What size of 4-jaw independent chuck on a 12”x36” lathe?

[jlficken]

You need to drop that thread gauge down into the threads and look at it with lighting from behind. If you hold the gauge just right, you should be able to block all light, except at the crest and root of the thread.

I'd try first seeing if the manufacturer can identify the thread. As an alternate, measure the pitch diameter with some thread wires (after ascertaining the pitch) and see what you come up with.

GsT

I'll give it a try with some light behind the thread gauge.

Buffalo Power is long gone and the manual that came with it said it should have had a D-5 chuck.

I've ordered some thread wires so I'll go from there.

 

[Red96]

If a cat peed on my lathe, there'd be some fur on the gears alright....

 

[jlficken]

If a cat peed on my lathe, there'd be some fur on the gears alright....

No pee happily but I didn't cover the machines last year and one hurled on the top of the chuck...I was NOT amused.

 

[David2011]

**At least** 8 in. I'd go for 10" on a 12" lathe. 1HP is mighty puny for a lathe that size, what is it? I'd still go for the larger chuck. It may take a moment to spin up, but inertia will only improve your cut.

GsT

It’s a Buffalo Power BP-1236.

View attachment 512593

The problem with a 10” chuck on a 12” lathe is that the jaws could hit the ways. An 8” chuck will be about as big as the machine can accommodate with reasonable jaw overhang.

Your lathe is the generic Taiwanese pattern machine sold by lots of brands. It’s a nice machine. I had one branded as a Jet 1024. It has all of the functions of bigger machines.

I lack the confidence at machining to make something like that when it’s all that stands between my face and the bolt of a very expensive rifle flying back into it at high velocity.

I haven’t even made anything on my new mill yet beyond making a little block square(ish), LOL.

Maybe someday I’ll get there but it’ll be awhile.

The only way to develop that confidence is to push your comfort zone. When I started making parts for the deck guns of the Battleship Texas the staff asked me time and again if I could make (fill in the blank). They always had a pitted example. In my head I knew that while I had never made something exactly like it, I had made every cut required to produce it; just not all on one chunk of metal. They expanded my comfort zone and every attempt has been successful. Just learn on parts that can be made again with little consequence.

 

[epanzella]

The problem with a 10” chuck on a 12” lathe is that the jaws could hit the ways. An 8” chuck will be about as big as the machine can accommodate with reasonable jaw overhang.

This^^^.... The 8 inch jaws on my 12 x 36 Grizzly come pretty close to the ways when extended. I don't think you'll get much more capacity with a 10 inch.