Emco Unimat 4 Jaw Chuck Adapter Modification

This video covers my discovery, (via messing up threads and having to re tap to clean), of the fact that the 4 jaw chuck adapter on my Unimat lathe was fitted wrongly and the steps taken to modify and rectify that allowing a better fit, better accuracy and less overhang from the headstock which means less stress and more lathe bed space.

[@EduardoSilva-sf3dj]

You did a great job , Mate ! As you, I am also a beginner in this amazing new world ‘’ Machinist apprentice’’ using are awesome UNIMAT lathe . Thanks a bunch from New York. Take care!

[@spidiq8]

Thank you. It's fascinating stuff this machining and the possibilities are mind boggling, I'd like to make my own watch case at some point.

[@holton345]

@ 16:38 - Abom79 mention! Excellent! (I am a big fan of Adam.) Good video, sir. You are learning the correct way: by doing. Bravo! Keep it up!

[@spidiq8]

He is entertaining and works on some massive stuff.

[@warenmann1042]

"Just a little bit more" or "just one more pass" should raise warning flags in your brain that yells "Time to check measurements". I learned the hard way. Always measure...

[@edgeeffect]

I've got an official Unimat 4-jaw and it looks absolutely identical to that one. I like the way you explain that the digital display is just for our benefit before"expert" commenters start callig you a hooligan for using calipers to measure precision parts. :) Yeah, the struggle for somewhere to put an indicator's magnet on a Unimat is a very real one. I think you're better off having it a little bit loose... it's room for adjustment???

[@spidiq8]

That's really interesting, thank you. I was sure this was some aftermarket modified to fit chuck.

[@Slemi]

I believe the adapter you have was purposely made oversized so that you would fit it on the lathe and turn it to proper dimensions on lathe, so that you eliminate any runout you might have.

[@ronitsingh85]

the unimat 4, 4 jaw chuck comes with a 14x1 threaded end and is I believe 2" in diameter. nice cute chuck which I have grown to love more than the 3 jaw independent as the 4 jaw looks more like the real big chucks on the full scale machines.

[@ronitsingh85]

you can cut a strip of shim and place around the adapter for the chuck so it fits snug so it is all nice and concentric.

[@spidiq8]

I wouldn't want to do that with something like a chuck that needs the concentricity.

[@ronitsingh85]

@@spidiq8 the key part is the shim, it has to be a gauge shim, they come in different thicknesses and are uniform throughout. This is is what you will used to take the slope away when a larger diameter is bored out. This will ensure concentricity and can be checked with a dial indicator for piece of mind

[@eifionjones559]

good job nicely done , I am a great fan of the Unimat and use mine for wood turning as well as metal

[@danedewaard8215]

Nice job! As for where to attach your magnetic base, you are in some ways lucky to have a version of the Unimat which is made of cast iron. Mine is made from a non-ferrous metal which forces even more creativity in dial indicator fastening!!!

[@spidiq8]

Yes I understand that some are Aluminium? That must be a real pain, I guess some kind of bolt on adapter is needed?

[@danedewaard8215]

I have attached the magnetic base on a heavy steel plate next to the Unimat or on the milling bar.

[@stephenstapleton2415]

Great I have one of theses still in its wooden box at the back of the shed for 30 years and I think it’s the same SL model, dug it out the other day and the belt has had it where can I get replacement.

[@spidiq8]

You can buy pre made from various places online but the best bet is to buy a few metres of PU belt material from eBay etc which is really cheap and cut to size then melt the ends together. Far tougher and more hard-wearing than rubber. I use it for my watchmakers lathe also.

[@Tuitjemobiel]

I've done the same for my lathe. It was jumping rope for children which is sold by the meter overhere at toy stores.

[@ratiratiani6599]

Hello. I also have unimat sl lathe and have one big problem. Front chuck and tailstock is not accurate centered. tailstock is on 1 millimeter down then front.

[@spidiq8]

I'm not sure how you would go about adjusting this as i'm very new to lathe work but there are specialist groups on facebook etc with good knowledge.

[@paultrimble9390]

Maybe shim the headstock.