Problem with PSI Dedicated Drill Chuck

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Warren White

Warren White

Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2014
Messages
502
Location
Livermore, CA
I have used the PSI Chuck for drilling all of my blanks but have a real problem that I have determined to be caused by the chuck.

The problem is elongated entry holes. To determine the cause, I put a precision ground rod into the chuck and there was VERY visible runout when I turned the headstock by hand.

I noted the the jaws don't come together along their entire length; they touch at the outer end, but there is a gap on the inboard end.

The chuck hasn't been dropped or abused in any way. I contacted PSI by email, but haven't heard anything from them.

Your thoughts would be most appreciated. I now have a Nova chuck, so your thoughts on their pen drilling chuck would also be appreciated.

Thanks!
 
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Warren, there is not much that can go wrong with a chuck. What I suggest is if the chuck was good from the beginning and are sure it was it just does not wear out that fast. Take the chuck and close it all the way and see if the jaws touch all the way down. If so there maybe a taper in the rod you are using and to check that use a caliper to measure in different spots. Any little difference can show up as runout. The very end could be flared.

I do suggest when you have the chuck close look at the sides where the jaws track and make sure they are clean. Then open them and look inside for the same thing. You may have gotten a piece of debris lodged in the ways. Also move the jaws by hand and see if there is substantial play. There should be not. As you look at the sides you will see the teeth that the jaws ride on. Clean and lubricate. other than that see what PSI tech tells you. Not the girl taking orders.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.
 
Thank you!

I am away from the problem for a bit, but wanted you to know how much I appreciated the input.

I will spend some time with the chuck and see if cleaning and reassembly solves my problem. The rod I used to check is absolutely true; it is part of an alignment set I have.

I will let you know what I discover in a day or two.

Thanks again!
 
PSI Pen Blank Drilling Chuck

There was a video on youtube that was put up by someone who uses the PSI pen drilling chuck a LOT. (sort of production use) and he showed how he disassembles the chuck and cleans it on a fairly regular basis.

You could try to find it.

Warren White said:
I am away from the problem for a bit, but wanted you to know how much I appreciated the input.

I will spend some time with the chuck and see if cleaning and reassembly solves my problem. The rod I used to check is absolutely true; it is part of an alignment set I have.

I will let you know what I discover in a day or two.

Thanks again!
Click to expand...
 
Hi Warren,
I've been following your dilemma since my PSI Dedicated Pen Chuck is now over 2 years old. Haven't experienced the exact issue you have but I have on occasion disassembled, cleaned, then reassembled so that it would come together but not be centered. Just a matter of opening it up all the way and restart the jaws so that they close centered.
I was wondering how long you've had your chuck and when did this problem start? I think the advice of taking it apart and thoroughly cleaning it may solve your problem. I'd be very interested if PSI says or finds something else for the cause.
Good luck, Jeff

Warren White said:
I am away from the problem for a bit, but wanted you to know how much I appreciated the input.

I will spend some time with the chuck and see if cleaning and reassembly solves my problem. The rod I used to check is absolutely true; it is part of an alignment set I have.

I will let you know what I discover in a day or two.

Thanks again!
Click to expand...
 
Update....

I appreciate all of the input. I went to the You Tube video that was suggested; it was excellent. I disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and reassembled the chuck.

I sill have some runout, although it appears to be less than before. What continues to bother me is that the back of the jaws are open .028" when the front are closed.

I called Pen State, and told them that I had emailed them earlier and had not heard back. They said the email didn't go to Tech Support and he had just seen a copy. We discussed my issue, and what I had just done. He agreed to either 1) send me a new set of jaws, or 2) have me send the chuck to him and he would either repair or replace it. I opted for number 2.

I was pleased with the response, and really appreciate all of the help provided by IAP members. I will let you know what happens.
 
The rest of the story....

...as Paul Harvey used to say.

I called Penn State and talked to Bob in Tech Support about my problem with the chuck. He asked me to send him the chuck for evaluation. I was a bit concerned because as I last mentioned, the problem had been somewhat alleviated by cleaning.

I sent it to him on Monday last, and today I received a new chuck, along with two small blanks that I assume had been drilled using the chuck. It is absolutely parallel when closed, so I am sure it will be just great.

Cheers to Penn State. They stood behind their product and have another pleased customer.
 
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