The main reason is because, well I dont have a back plate that this chuck will fit onto.
This chuck is like 6.25" in diameter.
I have looked for a back plate that will fit the chuck, and I could not find one that has the same tpi as my mill drill lathe combo. it has some weird threads.
also this chuck is too big for my little 7x10 mini lathe. It may spin it, but I would have no room for the drill bit.
Now That I got my micro lux 7x14
I may be able to get a back plate that will work.
Also I don't think that it would be any easier to center the blank in the lathe. Why is because wouldn't I need to use a dial indicator each time? since this chuck is an independent 4 jaw? Right now where I dill the blanks in the chuck is not exactly center of the chuck.
I have two of the jaws all the way in, so I have a good 90. I then just draw a X on each blank from corner to corner, And bump the chuck when needed which is held down with magnets, so the drill bit is in the center of the blank.
Would it be easier to get center on the lathe? I would not be able to bump the chuck. and when switching blanks from 1/2" to up 7/8" and sometime bigger Would not I have to move all four jaws to get center? and use a dial indicator? to me this seems as if this would take just as long, if not longer.
I went and bought a 4" four jaw self centering chuck that will fit my Clark, mil drill lathe combo. I have it mounted to the lathe right now.
I bought it thinking that it would be better to drill on the lathe.......I am not saying that It wouldn't be....but the problem That I came across, is that not all blanks are perfectly square. (especially cast blanks such as this gator blank) Which causes a problem with the 4 jaw self centering chuck. because only two jaws would touch the blank, and the other two would not. and no mater how hard I tightened the chuck the blank would wiggle.
I would Like to get a independent 4 jaw chuck for this lathe, but I have not found one with the same bolt circle. It is on my list to buy, so I can chuck rectangles in my lathe.
I'll second Matthew's comment. Since you have the 4 jaw chuck, why not throw a drill bit chuck in the tailstock and go with that. It's much easier to center your blank on the lathe and there less chance the bit will "walk". IMO.
I like that blank! :wink: Let's see a picture of the completed pen!!
Tom