Thread: Stuck chuck

Go to the hardware store and get some graphite grease, or I think the trade name is "neverseeze".

Put a little on the threaded section.

IF the lathe has a reverse function to it, I would be careful about how much you put on.

Make sure that you have the chuck tightened on the spindle before you start the lathe.

I have never used leather or any other sort of washers behind them . Never had one stuck yet.

I have had an aluminium face plate get stuck because it "grew" on to the steel shaft because of moisture. Had to cut it off.

Originally Posted by Broda

hey everyone,

I have a problem-
my chuck wont come off the lathe

I'v tried everything...
in the end i had to get my dad to hold the spanner while I hit the s@$^ out of it with a mallet.

how can i stop this from happening again?

Broda.
When fitting a chuck to your lathe spindle, do not over tighten or lock it onto the shoulder section. Because of the normal running direction of the lathe and the force against this direction during normal cutting, the chuck will not come off.
If you have a reversing switch on your lathe and do not have a means for direct locking any of the accessory chucks to the spindle thread, this applies to the woodscrew thread as well, then never use it as a right hand thread wil easily undo.
One of Victoria's leading woodturners had an early and exciting experience with reversing switches.
If you place a thin nylon washer between the chuck and spindle shoulder it should make for easy removal but over tightening is probably your main cause. Also make sure the shoulder face on the spindle and chuck are smooth and burr free.
Hope this offers some thoughts against future problems.
Keep up the learning.

Cheers
Edwards

This happens to me every single time. Either that, or I'm not strong enough!

I have two levers, I put one in the chuck (the hole there for it, that lever came with the chuck) and the other in the hole on the lathe (I don't know what that's for, probably for getting stuck chucks off!)

Then I lever them apart. I always squish my thumb. I take hold of both levers, say "this is going to hurt!" and then do it.

I always thought there must have been a better way, but didn't like to ask. Glad you did!

undo the grub screw before removing the chuck from the adaptor nut

then undo the nut off the shaft

I have a G3 which was doing the same thing since changing the adaptor nut for a new one which doesn't have runout and sits flat against the collar
I was using a fine leather shim which also stopped it.

The easiest way to get stuck chuck of is brute force and ignorance and be smart.

Get a peice of steel bar and put in in the jaws of the chuck and close the jaws onto the peice, sideways of coarse with a long enough end that you can hit with a hammer.

Make sure the spindle lock is locked or the spanner you use to stop the spindle from turning is in a solid position not to move.

Close your eyes and hit , No sorry better keep the eyes open for this bit.

Once everything is secure hit the overhanging peice hard you are trying to shock the seized part so tapping gently wont help., it may take 2 goes if that does not work then you are in serious trouble.

Originally Posted by Edwards

Broda.
When fitting a chuck to your lathe spindle, do not over tighten or lock it onto the shoulder section.
Cheers
Edwards

Not sure about this. Prolly more important to make sure the chuck is tight on, cso if its a little loose when you turn on the lathe it will "snap" on and be very stuck. If you do the chuck up as tight as you can with a spanner and everything it can't move any tighter and so can be gotten off with the same spanner.

thanks for fast responses everyone. thats what I love about these forums

I might try the washer and the graphite dust to see if that stops it. If not Jim's way sounds good

Jim's way works - 'cept I use a bit of hardwood, actually a piece of fence picket about 14 - 15 " long

if its a little loose when you turn on the lathe it will "snap" on and be very stuck. If you do the chuck up as tight as you can with a spanner and everything it can't move any tighter and so can be gotten off with the same spanner.

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Do it up by all means, but do not "snap" it tight nor be overly concerned about "doing it as tight as you can" Both these methods will guarantee problems at removal time.

If you have to get it real tight then give yourself some method of removal, ie a plastic washer or some such.

Personally I never bang/snap or what ever, my chucks. They are done up by hand and removed by hand. I have yet to have problem, OK with reverse sanding you may have to have it tighter.
All I do is roll the chuck on gently till it stops and make sure it up against the shoulder with a gentle bump, nothing to drastic.

I'll third Jim's method. Been using it for years.

Sometimes the insert'll stick and the chuck unscrews off it, but that's OK... it makes it easy to get a shifter onto the insert when the chuck's not in the way.

Hi Brody,
Luckily I have never had that Problem. I take it that the Faces of both the Lathe & the Chuck are clean. Run the Lathe, & use steel wool, should do the trick on the Lathe face.
I have a wire wheel on my Grinder for the inner face of the Chucks.
I have always used the method of putting my 1/2in. x 14in. - 360mm. knockout bar across the Jaws to loosen my Chuck.
If you use those little bars in those little holes, to take the chuck off, Jim & Irene @cws, will love you forever.
Find 2 good Screwdrivers, cut the ends off, & sq. them on the Grinder.
They work a treat, maybe drill extra holes if need be.
I'm taking a punt you have an older Nova ??? as I have 3, Can't fault them.
Of course we do not know what Chuck you have, or the Lathe for that matter.
Yes. a bit of Lube of some kind may do the trick, but I use Graphite Powder $7 - 8.
Well that's my bit.
Regards,
issatree.

Allowing it to "snap" has the same effect as using an impact wrench for tightening. A catch can do the same.

I now keep a plastic washer on the spindle, regardless of whether I'm using a chuck or a spur drive. All it takes is a flat cutout from a milk or juice bottle. Too thin to worry about flatness affecting alignment.

Cheers,
Joe

As for a washer try an empty milk bottle ( plastic of corse ) cut it out to suit your threaded shaft . nice and cheep .