What is easiest way to center material on 4 jaw independent chuck

C

Coalman

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I got a 8" 4 jaw chuck on my lathe and wanted to know the easiest way to center the material. I am very new at metal lathes but I am learning Thanks Kevin
 
The video shows how it's done vey well. You don't have to have two chuck keys but it does make it easier.

Notice how he had the chuck jaws numbered? Work on the pair ( either ODD or EVEN ) that is running out the most first. Then work the other pair until you get it dialed in.

Let's say it's running out .050 when you start. Half of .050 is .025 so that is number you "shoot" for.
 
here is the video i have saved on my pc
he makes it look easy and it works
steve


[video=youtube;2KMhx4DbyDg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KMhx4DbyDg[/video]
 
The easiest way is simply to practice a lot. It also helps to always position the dial indicator the same way every time. That is, always position it either the top, back, front -whichever works best for you -but pick a method and stick with it. This way, you dont have to keep thinking about which way to move the piece in relation to deflection of the needle.
 
That vidio is the way I have done it way before vidios existed. Also the indicator must be on
center- easy- raise and lower indicator on work till you get the highest reading=thats center
line. Centering on a 4 jaw is a couple minutes, 3 jaws dont ask with shims and stuff 3 jaws
just a general pain my opinion. three things 2 chuck keys, dial ind., practice, good to go.
 
I have never used two chuck keys. I place the indicator on top where I can't bump it by accident. I back the low side out and turn the high side in. Never takes more than a minute. How often do I use the 4 jaw? Always unless I use the collet chuck.

Find a way that is comfortable for you and practice.

"Billy G" :thinking:
 
I also do it the way Bill does it. I do use the lines on the chuck face to get the jaws close before I start using the indicator. Practice makes perfect. But if I don't practice for a while the first try is a bit of a ..hmmmm what's the word....a polite way is to say "learning curve".....ha ha
 
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