In article ,
Joseph Gwinn wrote:

In article ,
"Harold and Susan Vordos" wrote:

"Joseph Gwinn" wrote in message
...
I'd like to get some soft jaws for the 3-jaw chuck on the Clausing 5914
lathe. This appears to be the chuck that came with the lathe. The jaws
are two-piece, and can be removed and installed the other way.

The chuck body is marked "BP71/6206", and is 8" in diameter.

Apparently these jaws are the "American standard tongue-and-groove"
type. The lengthwise groove is 0.31" wide, the crosswise tongue is
0.501 wide, and the centers of the screw holes are 1.75" apart.

There seem to be a lot of people making chuck jaws, none of whichg I
know anything about.

What sources/makes are good, are bad, and why?

Thanks,

Joe Gwinn


They're easy to make if you have a mill, Joe. I've never purchased soft
jaws in my life! The best choice is mild steel, so the jaw can be rebuilt
by adding new metal after they're served a long and useful life. I have
also used both 7075-T6 and 6061-T6 aluminum.

I see that they would be easy to make, but first I want to know the
price if purchased, to be sure making them myself is worth the trouble.

I ended up buying a set (MSC # 01933480), and they fit tightly and work
very well.

I did number the soft jaws 1..2..3 so I'll put them back on the chuck
always the same way.

I recall you warming about the danger of getting clipped by the spinning
big jaws. This is a real danger. I didn't get clipped, but there was a
close call. That would have HURT. I may make a guard cover.

I would guess that pie jaws are safer.

Joe Gwinn