Thread: Finial Chuck Jaws

Thanks Artme and Hughie. I appreciate your replies.

Would really like to build Ad's oval turning device, but I visualize it with roller bearings, ball bushings, hardened and ground "slider" shafts, etc. But that would take some $$ and a machine shop. Sadly I have neither. It's a great design, elegant in its simplicity.

Hi Tex,

have a look at this link, they are over your way and by far the cheapest I have found on line, might be do-able over time with this mob

http://www.vxb.com/ballbearings.html...FQkwpAodTWwj1g

Hi Hughie,
Thanks for the link (added to my favorites list). They have a lot of good stuff. I can do metric. Same as inches only different. Looks like the device could be built for less than $250 US for parts. Maybe another hundred to have some steel plasma cut and a little machine work. A great little machine design project like I used to love about 20+ years ago. Doubt if I could get funding approval from the Chief, but will keep thinking about it.

Richard, a simple and effective solution for turning finials.
Looks great.
Ad

Brilliant!

Thanks Ad and T.L. Appreciate your response.

Originally Posted by Ozkaban

Clever idea. I'm impressed you managed to get them to centre so well.

...on the idea Texian.

But, is it so critical about the jaws being exactly on centre if the piece doesn't have to be remounted? Worst that can happen is that you lose a tad off the possible width of your blank.

...

Originally Posted by NeilS

But, is it so critical about the jaws being exactly on centre if the piece doesn't have to be remounted? Worst that can happen is that you lose a tad off the possible width of your blank.

Not critical at all Neil. At least not for me. I did not mean to suggest that mine center perfectly, just close enough that the wood looks well centered by eyeball. I use the tailstock and a center mark to align that end of the blank before tightening the jaws. I did make a half dozen practice finials. One was not too bad and the rest were mediocre. More practice needed.

Just had a squirt around the internet and came across the Beale Chuck Puck.

Solves the problem if holding 3/4" and 1" square stock very nicely. Have a squizz for yourself.

That's a dandy little doodad, and only US$12, plus shipping of course. But what if all your stock is 7/8". I know, rip it down to 3/4". Thanks Artme. A very handy item for those who can't or would just rather not make their own.