Gunsmithing Making Custom Backplates for lathe chucks???

[Mgordon]

Hey guys, I have an extra collet chuck with a screw on back plate and it is attached to the chuck with 4 bolts. My question is, once I get a blank D1-4 back plate, how do I fit it to the chuck to make sure it works and everything runs true. It would seem if you are even a few thousands off when you drill the mount holes then the whole chuck would be off.

Anybody have pictures, tips or advice on how to do it?

Thanks.

Mark

 

[300sniper]

Re: Making Custom Backplates for lathe chucks???

i would install the new backplate on your spindle. put a reference mark on it and the spindle so you can install it the same way each time. now all the cuts you make to fit the chuck are dead true to the spindle. the chuck probably has a countersunk step in it. the backing plate will need to be machined to fit this and center the chuck. the bolts don't (or shouldn't) center the chuck, just hold it to the backplate..

 

[colchester]

Re: Making Custom Backplates for lathe chucks???

Most chucks have a recess on the back. Mount the D1-4 back in the lathe and machine it to register with the collet chuck, this will lock it in place. The bolts will just hold the two pcs together.

 

[oneeyedmac]

Re: Making Custom Backplates for lathe chucks???

Mark don't you have the same Clausing/Harrison M250 that I do? Mine takes a D1-3 back plate.

 

[Mgordon]

Re: Making Custom Backplates for lathe chucks???

I have the Student 2500, I double checked with the spec sheet, its a D1-4.

Where is a good place to pick up backplates?

 

[chpprguy]

Re: Making Custom Backplates for lathe chucks???

http://www.shars.com/product_categories/view/4111105/DMount_Back_Plates

if there were enough material/room in your collet chuck,
you could also drill it and install allen set screws, making a set-tru chuck.....

 

[oneeyedmac]

Re: Making Custom Backplates for lathe chucks???

MSC, Wholesale Tools, Tools4Cheap shoudl all have them.