Drilling vice with lathe chuck

[ccharles]

I have just gotten into woodturning and am trying to maximize my spend by getting versatile tools that I can use for multiple tasks. I have only started making pens right now, but I do plan to get into other items like pepper grinders, kitchen tool handles, and other things like that. I have a gift list in my head that is a mile long as I think of those I love and how I might be able to bless them with handmade items!

I bought the PSI Utility Grip 4 Jaw Chrome Lathe Chuck System - initially I wanted to use it for drilling pen blanks on the lathe with a drill chuck in the tailstock, but I have found it to be pretty time consuming drilling on the lathe. After pondering a bit, I came up with a unique way to use this chuck with my drill press to drill blanks. I realized I had no need for the 3/4" x 16tpi headstock spindle adaptor that came with the chuck (I have a 1x8 spindle). So, I welded the adapter to a piece of 1/8" steel I had laying under my welding table.

I clamp that plate to my drill press table and it will hold my blanks steady as a rock. I can now drill blanks very fast, straight, and true. I am attaching a couple photos to show how I have it setup. It's not very pretty, but it works really well! I think it will work great when I get to peppermills. I will just swap out the jaws for the larger ones and drill away. I am using the small #1 step jaws that came with the chuck - they will hold the blank on the four faces.

One thing I have noticed is that on blanks that are not quite square, it is a little tricky to lock it in parallel to the bit. I simply rotate the press table away from center, slowly lower the bit down with the press off to check for parallel and adjust the blank in the chuck until I get the right orientation.

I'm also using it for squaring my blanks before turning. I wrap the blank in leather and tighten the chuck down. Then, I put the barrel trimmer in the drill chuck. The leather gives just enough flex to allow me to press on it a bit to line up the trimmer while I lower it into the tube. I can very quickly trim/square my blanks using the setup.

Hope this might help somebody else!

Kind regards,
Chris

 

[leehljp]

That is a good idea and thanks for sharing. I don't think that most of the guys here have welders, but some do. For those that have them, they sure are handy. And I do have spare spare spindle adapters also, and use them in different ways at different times, since I have two lathes (three if I count the Taig lathe).

One thing to watch out for: About half the blank is sticking up unprotected from a clamp on its side. That works fine on many blanks. However, on knotty wood, or very brittle woods, the unsupported sides (the upper parts) may tend to blow out. In those cases, slow drilling and/or wrapping the blank in gauze and CA'ing the gauze will give strength/integrity to the unclamped portion of the blank.

 

[Woodchipper]

I have a chuck with pen jaws. I drill several at a time on the lathe and only have to change the bit in the Jacobs chuck in the tailstock. Place the blanks in a plastic container to be turned.

 

[egnald]

If I didn't already have a good parallel vise for drilling blanks, I've always said that I would do something like you did with the parallel blank drilling jaws I have for one of my chucks. (I seldom use it because I'm too impatient to drill on the lathe with the setup involved). Cool Solution! - Dave

 

[ccharles]

That is a good idea and thanks for sharing. I don't think that most of the guys here have welders, but some do. For those that have them, they sure are handy. And I do have spare spare spindle adapters also, and use them in different ways at different times, since I have two lathes (three if I count the Taig lathe).

One thing to watch out for: About half the blank is sticking up unprotected from a clamp on its side. That works fine on many blanks. However, on knotty wood, or very brittle woods, the unsupported sides (the upper parts) may tend to blow out. In those cases, slow drilling and/or wrapping the blank in gauze and CA'ing the gauze will give strength/integrity to the unclamped portion of the blank.

Good call-out on the potential blank blowout! I am thinking a few zip ties spaced evenly and cinched tightly around the blank above the jaws would provide enough support. The releasable ones would make it quick and economical.

 

[egnald]

Good call-out on the potential blank blowout! I am thinking a few zip ties spaced evenly and cinched tightly around the blank above the jaws would provide enough support. The releasable ones would make it quick and economical.

If you want to splurge, I see that Penn State Industries also sells Pen Blank Drilling Jaws that are supposed to fit on their Utility Grip 4 Jaw Chuck. Their price is $22.95. This would provide support for much more of the blank length. - Dave

 

[ccharles]

If you want to splurge, I see that Penn State Industries also sells Pen Blank Drilling Jaws that are supposed to fit on their Utility Grip 4 Jaw Chuck. Their price is $22.95. This would provide support for much more of the blank length. - Dave

Dave, that is very tempting. Especially since PSI just extended their 15% off sale one more day. I am now rehearsing ... "But honey, you don't want me blowing out $25 blanks, do you? Just think, one saved burl would pay for these jaws." LOL!