Guide To CNC Chuck Jaws: Soft Jaws vs. Hard Jaws
soft jaws are more adaptable but wear out faster, while hard jaws are more durable but less flexible for customizing the fit of the workpiece. ...
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Clocking up (centering) a workpiece in a 4 jaw chuck is a crucial skill for accurate lathe work. The process involves using a dial indicator to align the workpiece so that it spins true on the lathe. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both round and irregular shapes:
Open the jaws to roughly equal positions by eye, using the concentric grooves on the chuck face as a reference.
Insert the workpiece and gently tighten all four jaws just enough to lightly grip the piece.
Mount a dial indicator with its tip touching the surface of your workpiece, as close to the chuck as possible for rigidity.
Ensure the indicator is aligned for easy reading as you rotate the chuck by hand.
Manually rotate the chuck 360 degrees.
Observe the dial indicator to determine:
The lowest reading (minimum runout)
The highest reading (maximum runout)
Set the indicator to zero at the lowest reading. This provides a consistent reference for adjustments.
Rotate the chuck until one jaw is aligned with the indicator.
Adjust this jaw and its opposite (180 degrees apart) by tightening one and loosening the other until the indicator reads zero at that position.
Rotate the chuck 90 degrees and repeat with the other pair of jaws.
Continue making incremental adjustments:
Alternate across both pairs of opposing jaws.
Each adjustment should bring the runout closer to zero.
Repeat the rotation and adjustment process until the indicator stays at zero throughout a full revolution.
Once centered, rotate the workpiece again.
Confirm that the indicator does not fluctuate; this means the workpiece is precisely aligned.
Take small steps: Adjust jaws in small increments to avoid overshooting.
Practice: Skill improves with repetition; experts can center work quickly after experience.
Use two chuck keys: This can speed up the process by allowing simultaneous opposing jaw adjustments.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Set jaws equal distance | Open all jaws to a roughly equal gap |
| Insert workpiece | Place and gently tighten workpiece in the chuck |
| Mount dial indicator | Set up indicator against the workpiece |
| Find high/low readings | Rotate and note dial indicator readings |
| Zero indicator | Set dial to zero at lowest reading |
| Adjust jaws | Nudge opposing jaws to bring indicator towards zero |
| Repeat | Recheck and fine-tune as needed |
Clocking up a 4 jaw chuck is a process of iterative alignment using precise, small adjustments and continuous checking with a dial indicator until minimal or zero runout is achieved
soft jaws are more adaptable but wear out faster, while hard jaws are more durable but less flexible for customizing the fit of the workpiece. ...
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