"Michael Koblic" wrote in message
...

"DoN. Nichols" wrote in message
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On 2008-10-01, Michael Koblic wrote:

big snip

But you probably don't really need to do this. Just learn to
live with your 3-jaw chuck, or get a 4-jaw and learn to set it properly
when (and only when) you need the accuracy.


Thank you Don and Jim.

In my case it is more about understanding the concepts than about
immediate practical application. I am getting a better grasp.

One final question: Grinding - does it damage a chuck or is it mainly the
ways and the bed you have to be careful about? I was thinking it was
almost inevitable for the grinding dust to get inside the chuck and
causing mischief there. I am talking about grinding things clamped in the
chuck rather than doing the chuck itself as Don suggested.

Aluminum foil, newspaper and masking tape, vaseline and motor oil are your
friends if you grind in a lathe. The grit can get anywhere, including the
chuck.

I make temporary vacuum devices out of gallon milk bottles cut with a
pocketknife to fit over the wheel and the work as much as possible. Then I
tape the opening to a vacuum cleaner hose. It helps a lot. But I still use
aluminum foil, vaseline, and newspaper soaked in motor oil.

--
Ed Huntress