Chuck adapter plate

[PTJeff]

I finally got my metal lathe up and running. Turning square stock to round requires a 4 jaw chuck and the independent adjustable jaws was just too much work (later i found out it was busted.) So I bought a self centering 4jaw. I also had to buy an adapter plate. These are blanks, you have to turn and face to fit your new chuck. Well I generally consider myself a wood turner, now I have to turn metal...feel the adrenalin pump through my head. Lot of reading and questions with alot of help from members of this community, especially Joe S., I have succeded in turning this blank to fit my new chuck. Turning cast is a dirty job, there are no curls of metal, just smelly grit. The next big hurdle is to drill holes in blank to secure chuck.

 

[Paul in OKC]

Nice job. Yes, cast iron is messy and dirty. Make sure you keep it wiped off the ways!

 

[jhs494]

Nice work Jeffrey! You are on the home stretch.
You will be using the new chuck in no time.

 

[BigShed]

Having done something similar, I know what you went through! Well done, looks like a great turning job. Now for those holes..........

Did you use HSS or carbide on the cast iron?

BTW, what size metal lathe do you have?

 

[PTJeff]

Paul,
Good to know about the ways, it would be like 30 grit sandpaper wouldn't it?

BigShed,
I tried this for the holes: draw cross (perpendicular lines) then draw 2 circles. one for registration boss and the next for the bolt diameter. Cut out inner circle and tape to adapter plate. Punch where cross meets circle and wallah!....too bad I used a drill bit that gave me no room to wiggle. Now I have to enlarge 2 holes, but not to bad for an amateur.

I used this set form Little Machine Shop (http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2286&category=1208242246) and I believe they are carbide.

I have a Grizzly 4000 (9x20) that I got for a song. The guy who owned it had a brother in law who broke the worm gear and the gear that engages the longitudinal feed lever. He thought it was unrepairable. Therefore with about 45 bucks of parts and a few days reading. The thing works great, without operator error, of course.

Now I need to sell some pens to buy a 3 jaw, another plate and a few more cutting tools. A place called CDCO had AXA toolholders on sale for about 1/2 price, so I spent my last $ on more holders.

See the spiraling out of control?

Thanks to all for the help and encouragement. One day i'll post a pen