I bought a Webster lathe the other day. It's in great shape and I'm happy with it, but it came with a jacobs chuck without the key. The chuck spins so the jaws open and close but I don't know how to get the entire thing off if I want to change it out or service the lathe. I actually don't even understand why the chuck spins. Shouldn't I need a key for that too? I don't want to force anything and break it so I'll wait for some advice.
Posts: 152 | Location: Miami, Florida in the USA | Registered: August 11, 2009
Anything I say here is based on experience with a drill press.
The chuck should spin by hand and the key is for the final tightening.
The initial install of the chuck just involves sliding it up on to a tapered shaft then giving it a rap or to with a rubber or wooden mallet for a fraction fit.
Removal requires a specialty tool, two tapered U shaped wedges that you slide together till snug then tap with two hammers till the friction it overcome and the chuck is loose.
Again, all wood working drill press experience.
Posts: 2093 | Location: British Columbia in Canada | Registered: March 02, 2011
Dale- The chuck should be mounted on a "WW" arbor. Loosen the drawbar, and it should come right off, still attached to the arbor. If the chuck is a Jacobs, there will be a number on it; 0, 1, 2,etc., and you can get a replacement key from a well-stocked hardware store or machinist's supply. Don''t separate the chuck from its arbor unless you are going to replace it with another chuck. Regards,
Bob
Posts: 218 | Location: Oak Harbor, Washington in the USA | Registered: May 21, 2009
It's a great lathe. No one else bid on it on eBay the night I bought it. Still can't figure out why. A really shiny Peerless went for 334 bucks and this was less than half the price. It wasn't as shiny but came with the motor, attached to a board with a switch. Works beautifully. I took some 0000 steel wool to it and gave it a little love and it's looking sweet.
Posts: 152 | Location: Miami, Florida in the USA | Registered: August 11, 2009