What a corker... Looking at my micro-set chuck that has been
tightened up from turning... How to take it off without taking a big
crescent wrench to one of the jaws, as mentioned in a number of places...

Chucked up a length of 1.5" brass hex stock for the crescent wrench.

Took my Armstrong pin spanner, hooked it on the spindle, carefully
rotated the chuck so the wrench handle rested against the bed. The
wrench is underneath the spindle, so it wants to fall off unless its
under tension.

Took the big crescent, got a good fit on the hex, and gave 'er a go.
Started the chuck, pin spanner felt off, and I had no injuries to speak of.

Awaiting delivery of my Jergens Hook Clamps so I can do some
faceplate action on the compound base. I had started to bore the base
out, but it gives me the slick willies watching the rectangular base
whipping around while being held on a circular boss only 1/3d of an inch
deep.