks]

Thanks for the kind words, and for watching!

[@ehss192]

Wow! Great video and exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the great tips!!

[@MrNigel1340]

Hi Quin, this has been the best tutorial by far on how to centralise a four jaw chuck, the end section part really helped, many thanks Doc Cox.

[@jtreg]

Excellent, one of your most useful for us newbies thank you xxx

[@AdventureTimeRC]

Great video I just bought a sears 109 and have zero experience with 4 jaw chucks or lathe work lol a long journey ahead

[@macieksiemczyk1096]

I like your indicator 3D printer holders :) Looks like the way one is 3D printed as well.

[@Blondihacks]

Yup! The files are all on Thingiverse if you want them. Search for Blondihacks

[@rayfalcone6897]

Hi Quinn,thank you for sharing,very easy to understand.i like and subscribe.

[@billbrennan8405]

I just received my new 8” 4 jaw chuck from Matthew’s , got the cam lock pins adjusted and mounted a 1” round bar and proceed to fail at centering the bar. I will employ your techniques tomorrow. Thanks for your insight on making this process easier. BB

[@markdmaker3173]

Awesome video, I’m learning so much from this video series.

[@Blondihacks]

Great news. I am hoping to be educational and approachable, so this means a lot.

[@DavidLindes]

@@Blondihacks "educational and approachable"... I'd say you're succeeding! I'm somewhat sad that it took me this long to find your channel, but I definitely expect to be sharing it any time someone expresses interest in learning about machining. These videos are great.

[@jessestrum]

really good teacher

[@bol8lod]

Thanks for this informative video

[@sethbracken]

Great explanation. All the lightbulbs turned on.

[@Blondihacks]

Great to hear!

[@SamLamingWingsuit]

Fantastically useful and clear video that is exactly what I needed, thank you so very much! All the best to you =)

[@girliedog]

Thank you for an excellent demo Blondihacks.

[@Blondihacks]

For sure! I hope you found it useful.

[@SkullyWoodMetal]

Awesome video I need to get out in the shop and play with my lathe. My excuse has been a broken belt, but I don't need it to run to practice your techniques. Thanks for the great videos.

[@paulmorrey733]

Thanks Quinn

[@anthonynash8079]

Great video

[@aion2177]

very interesting and useful. Thanks :)

[@tribologist]

Nice Videos! Made me add you to my patreon collection.. I saw a nice video some years ago from Tubal Cain that show how I was taught to do it. Get it rough centered, find the low spot, set indicator to 0, find the high spot, turn the dial to 1/2 of the reading. Next, put one jaw at the indicator, use one chuck wrench on each side and just dial to 0 loosening one and tightening one. Two passes normally does it. The chuck wrench in the back can be a simple L shape.

[@terrybailey2769]

Now I understand why 4 jaw chucks can be more acurate than 3 jaw self centering. Just signed up as a Patron

[@janj0n]

One helpful easy way I have found to explain truing up stock in a 4-jaw, is, consider the part as situated in two axes, between each pair of opposing jaws. Loosen the Low, Tighten the High, worst axis first, and when the other axis becomes worse, deal with that one before getting the first axis closer. And so on. Not at all saying your explanation is lacking in any way. Do you teach machining to students other than on KZbin? This being my first visit to your channel I don't know much about your background, but the skill set and knowledge base is quite evident. I've subscribed, and I'll be following the relay.

[@Blondihacks]

Thanks for the additional explanation! That might help fellow viewers. I don't teach to anyone in real life- just KZbin. Thanks for subscribing! I hope you enjoy my content.

[@professorjim6874]

@@Blondihacks I have taught machining at the college level for 20 years after having worked as a machinist and toolmaker, also for over 20 years, and I have to say you do a great job. Your explanations contain appropriate terminology which appears to be drawn from both engineering and real world machining background. I've watched these first 9 in the last few days and they are very good.

[@johncolvin2561]

I have used soapstone welder's markers to rough center work before using an indicator to do the final centering.

[@Blondihacks]

That's a great tip!

[@Maker_of_Things]

Good video, thank you. I have a small, old model making lathe with a three jaw chuck. I have been meaning to find a four jaw for it. I think it is time to work out what size and fit of chuck I need to look for.

[@Blondihacks]

Alfred Chow Maker of Things Thanks! One good option might be to buy an inexpensive import one and make a backing plate for it. That’s often easier than finding original chucks for old machines.

[@Maker_of_Things]

@@Blondihacks Thank you. I will give that a go and see what turns up. I will rummage in our stash of stuff, can never remember what I might already have that will help.

[@andersjjensen]

TAAPIE TAP TAP! :P

[@bvcxzgt5451]

@@somebodyelse6673 ...or whether they would kill each other.

[@devanzoshift7298]

Solution: “Ladies and Gentlemeeeeen; welcome back to the shops”

[@boathemian7694]

Ahhhhh I always wondered why I had a 4 jaw chuck. Never used it so far.

[@anilvarma808]

Nice....😀🤗

[@hanspijpers2100]

Isn't it easier to find the highest spot then turn the chuck 90 degrees, (left or right, that does not matter ) and set the dial indicator to zero ? To me this should be the best reference point for aligning the chuck Kind regards Hans

[@dudleycornman1624]

If the part isn't perfectly round you can 4 point it. In other words, you 0 to one pair of opposing jaws and then 0 to the other pair.

[@janushomer9111]

Hi, Thanks for the informative video. Do you have a video where you explain how to indicate/adjust a part to turn an eccentric cylinder?

[@ogreunderbridge5204]

I understand the adjustment screws are the same as worm gear principle. Have you ever seen them loosen or shift during operation after proper dial-in ?

[@janvisser2223]

Just discovered your channel. Very pleasant to watch and listen to how you present it👍 I happen to have the same lathe as yours that I got for free as it was not working at the time. It needed some TLC and is actually not bad at all. (I used to work with bigger lathes in the past) Now, finally, and out of curiosity, my question: what kind of oil do you use in the feed gearbox. Mine was completely frozen due to burnt (carbonized) oil. I have now an hydraulic oil in it as this was also used in the Colchester lathes I worked with.

[@chriswhite6546]

Worthwhile noting that there is a difference between an independent 4 jaw chuck, and a common travel 4 jaw chuck. Easy for a beginner to buy the wrong chuck…

[@SuperTrackhoe1]

👍

[@thebotrchap]

Hi, I’ll soon be the happy owner of an old school lathe and I’m currently binge watching your lathe series. They are fantastic! The current owner of the lathe says that the chuck (3-jaw) is worn out so I’ll be on the lookout for a new one. I’ve seen that there are also 4-jaw self centering chucks. Is there any advantage of one of those over a 3-jaw?

[@Blondihacks]

That’s great! I love old lathes. The main advantage of more jaws on self-centering chucks is better grip. You can hold parts tighter, which is a definite advantage in many situations. Of course, it also makes holding square stock easier as well. You can hold square stock in a 3-jaw, but it’s off-center, so you’re limited to facing, pretty much.

[@thebotrchap]

Blondihacks Ah yes, hadn’t thought of the square stock issue 🤔 Tomorrow I’ll be the proud owner of a metric Myford ML7! The current owner fitted a variable speed motor which will be handy.

[@Whitpusmc]

If you only had a 3 jaw, could you not retain concentricity to some extent by drawing a line 90 degrees to the jaw backplate along the part matched to a line on the backplate. Then remove the part with as little loosening as possible then flip and reinsert with the line matched up to the spot on the backplate.

[@PTwyford]

Great explanation, thanks. Also- did you model your 3d printed indicator holder or grab off thingiverse (or another similar model repository)?

[@Blondihacks]

I modeled it myself, and it is on Thingiverse. Search for Blondihacks and you’ll find it!

[@PTwyford]

@@Blondihacks very cool, thanks!

[@cannonroberts5129]

😸

[@tonydeleo7697]

Would you please cover how to turn a section of square stock to round? thanks

[@gregory6488]

Is there a rule of thumb about the size of the roundstock in relation to the size of the chuck? How big a piece of stock can you fit in a certain size chuck?

[@tomnorton8218]

A question ! I am a woodworker and when I use my wood lathe I mark the drive center spur so the piece always goes back the same way. When you are using the 4 jaw chuck do you "reference" the piece to the jaw?

[@MawoDuffer]

If you mean reference as in being able to take it out and put it back in the same way, I think you would need to re-indicate the part. If you loosen only two jaws to take the part out, the jaws that you left put will no longer be compressed and they might change location. I am an apprentice machinist mostly experienced on the mill and not with lathes (so I’m watching the series) but I am getting a feel for the machining philosophy.

[@ESebastiaanH]

So many questions, if you have a milling machine would that not replace most of the hole making Operations on non cylindrical parts? Why would you choose a 4 jaw if you could mill the part?

[@mrdeeman5912]

I'm not familiar with tools like this. I want to carve a thin metal rod like the size of a common screw. Can you use this type of machine? Is there a tool for cutting very thin rods of metal?

[@KentDixson]

Why did I notice that in the intro the clicks of the equipment you were powering on sounded different

[@norman_sage2528]

"Racing stripes" lol

[@sten1939]

Where is the cat? Great videos as always

[@theburrell4626]

How do you square up square stock in a 4 jaw chuck?

[@saheel1850]

How do you zero your indicator? i don’t see you turning anything

[@rodney7799]

You can use 2 keys opposite each other in a 4 jaw.

[@rodney7799]

@@noidontthinksolol to get a part offset or centered. I learned this trick from Mr. Pete and yes I have a lathe.

[@lw8882]

Tappy tappy. Tap tap tap-a-roo.

[@AlessioSangalli]

What about 6 jaw chuck?

[@geckoproductions4128]

....four jaw chuck......is that like three buck chuck?.........

[@professorjim6874]

Good Trader Joe reference. In case you don't know, in fact there is a Buck chuck company, making fine quality lathe chucks for decades.

[@bobuk5722]

Hi folks. There's a way of speeding this technique up - get an extra chuck key and move opposite jaws at the same time - one in and one out obviously! BobUK.